Epilogue

Sango was leaning against the front of Gishohu's home, keeping guard while Inuyasha watched over Kagome. A week had passed, and though she knew that there was no longer a threat to guard against, she insisted on keeping her vigil anyway. It gave her a way to pass the time while she waited and worried over her friend.

She watched the villagers as they each passed by. The small town had been bursting with activity since the return of its heroes, and every person had their own tasks to accomplish. Some were guarding over the prisoners from Yojikin's fortress, others were scurrying with food or supplies to treat the wounded from the battle. Surprisingly, there had been few deaths on either side, but many of the men had sustained at least some type of injury that needed to be tended to. Even Miroku was doing his part. He was currently in the temple treating the wounded.

Sango smiled as she heard Shippo's voice rise above the rest, and the grin only grew as the kit rounded the corner of a building across from her. While she and the others had fought Yojikin and his men, Shippo had stayed behind to "protect" the village. The younger girls had been enthralled by the kit and his brave display, and now a gaggle of them followed him wherever he went. They were still trailing him as he waved to Sango, and she laughed as she waved back. Jealousy raced through the little entourage, causing them to close their ranks. The kit was soon lost from sight.

As her eyes drifted away from the group, they settled on one that she had not seen very much in the past week. Now he was heading directly toward the spot that the taijaya occupied. She frowned slightly, but quickly brushed the expression away as the man reached her. "Gishohu," she greeted.

He nodded back to her, but did not pass into his home. Instead he stood there, silent for a moment as he let his blue eyes fall to the ground. He seemed to be hesitating, and Sango thought that maybe she knew why.

"Sango," he said, breaking the quiet. "Can I speak with you? It will only take a moment."

Now it was her turn to hesitate. Sango bit her lip, knowing that it would be rude of her to refuse. Finally, she straightened and began walking.

He fell into step beside her, matching her stride perfectly. They walked in an awkward silence for a short time before they reached their destination. Sango realized that they had moved toward the make-shift training grounds, and without thinking she found herself smiling at the memory of putting Gishohu on his rump.

The expression did not escape Gishohu, and he laughed nervously. "Yes, thanks to the beating you gave me here, I realized how much work I needed with the sword." He paused for a moment, mentally preparing himself for what he was about to say.

"Look, Sango…"

"Gishohu, wait," she interrupted him, turning her body so that she was facing him. Magenta-lined eyes gazed up into blue as she continued. "I know what you are going to ask of me. I respect you, Gishohu, and I won't lie to you. I just don't-"

Gishohu placed a finger on her lips, causing Sango's eyes to widen as she trailed off. The intensity in his eyes kept her from speaking, and even after he dropped his hand from her lips she found herself silent.

"Sango, that morning before we went after Yojikin, I wanted to ask you something. I have been alone for so long, that I almost forgot what it was like to feel love for a woman. But then you arrived, and something stirred within me. Sango, I think that maybe I began to fall for you. What I had wanted to ask you that morning was…was if you would perhaps consider staying here, in this village, with me.

"But," he lowered his eyes briefly before raising them again. They were softer now, like they had been that day they had eaten lunch before the temple. "later that day I almost lost my daughter, and I realized something important. That maybe my mother was right, and that I need to let my daughter choose her own path. I would like to be there to find out who my daughter really is.

"Besides, there is a lot of work to do around here, with the prisoners and my brother's land… I…I'm sorry, Sango, but I just do not think that I can ask that of you now."

He turned away from her, facing the training grounds. Sango simply looked at him, confusion in her dark eyes. After a moment she shook her head, smiling slightly. He knew that she could not stay, and this was his way of letting her go. "Gishohu..."

The lord turned back when he felt her soft hand on his shoulder. Her smile was kind as she gave his arm a light pat, and then she slowly began to walk away. When she passed him she paused, whispering, "Thank you," before continuing back toward his home.

Inside Gishohu's house Kagome finally stirred. What pulled her from her slumber was not the sound of voices or the gentle warmth of sunlight streaming through an open window. For Kagome, the source of the disturbance came from the inside.

She really had to…go.

Her eyes fluttered open slowly. For a moment she lay there, wondering where she was. How did I get here?

That thought, plus the growing pressure on her bladder, brought her fully awake. "Inu…yasha?"

"Kagome!" the hanyou was by her side in an instant, worry creasing his brow as he hovered over her. "'Bout damn time you woke up! I thought you were gonna sleep forever!"

The miko tried to sit up, but fell back onto the futon. "Hey!" he shouted. "Take it easy, okay? You've been out for awhile."

Kagome tried to look at him, but the world was spinning. "Inuyasha, how long have I been asleep?"

"Keh. About a week. Are you hungry? Thirsty?"

"A week?" she turned her face away from him. I've been out of it that long? What happened back there?

Kagome shifted uncomfortably. It bothered her that she could not remember, and she wanted to know why. But the look on the hanyou's face told her that he wasn't going to budge just yet, so she decided to try a different approach. "Well, maybe I am a little thirsty."

The hanyou disappeared without a word. Kagome could not see him from where she lay, but she could hear him moving around. Eventually, he reappeared with a wooden cup in hand and helped her into a sitting position. As she began to sip from the cup she discovered just how thirsty she was. She drank greedily until Inuyasha gently pulled the water away.

"Easy! If you drink too fast you'll get sick."

He waited for a minute before placing the cup back on her lips. She drank the rest of the water, slower this time, and the cup was soon empty. Her thirst was quenched, but Kagome found her earlier problem now intensified. Not yet! I just need another minute!

Inuyasha laid her back down and turned away. In desperation, Kagome reached out and grabbed his wrist. "Inuyasha," she begged, "please, tell me what happened. I need to know!"

The hanyou hesitated, and Kagome watched his brow knit in worry. Something about this was bothering him. Finally he sighed and brought one clawed hand up to rub at his furrowed brow. "Kagome…I don't know how to tell you this..."

"Just start…start from the beginning."

With great trepidation he began. The words came slowly at first, the details of the search in the rain and the meeting with Gishohu and the villagers a little vague. But the pleading look that Kagome gave the hanyou urged him on, and soon the story was fleshed out. He told her of the days spent searching and waiting for that final clue. He also told her about the time spent helping the villagers prepare, and the departure for Yojikin's castle.

Now the words stopped. A small bug on the floor caught the hanyou's interest, and he stared at it intently. He did not want to tell her the rest.

"Inuyasha…look at me."

Something in her tone forced his eyes away from the floor. Kagome was staring back at him, hard, and his eyes never left hers as the rest of the tale spilled out. He stumbled over the words as he told her about the events in the courtyard, including when Yojikin had stabbed her and the ensuing battle.

"…and that's when I saw the girl, Aniko. The stupid girl thought that she could take him on, and she got herself caught. He was gonna kill her, then he just…stopped."

"Why?"

The hanyou paused, his eyes widening for a moment as he remembered. "Because of you, Kagome. You'd picked up the Tetsusaiga and he walked right into the blade; he didn't even see you until it was too late."

He related the strange story of the glowing light that had killed the insane lord. He admitted that he had never seen that much power before, even in Kikyo. Kagome flinched involuntarily at the name, and was instantly afraid that it was fear of her that widened the hanyou's eyes and laced his tone. As he continued, though, she realized that it wasn't fear; it was wonder.

"I think it was like my transformation," he thought out loud. "Maybe your power was reacting because your life was in danger. Except it wasn't just your life, but the girl's, too.

Silence reigned for a time while he mulled the idea over. If the tale- and her part in it- weren't so serious she may have laughed. It wasn't often that she got to see Inuyasha ponder anything. But that would have to wait. The story wasn't over yet.

"And then?" she prompted.

Inuyasha's eyes snapped back into focus. "Huh?"

"What happened after the light? Did I heal myself?"

"You collapsed. I tried to get you out of there, but I…I was too late," he looked away, ashamed. His next words, though quiet and gentle, froze Kagome's heart and were etched in her mind forever.

"You died, Kagome."

Disbelief shone in her eyes. "W-what? Then how…?"

With eyes still averted, he responded, "Aniko. Not the girl, a different one. She was a ghost. Said she'd helped you out before, and that you helped her defeat her son," his voice was thick with emotion, but Kagome did not notice. She barely heard his explanation, her eyes glazing over as he spoke.

Inuyasha rose suddenly, his fists clenched at his sides. "It's my fault, Kagome! I couldn't protect you when you needed me, and you died because of it! What kind of-"

Kagome lay there, unhearing, while Inuyasha let out his frustration. His tale had awoken the buried memories, and now the last few days came crashing back. The abduction, the torture, the feelings of helplessness and hopelessness overwhelmed her. She remembered now how Inuyasha had finally come to her rescue, only for her to die in his arms. I…I died…?

Sobs wracked her body as the memories flooded her vision. Inuyasha stopped mid-sentence, the words of self-loathing dying on his lips. In an instant he was back by her side, lifting her gently and pulling her to him so that her head was buried against his chest. He wrapped his strong arms around her and whispered softly. It never occurred to him that the act was foreign to his usual stern nature. Right now, all that mattered to the hanyou was that Kagome needed him, and he was not about to let her down again.

"It's all right…you're okay now…it's all over Kagome."

After a few moments the sobs calmed into sniffles, and Kagome began to think clearly again. She opened her eyes and was confused when the world was shaded in red. "Inuyasha?"

"Yeah?"

The voice came from above her, and Kagome looked up to find that Inuyasha's chin was resting on her head. She realized that she was nestled in the hanyou's lap, his protective arms snug around her shaking body. The position brought her comfort, and she sank into the embrace. For the first time in a long while, Kagome finally felt safe again.

"Thanks."

He didn't answer, and Kagome did not expect him to. No words were needed while they sat there in companionable silence, each taking comfort in the knowledge that the last few days were behind them. The miko and the hanyou held each other, neither caring if anyone were to walk in on them. Finally, though, nature decided that their time was up and Kagome sighed in regret.

"What's wrong?" Inuyasha pulled away slightly so that he could see her eyes.

"Inuyasha, do you know where Sango is? I…need her to help me with something…?"

The hanyou got the hint, and gently placed her back on the futon. "Yeah, sure. I think she's outside," he stood to leave, pausing briefly in the doorway. "I'll be outside if you need me."

"Okay. Inuyasha?"

"Yeah?"

Kagome wanted to drop her gaze, but what she was about to tell the hanyou was too important to let her embarrassment take over. "I don't blame you for this. I know that you did everything you could to save me, so don't beat yourself up, okay?"

Golden eyes widened for a moment, then broke away. "Keh," was his only response as he slipped through the doorway.

Kagome watched him leave the room, and a moment later voices drifted down the hallway.

"Is she awake?" she heard Sango asked.

Inuyasha's response brought a wry smile to her face, ""Yeah, she's asking for you. I think she needs to piss."

"I bet…."

If there was anything else to the conversation, it was lost on the miko. She stretched out on the futon, blocking out all outside distractions as she tried to make her body relax. Besides the obvious issue with her bladder, her body was still a little stiff and sore from her ordeal. When she was up to walking, she would have to ask Sango if there were any hot springs nearby. A nice, hot bath would feel great about now!

While she waited for the taijaya she thought about what had happened to her. It was enough to make any person break apart, she knew. But somehow everything had turned out all right in the end. Aniko and Yojikin's other victims, after years of suffering and imprisonment, were finally at peace. As for herself, Kagome knew that as long as she had her friends- especially Inuyasha- by her side, she could face anything.

A sound by the doorway tore her from her thoughts, and she jumped instinctively. It's only Sango, she thought as the older girl flashed her a brilliant smile. I guess that even with my friends, it's still going to be awhile….

Outside, Inuyasha shrugged and leaned against the doorway. He shook his silver mane in wonder as he thought about what had just occurred. How could Kagome forgive him that easily? This girl never ceased to amaze him.

And as he watched the people pass by, he couldn't help but smile. There was one part of the story that he did not tell Kagome, and he wasn't planning on ever telling her, either. He thought back to the awful moment where he thought that he had lost Kagome forever. It wasn't the memory of her death that he remembered now, but the words that were nearly lost in the moment.

I love you, Inuyasha…remember that, okay?

I'll never forget, Kagome. I promise that I will always be there for you, and that I'll protect you the best that I can. I just hope that the next time you say those words I can tell you that I love you, too.

AN: Well, that's all folks! It's been a fun ride! I really hope that this wasn't too corny an ending for you all, but I really do support the idea that Inuyasha is in love with Kagome, he just can't admit it. And something like her near-death would probably be enough to make him at least admit it to himself.

Anywho, I think that for now I am going to take a break on the lengthy fics, but I do have an idea in the works for one. Just as a special present to all of my loyal readers out there, here's a quick peek!

The sun shone brightly on the Higurashi shrine. Birds flew over the small collection of buildings, some stopping for a quick rest in the large, stately tree that grew near the center of the grounds. As the birds sang their songs to their ancient host, another beautiful, melodious sound mixed in with their voice. It was the sound of a child's laughter.

Passing beneath the timeless limbs of the Goshinboku was a small girl, her hair tied back in pigtails. She giggled merrily as she chased a small red ball across the grounds, and her game led her to where a beautful woman was sweeping. The woman waved, and the child's smile grew even brighter.

"Look, mommy!" she cried as she drew her foot back to kick the ball.

The woman cheered as the ball soared through the air, and when the child ran after it she returned to her work.

The little girl followed the ball to a small building near the great tree. Someone had left the door open just a crack, but it was enough for the ball to slip through. Little Kagome Higurashi ran into the dark well house after her favorite toy.

A small amount of sunlight spilled through the door, and Kagome used it to find a safe path down the old stairs. The wellhouse smelled musty and dirty, and the little child wrinkled her nose in disgust. The smell was not enough to deter her, though, and she bounced down the last few steps. Her ball had come to a stop only a few feet in front of her, and her young mind realized that the old well had halted the rolling of the toy.

She giggled in glee, and quickly covered her mouth with a tiny hand. "Momma and Papa don't like it when I'm in here, so I got to be quiet!"

Kagome hastened down the steps and reached for the red ball. She wanted to get out of there quickly before her mother noticed where she had gone. As her little hands closed around the rubber, she noticed that the light had suddenly disappeared. Her little head slowly turned up, and two large, brown eyes widened when they saw what had caused the darkness.

Kagome did what any little girl would have done.

She screamed.