Konnichiwa, minna! I hope this is long enough for you! I know I took a little longer to write it, but I hope it's worth the wait! Remember…happy ending! Maybe some of you have spotted it already…Keep an eye out for the clues; they've appeared in the last few chapters. Whoever guesses it will get the chapter that reveals my happy ending dedicated to them! Yay! Anyway, on to the chapter! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha. Really, I don't!

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The days were much quieter now that only Sango, Kirara, Kagome, and Inuyasha were left. They passed by without either of the girls really noticing. Inuyasha was the only one with any semblance of alertness left. He kept watch at night and led the way during the day. Nobody took much notice to the difference between the sun and the moon, except Inuyasha, who, as well as everything else, spared one eye for the cycle of the moon. Inuyasha, Kagome, and Kirara constantly kept their noses in the air for any trail of Naraku. Sango sat astride Kirara's back, following them obediently. She knew that if someone were to find Naraku, right now it would be those two. The thought comforted her. He had taken too much from them all. It was finally his time, and no matter what, the four of them would stand together and bring him down. There was no room for doubt as all their minds were taken up by the mass of grief and angry determination. They had reached such a point of absolution that there was only black and white. They would kill Naraku. No point in arguing. Sango lay her head on her neko's furry neck and closed her eyes. The sleep that had evaded her during the nights captured her at last and the tajiya embraced it with open arms.

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Kagome's eyes were drooping. She had also been caught in the web of sleep. It held on but did not engulf them completely, so they never had the rest the needed. The hanyou smiled at her best friend. She needed the sleep. Kagome turned back ahead and sniffed around. The smell of Naraku was faint, but there all the same. Inuyasha was pushing ahead with the same fervor. Kirara struggled to keep up and stop her mistress from falling off her back. They moved forward with great speed. By dusk, their energy levels had dropped. Sango woke up halfway through, but now was teetering on the brink of sleep again. They landed in a clumb of trees and Kagome immediately turned to Sango with a yawn. "Come on, we need our rest for tomorrow. We can sleep here. Inuyasha, you should sleep, too." He just grunted in response. Kagome smoothed down a patch of grass and lay down, curling up in a fetal position. Sango did the same, but she did not have the advantage of Kagome's demon blood. Kirara remained in her transformed state to keep her mistress warm through the night. Inuyasha sat across from them in the lower branches of a tree. One eye stayed with the two women and one surveyed the area. His nose and ears were awake and alert, though his eyes eventually closed in slumber.

The sun broke the cover of night with its bright morning rays. Kagome squinted in the change of light and looked over at Sango and Kirara. Inuyasha hopped down from his tree and walked over to Kagome. "Let's get breakfast together."

"Let her sleep," Kagome ordered as Inuyasha bent to shake the tajiya awake.

He sighed and let her be. "Fine, but she better be awake by breakfast time."

"She will be, don't worry. What do you want for breakfast?"

Inuyasha shrugged, "What is there?"

"Uh…" Kagome looked through her bag quickly, "Some rice, leftover fish, and vegetables."

Inuyasha nodded, "Cook everything. We'll hunt today."

Kagome nodded, "We have lots of rice, so we can have that for a while."

"Good."

The clump fell silent and Kagome filled a pan with water to boil the rice. The fire sent out heat waves that relaxed the tension in the air. Kagome smiled slightly as she basked in the warmth the fire offered.

Soon, the fish and vegetables were warm and the rice was cooked. Kagome dribbled soy sauce over the food, though there wasn't much left, and served the portions out. Inuyasha immediately began to wolf his down. Kagome set hers down and shook Sango awake. "Sango," she called, "Breakfast is ready."

Sango moaned quietly and blinked her eyes open. "Huh?"

"Breakfast, Sango. We need to get going soon."

Sango sat up and stretched her arms over her head. "Oh! Thanks, Kagome."

"Good morning," Kagome chuckled.

"Good morning to you, too."

Everybody finished the food quickly and Kagome washed the plates before putting them away in her bag. "Let's go," she said, standing up. They set off in silence, though most of the tension was gone.

This was pretty much how most days passed by. The faint trace of Naraku's scent hanging in the air was all that kept the group going forward. It kept up their spirits and forced down any doubts or second thoughts. Sleep and food became necessities that were done without thought or attention and served simply as pauses is their journey. Their losses were the fire behind them that pushed them ahead. A month slipped by without anybody noticing, except Sango.

Kagome looked over as the sound of scratching filled her ears. "What are you doing?" she asked as she watched Sango repeatedly scratch a line into a piece of wood.

"Keeping track of the days. I just thought we should know the date."

Kagome nodded with a smile, "I see. What day is it then?"

"March 9. You know White Day is in five days," she remarked sadly.

Kagome lowered her head, "I see. What will we do?"

"Why don't we stop that day?"

Kagome nodded, "Good idea. We'll rest for that whole day. Whatever Inuyasha says, he would like a break. I know I would."

Sango put an arm around her friend's shoulder. "Me too."

"Sango?" Kagome asked, suddenly a little tense. "I want to ask you something. How come you aren't afraid of me?"

"Afraid of you?"

"That I'll transform."

Sango laughed unexpectedly. "Kagome, why would I be afraid of you transforming? Am I afraid of Inuyasha transforming? No. Besides, you're my best friend. I would never be afraid of you."

Kagome grinned and embraced her friend. "Thank you, Sango."

"No problem."

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Now Kagome and Sango were aware of the date. They waited for the upcoming holiday was barely suppressed negative anticipation. Sango was plagued even more often by the face of her fiancée and Kagome watched her beloved dream of another woman as well as remember the loss of her almost son.

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Three days before the awaited day, Inuyasha bent over and looked curiously at Sango's wooden board. His words matched Kagome's previous ones, though much cruder. "Whassat?"

Sango looked up as she finished the line. "I'm keeping track of the date."

"Why?"

"Because I want to."

"What day is it then?"

"March 11."

"Alright." Silence set in as they began breakfast. When they finished, Inuyasha helped Kagome wash up and they all left together maybe half an hour later.

The day passed by quickly and they covered a good amount of ground. Naraku's scent was finally getting stronger. In their excitement, Kirara, Kagome, and Inuyasha didn't stop until late at night. Sango fought to keep her eyes open, but as soon as they landed, both girls feel right asleep.

Inuyasha watched over them, fatigue pulling at his vision. His thoughts kept him awake. What will I do for White Day? Both of them are really down. I should do something to cheer them up. We can't fight Naraku if they're depressed. Of course, Inuyasha did not let the whole message travel from his heart to his mind, so only part of him knew the truth of who he wanted to give a gift to and why. Inuyasha sniffed the air and found no trace of demons, just Naraku, so he allowed his eyes to drift closed.

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Morning dawned and brought all four inu-gumi members out of their sleep. They ate breakfast quietly and set off. Nobody really wanted to speak. Kagome and Sango were thinking about the upcoming White Day, and Inuyasha was never one to really start a conversation. Kirara just followed along with the silence. The day seemed much longer when nobody was talking. The forest beneath them looked the same everywhere they went, and when they finally reached he edge of it, the farmland stretched identically to the horizon. It was midday at this time, and Kagome and Sango looked tiredly out across the expanse of fields. "This is so boring," Kagome muttered.

"I know," Sango agreed, "But I think we're getting closer. Kirara's on edge."

Inuyasha, who had heard, nodded, "Definitely. His stench is getting stronger."

Nobody said anything for a while, and the afternoon wore on. Evening approached and the group stopped in the shadow of a large cliff. It was darker here on account of the shade, and considerably cooler, but it seemed peaceful and undisturbed by demons. A small river ran through it and it washed against the soft grassy banks with a cheerful 'shush'ing sound. Everybody agreed it would be a good place to stop. Kagome lit a fire next to the river and Sango helped her prepare a simple meal.

Inuyasha and Kagome went into the river to catch fish while Sango tended to the rice. They caught a substantial amount of fish and cooked it all, leaving some for meals over the next few days. The smell of cooked fish and rice wafted about the air on the cold March air. They had finished the vegetables, but nobody minded too much. Dinner was another quiet affair and they all fell asleep on the hard ground before night had completely fallen.

Their early night meant that they all woke early and hence had an early start. "Happy White Day," Sango remarked neutrally.

"Happy White Day," Kagome repeated in reply.

Inuyasha said nothing, so the girls figured he had not heard. The day was still quiet, but it was a graver quiet than the silent comfort they had experienced the past few days. By midmorning, Kagome sped up until she was in line with Inuyasha. "Hey," she began, "Shouldn't we stop soon? We agreed we would rest today."

Inuyasha nodded, "I know. I just wanna find a good spot. I didn't feel safe back there."

Kagome nodded back, "Ok." She looked ahead and smiled, "How about there?"

Inuyasha grinned, "You read my mind."

"Hey Sango!" Kagome called back, "We're gonna stop around here in about a minute. We found a good spot."

Sango called back cheerfully, "Oh good. Then can we take the rest of the day off?"

Kagome laughed, "Of course."

Not very long after, Inuyasha and Kagome stopped and hopped down from their trees. Kirara and Sango landed. It was a fairly large open glade surrounded by dark forest. Sunlight streamed down so it was warm and bright. A very thin layer of snow blanketed the ground, but it was melting slowly. Tufts of young grass could be seen pushing their heads through the shallow slush. Kagome sat down on a flat boulder and let her bag fall to the ground.

Sango sat down next to her best friend and leaned against her. "I miss Miroku," she confessed suddenly.

Kagome turned her head and smiled sadly, "I know. I miss Shippou."

Sango closed her eyes. "I wonder what he would've given me today."

Kagome shrugged, "Who knows. I just know he would've surprised you with something wonderful. Shippou would've brought me flowers. A bouquet of steadily dying just-opened buds that managed to brave the winter. And they would've wilted before he even got to me."

Sango giggled, "I know. He would've given me one too. He was very adorable."

"He was…" Kagome agreed vaguely. She looked around and found Inuyasha missing. "Where'd he go?"

Sango looked around, too, and immediately knew whom she was talking about. "Maybe he's off to get you something for White Day!" She nudged her friend in the ribs suggestively.

Kagome shook her head, "Yea, right. He's probably gone off to make sure there are no demons around."

"Whatever you say," Sango shrugged teasingly.

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Kagome and Sango sat and talked until lunchtime when Kagome's stomach growled fearsomely. "Guess it's lunchtime," she chuckled. "Fish and rice again?"

Sango made a face, "Can't we change it a little?"

Kagome agreed. "Why don't we try to catch a couple birds and cook them? I'll look around for some leaves we can cook, too. I'm sick of just rice and fish, too."

Sango nodded, "Good idea. I'll get three birds, you get one and some leaves."

The two set off while Kirara guarded Kagome's bag.

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Sango slipped through the silent woods, carefully maneuvering around object that touched would cause a disturbance. She kept her ears trained for any sound of an animal. The chirping of birds quickly filled them, and Sango followed it slowly. Identical trees passed her, and Sango began to worry where she was and if she'd be able to get back when she spotted a large brown nest. Standing around it were three birds. Two were brightly colored with dark blue backs and red breasts. They faced each other, looking ready to fight. The third stood in the nest. She was a soft brown with a brownish-red breast. Sango smiled and approached the tree. None noticed her as their chirping covered the sound of her footsteps. Sango inched up the tree until she reached the lowest branch where they all stood. She reached out whacked the two closest with the flat of her sword. They fell to the ground, unconscious. The third, the female, froze in fear, which allowed Sango to do the same to her. The tajiya jumped down and picked up the three birds and prepared to find her way back to the glade.

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Kagome silently made her way through the other side of the forest. The twittering of birds also filled her ears and she followed it hungrily. A tree of birds arrived much earlier for Kagome than it did for Sango. Two birds were hopping about on a branch. Kagome smiled sadly and stood underneath, getting ready to strike. They were of the same species as the ones Sango found. The male had the same dark blue back and red breast and the female had a similar brown back and clay-colored breast. Kagome reached up and aimed at the male. She swiped at him lightly and he fell straight into her waiting hand. The female twittered crazily as she hopped about in agony. Her mate was gone. Kagome turned away. Just like Sango. She stuck her nose in the air and sniffed. To her left, she caught the scent of leaves. Turning around, the hanyou went to investigate. The scent led her to a cluster of small bushes with wide, sweet-smelling leaves. Kagome plucked one and nibbled on it tentatively. It had a strong taste that resembled a light mixture of cloves and brown sugar. Kagome smiled and picked an armful to carry back for lunch.

Kagome and Sango met by the boulder they were sitting on before and set up a fire. Kagome went back into the forest to gather sticks while Kirara lit the fire. When the hanyou came back, the fire was burning brightly. Kagome used her claws to slash the feathers and feet off. "I didn't know I could do that!" she marveled as Sango laughed in the background. Sango helped Kagome skewer the newly plucked birds on the sticks and held them over the fire. The smell of cooked meat floated outward. Kagome stuck her stick in the ground at an angle and took out the grill and the pan, placing the leaves inside. She poured a little water on top and it sizzled, burning the leaves. Kagome picked one up with a claw and nibbled the edge. "It tastes kind of like caramel!" she exclaimed.

Sango frowned, "What's caramel?"

Kagome smiled, "I can't describe it, but it's sweet and tastes good. Here, try it."

Sango nibbled the other side of the leave and her face lit up. "Mmm! It's good!"

Kagome trickled a little more water in the pan and watched it all sizzle into condensation before she took the pan off and shared out the leaves.

The smell of lunch brought Inuyasha back to the glade. He sat down next to Kagome. "Smells good."

"It's bird and leaf," Kagome chuckled.

Sango laughed with her. "It tastes good, though."

Kagome handed Inuyasha a small plate of the strange leaves and a stick of roasted bird. It wasn't much, but it tasted good and the meal was quiet save for the sounds of the four chewing away.

Lunch was over quickly and Kagome moved to start putting things away when Sango put her hand over Kagome's wrist. "Let me do it. You do it everyday."

"I don't mind. I'll do it."

Sango shook her head, "Really, I don't mind doing it. Take a break."

Kagome shrugged and smiled, "Thanks."

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Inuyasha leaned over. "Come on. I want to check out the area to make sure there aren't any demons."

"Alright."

"It'll be faster with two of us."

Kagome nodded, "Yep. I'm coming." She stood up and followed him into the forest.

Once inside and out of earshot, Inuyasha stopped and turned to her. "I want to show you something." Kagome followed him curiously deeper into the forest. They had been walking for a couple minutes when Inuyasha stopped. "Here."

Kagome walked up so she was standing next to him and gasped. It was another glade with a small stream running through it. The tops of the trees closed over it except for a small circle in the center, so that it was bathed in a green light with a white ring in the middle. Three beds of soft green grass were laid out in long rectangles in a triangle with a fire pit in the center. The area was peacefully quiet and had an almost unearthly feel to it. Kagome turned to Inuyasha with a smile. "Did you do this?"

He nodded, "I was scouting the area and found this. I just did the beds."

"Thank you, Inuyasha. This will be perfect for tonight."

He smiled, "Happy White Day." Turning around, he reached behind a bush and picked something up which he quickly hid behind his back.

"What are you holding?" She attempted to peer behind his back, but to no avail.

"Nu uh, no looking."

"What is it?"

"You'll see in a minute." They walked back to the glade and Kagome stopped herself from looking.

Once at the glade, Sango stood up and greeted them.

"Now can I see?" Kagome asked Inuyasha.

Inuyasha smiled and pulled out a bouquet of flowers that he had managed to find alive. "Happy White Day, Kagome."

He handed a similar one to Sango. "Happy White Day, Sango."

Both girls noticed that Kagome's was bigger. "Thank you, Inuyasha!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining.

Inuyasha nodded, "You're welcome."

Kagome made a show of smelling it and held it close. "Thank you," she repeated.

Inuyasha nodded again. "They're just flowers."

Kagome chuckled, "Not to me."

Inuyasha shrugged and smiled gently at her.

Sango bent and whispered in her friend's ear, "Told you so."

Kagome blushed. "Yea," she acknowledged happily. "Oh!" she remember, "Inuyasha found this great place to sleep tonight! Let's go now!"

Sango raised her eyebrows, "Alright. Come on." She put out the fire and picked up the grill and pan while Kagome picked up the sticks and her bag. The four of them made their way through the woods until they came upon the glade. Kagome walked beside Inuyasha and after a few seconds of hesitation, took his hand. Inuyasha did nothing and then squeezed it back, bringing a smile to Kagome's face.

Sango was pleasantly surprised. "Wow, Inuyasha, you did a good job here."

"Thanks."

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The day drifted lazily by, but nobody complained. It was a very nice change to rest all day. Kagome sat between Inuyasha and Sango and they conversed quietly. After a dinner of bird, leaves, and rice, Kagome and Sango curled up to sleep next to Kirara. Inuyasha smiled down at Kagome and her image pulled at his heart.

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Kagome woke up first and stretched, looking around. Inuyasha was dozing on one side and Sango and curled up against Kirara on the other. Kagome smiled amd silently went about preparing breakfast. "We'll have those leaves and some of the leftover rice," she muttered to herself as she lit the fire and went out to get some more leaves. Luckily, that species of bushed seemed particularly hardy and pestilent, so they were everywhere. Kagome soon found that nothing else grew where the bushes grew. "Talk about good weeds," she chuckled. After picking another armful, she dumped them unceremoniously into the now-hot pan and poured some water on. The smell roused the other two and soon they were all seated around the fire with cold rice balls wrapped in hot leaves. "I made it up myself," Kagome stated proudly when Sango complimented on the tasty combination. They all drank a cup of cold water and set off. It was to be a long day because they had to make up the distance they lost on White Day. Sango got comfortable on Kirara and their journey began.

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By noon, they had made good progress, so Inuyasha allowed them to stop shortly for lunch. They ate on the sunny side of a large tree, trying to catch the warmth the sun's rays offered. The weather was getting better, and most of the white that covered the trees and ground was slush or ice. It was still cold and windy, but they found inside the forests was much more protected. Sunset found them still traveling, though miles and miles from the glade Inuyasha had prepared. Naraku's stench was getting stronger by the hour, and this only made them speed up more. Inuyasha's blood rushed and Kagome's pulse raced. Sango was tense and clutched the fur on Kirara's neck excitedly. It was already dark when Kagome's kitsune eyes found a grassy spot in the middle of a field. Inuyasha was reluctant to let them stay the night there, but finally he relented. Long grass that stood even taller than Inuyasha's six foot three frame hid them well, so Kagome could only catch glimpses of the stars once in a while when the grass swayed in the night breeze. Slowly, her eyes drifted closed as the sweet smell of grass and crisp night air lulled her to sleep.

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Naraku turned away from Kanna's mirror with a smirk. "I can see the cracks." He heard a knock and walked over to open the door. "Kagura," he greeted coldly.

Kagura nodded silently. "Is it time yet?"

"Be patient. It is easier to break a pot if you hit it on a crack than on a solid area."

Kagura nodded, "But there should be plenty of cracks at this point."

"But if we wait, more will form."

"When will we strike, then?"

"Tomorrow night. Be ready."

"I'm always ready."

"Good. For now, we will simply obstruct them."

"What do you mean?"

"I am going to send out some demons."

"That won't stop them."

"Of course not, but it will slow them down."

"I see."

"Send out the third horde."

"Yes," Kagura bowed and walked out of the room.

Naraku smirked and sat back down, waving Kanna out to follow her sister. He looked out the window and leaned against the wall comfortably.

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Kagura heard footsteps and looked over her shoulder to find Kanna. She was becoming a regular presence. Soon, she'd be on missions, too. Kagura held in a groan and counted the doors. Soon, she found the one that held the third horde. She slid open the front door and then opened the door that held the demons inside. A small horde rushed out and into the night air. "Find Inuyasha," she called out to them. They did not respond or show in any way that they heard her, but the wind sorceress knew they would do the job. That was all they were created for. To die on any whim Naraku had at the moment. Kagura almost felt sorry for them. Almost. With her not-quite-pity, Kagura turned about and walked back down to the hall to her quarters, Kanna with her mirror held in her tiny hands in tow.

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The next morning, a combination of the sun and a suspicious ruckus woke the inu-gumi. The rustling of grass very nearby made them fall silent and freeze. Kagome and Inuyasha whispered at the same time anxiously, "Demons."

"They're really close," Kagome muttered carefully.

Sango quietly put out the fire and Kirara transformed. They prepared to move when they were attacked. Demons crawled through the grass and a clump dived from the sky. Inuyasha jumped up and slashed the flying demons, easily getting rid of them. Kagome took one side of the crawling ones and Sango took the other. Kirara flew into the air to help Inuyasha. Kagome slashed the small demons trying to get at them. They were much easier to kill when they were ground-ridden. Sango lifted her Hiraikotsu and swung it in low arcs repeatedly. Nothing got past any of them, as if a barrier had been put up. They just kept coming, however.

Finally, they stopped coming. Sango fell against Kiara's soft fur with a sigh and Kagome sat down, exhausted. Even Inuyasha was breathing hard. He looked up and groaned angrily. "We've lost so much time. I know Naraku was behind that."

Kagome nodded, "Can we rest first, though? I know it's getting late, but we're too tired to travel. At least give up a few minutes."

Inuyasha shook his head, "No. We need to get going. Don't you want to kill Naraku?"

Sango answered for her, "Inuyasha, we need to rest, whether we want to or not. Give us at least ten minutes. The more we rest, the faster we'll be able to go when we go."

Inuyasha relented half-heartedly and sat back down cross-legged, though Kagome could see he was grateful for a rest. They sat quietly for almost fifteen minutes before everybody's breathing and pulses had restored to their normal rates. Kagome was the first to get up. "Let's get going. We're losing time. Everybody ready to leave?"

Sango nodded and stood up. Inuyasha hopped through he grass and called back impatiently. "Come on! I'm sick of waitin' around all day!"

"Calm down, we're coming!" Sango answered amusedly.

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They made their way through the field, none being able to see the others until the end was reached. They stepped out of the high grass to find theselves in yet another field, though this one did not have such high grass. The inu-gumi looked out across it and groaned in unison. "Just more fields," Sango sighed.

"We'll be nicely hidden here," Kagome agreed sarcastically.

Inuyasha turned to the two. "We'll just have to chance it through here. See over there?" he said, pointing to the left, "That black splotch is a forest. Let's try and make it there. We can eat lunch there."

The two women and the neko nodded. They all set off at as fast and quiet a pace as they could manage.

They were halfway through the massive expanse of farmland, having encountered nothing, when the distant sound of a demon's cry found them. Sango looked back, "Demon approaching. It's pretty far behind, though, we should be able to easily outrun it."

Inuyasha and Kagome nodded. "Let's pick up the pace anyway," Kagome suggested.

"Good idea," Inuyasha agreed.

They picked up their speed, this time disregarding conspicuity. The forest edged closer and closer until Kagome could almost make out the outline of the trees. She looked back just in case and was horrified to find the demon much close behind than it was at first. "He's closing in on us!"

Inuyasha cursed and stopped in his tracks. Kagome tried to do the same but she ended up twisting and falling on her behind. Sango giggled as she slid off Kirara, who had gracefully landed next to Kagome. "Oww," Kagome moaned, rubbing her sore butt.

"Get ready," Inuyasha warned and Kagome and Sango immediately got into fighting positions.

The demon turned out to be of the eagle species. It had great sharp talons and a long curved beak below a pair of menacing black eyes. Its wingspan was easily thrity-five feet. The bird towered over the trio, reaching six foot seven. It flapped its wings and screeched into the air.

Inuyasha drew Tetsusaiga and jumped into the air. "I don't have time to mess around with you!" he cried, bring his weapon crashing down on the bird's head.

The bird managed to move so that its head was out of the line of damage, but the sword did catch the joint that connected its wing to its body. It cried out in pain as Inuyasha dropped to the ground. "Take that!"

The bird flapped about, its wing gravely wounded beyond repair. Sango stepped forward. "My turn," she announced, stopping Inuyasha from attacking again. The tajiya flung her Hiraikotsu at the demon's neck. However, the bird was moving around so much, that it hit the bird's wing again. The wing fell off with a steady stream of blood.

Kagome wrinkled her nose. "Gross." The bird fell over backward and convulsed for a moment before laying still. Kagome walked over and quickly sliced its head off. "That's done. Let's go."

Inuyasha and Sango nodded. Sango climbed onto Kirara and they were off once more. Minutes later, they had reached the forest. Inuyasha stopped.

"We're still stopping for lunch?" Kagome asked.

Inuyasha nodded, "We probably won't find another place to stop for a while."

Kagome grinned. "Thanks, Inuyasha!"

Sango nodded with her friend, "This will be good for us. By the time we're finished, we'll have enough energy to go into the night."

&&&

Kagome set up a fire and put some rice on to boil. "I swear, I'll never eat rice again after this," Kagome laughed.

"You won't have to," Sango remarked dryly. "There isn't much left."

Kagome looked over into the bag. "You're right. That should last us four more days, maybe a week if we're careful."

Inuyasha's mouth was set in a grim line, "We're going to have to ration."

"We'll be fine," Kagome patted his arm, sending sparks up his spine. "You and I are hanyous and Sango's used to this sort of thing."

Inuyasha nodded, "You're right."

Kagome muttered, "Good thing I'm a hanyou, or we'd be screwed by now…"

"What?" he asked.

"Uh, nothing."

When lunch was finished, Sango put out the fire and they set off again into the forest.

&&&

The scent of Naraku grew a little stronger every hour. Kagome's hackles rose. She hated being near that hanyou. Just the smell was enough to turn her away. She smiled ironically. They hadn't even seen the castle yet. The smell would be unbearable there. There were still just in the vicinity. She looked over at Sango. "You ok?" she asked conversationally.

Sango smiled, "I'm fine, though I hate the feeling of this place. It gives me the chills."

Kagome nodded, "Same here. And the smell. Sometimes I wish I still had my human nose."

Sango laughed, "Poor you. I bet Kirara and Inuyasha feel the same."

"Yea," Kagome agreed.

&&&

The day continued on, and as the sun set, it grew very dark. "I guess the sun is the only real source of light around here," Sango noted.

"I bet it doesn't even reach where Naraku lives. I'd hate that." She shuddered.

"Me too."

Soon it became too dark for Sango to see, so she just trusted her three demon friends. Kagome was glad for her demon eyes; running in the dark would be a frightening experience. She looked around and found the edge of a huge forest. Looking up, she saw a snowy peak that adorned the top of a dark and menaing mountain. Clouds swirled about the tip. Kagome pointed down, "Let's sleep in the forest. I don't want to try the mountain at night."

Inuyasha nodded, "We'll save that for the next two days." They swooped down toward the ground and landed just inside the forest. Sango hopped off Kirara's back and sat against a tree. "Let's just skip dinner," she offered.

Kagome nodded, "Yeah. I don't want to chance a fire here and now." She leaned against her own tree, which just happened to be the one Inuyasha chose to sleep in. Kagome looked up and felt all the more safe. She closed her eyes with a smile.

&&&

Morning dawned darkly. Thick clouds obscured the light that normally roused the trio. By the time it reached them, it was a thin sparse ray here and there, providing just enough light to wake up comfortably in. Breakfast was a simple fast affair, and as soon as it concluded, the trio set off. It was to be a long day. The air was even colder here and the light did not brighten much as the day grew. Kagome soon found herself shivering and looked over to see Sango trying to immerse her body in Kirara's warm fur. Inuyasha slowed down so he was next to Kagome and shrugged off his outer haori. "Here," he grunted, placing it over Kagome's shoulders. She slipped her arms through the sleeves and smiled as warmth immediately engulfed her.

"Thanks, Inuyasha!"

He smiled gently, "No problem. I was getting hot anyway."

&&&&&&&&&&

Naraku bent his hand slightly, motioning for Kagura to enter the room. Without turning around, he began to speak. "It is time. This afternoon will be the second to last step in my plan. The cracks are lengthening, and they will run even deeper and longer by the time your job is done. By the end of your next job, she will shatter. Go now. You should catch the by their noonday meal."

Kagura nodded and bowed. "The tajiya, right?"

"Yes. Now, go."

Kagura swept out of the room and stalked down the hall excitedly. Once she reached the front door, she slid it open and stepped outside. The door slid shut behind her of its own accord and she whipped out her feather. Climbing onto it, the wind sorceress flew out of the castle and into the outside world.

&&&&&&&&&&

Sango looked down and pointed at a small patch of about six trees. "Let's eat lunch there."

Inuyasha nodded, "Alright. Come on."

They descended into the clump and landed within the ring of trees. "Looks like someone's used this before," Kagome noted. A small makeshift firepit had already been created. Some old burnt wood and ashes were still inside, though it had obviously been a few months since it was last used. Snow was piled inside. Sango brushed all the snow out and Kagome placed some dry wood on so that Kirara could light it. Kagome pulled out her pot. "Do you mind getting some water, Sango? I saw a stream down that way not too far."

"Sure. I'll be right back." Sango got up with the pot and walked out of the circle of trees. The sound of a stream could already be heard to her right, so she followed it amiably.

&&&&&&&&&&

Kagura landed in the middle of a field and began walking. She could smell a stream nearby. She had not even taken ten steps when the smell of that tajiya entered the scene and became intertwined with the scent of the water. "Perfect timing," she smiled. It only took a few minutes to reach the stream. The sound of Sango's footsteps could be heard not far off, so Kagura concealed herself behind a particularly large bush. She peeked through a hole in the leaves and saw Sango reach the stream and dip her pot into the water, filling it with the rushing cold water. When the pot was three-quarters filled, Sango set the pot down on the bank beside her and cupped her hands with water, splashing it on her face. "Ahhh," she sighed contentedly.

Kagura smirked and stood up, fan at the ready. "Good afternoon, Sango."

Sango looked up, startled. "Kagura?" she asked incredulously.

"How are you? Ready to die?"

"Why?"

"You know, you're the first one to ask that," she noted conversationally. "Oh, and because Naraku said so. Well, ready? I need to make this quick before Inuyasha comes."

Sango reached for her Hiraikotsu and was horrified to find she had left it back at camp. Oh no…I don't even have Kirara… She crouched into a fighting position.

"Like you'll be able to do anything to me," Kagura laughed.

"Maybe not, but I might as well try."

&&&&&&&&&&

Kirara lifted her head and sniffed. "Meow," she noted and trotted off after Sango.

Kagome looked at Inuyasha and they both shrugged. Kirara trotted faster and faster. She missed her mistress, and something told her she needed her. The stream was not too far; it only took the neko a few minutes to reach it. What she found was not a pretty sight. Kagura faced Sango, who was badly injured on her arm. "Meow!" she cried to get Sango's attention.

Sango looked back with a mixture of relief and surprise. "Kirara!"

"Meow," she answered and transformed into her larger form.

Sango grinned and petted her friend's neck. "I'm glad you're here. Now we may have a chance. Are Kagome and Inuyasha coming?"

Kirara shook her head.

"Oh well, I suppose they don't know what's going on. I just hope a wind picks up in their direction." Kirara nodded and turned to growl at Kagura.

"Two birds with one stone," Kagura smirked. "I doubt your kitty friend will be able to do much."

"She can do more than you think," Sango answered confidently.

"We'll see," Kagura taunted, releasing a strong wind that pushed both partners back not a small amount of feet. Kagura slashed her fan downward and blue crescents of energy materialized above them and crashed down upon them. One hit Kirara in the side and she roared in pain. The other hit Sango on her leg so that blood dripped from the knee down. She's stronger than I remember…

Kagura sighed and lifted her fan again. "You should be honored that I'm pretty much going full force on you. Time is against me, and I have to kill you quickly."

"Oh yeah," Sango replied, sarcasm thick in her voice, "I'm sooo honored to be killed by you and that filthy mutt you call your master."

"I'm sure you are. Goodbye." Just as she prepared to wave her fan arm across her body, there was a rustling sound in the bushes next to her. "Who's there?" She kicked the bush, but found nothing. "Just an animal," she concluded. Looking back at Sango, she sent out her energy-charged wind. Three huge blue crescents of pure energy raced toward them. "You can't avoid them," Kagura chuckled evilly. The sound of footsteps caught her ears and she whipped out her feather. "I have to go, but it was nice knowing you."

Sango was too busy worrying about the huge amount of energy rushing toward her. Suddenly, her world went black and she fell back onto Kirara's soft stomach.

&&&&&&&&&&

Kagome sniffed the air and jumped up in alarm. "Kagura!"

"Sango!" Inuyasha answered immediately, putting two and two together effectively. Right away, both bounded off at top speed to the stream, following the scents of water and Sango and the stench of Naraku. They heard a crash and ran faster. When they reached the scene at last, all they found was an impossibly fresh scent of Kagura and the body of Sango on the ground with Kirara's a couple feet away. Sango was on her front, her head turned to the side. Her hands were spread out in front of her. Kirara was on her side, her two tails spread out and her body bent into a U-shape, as if trying to protect herself from some unknown force. However, Kagome had an idea what that force was. She bent down and touched Sango's cold cheek. "Oh my god… We were right here, too. If I had just come with her. Or just gone myself to get the water. This is all my fault…"

Inuyasha took her shoulder and shook her hard, "No! Don't ever say that again. It wasn't you fault. It was Naraku's!"

Kagome shook her head and the tears started falling. "If I had just got the water… I can't believe she's dead!" she wailed suddenly.

Inuyasha took her elbows and forced her to look into his eyes. "It was Naraku's fault. Naraku is to blame."

She nodded tearfully. "Naraku's fault," she repeated.

"It's Naraku's fault."

"Naraku's fault…Naraku's fault…Naraku's fault!" Her eyes glowed a brighter red with each 'Naraku's fault' she cried. Inuyasha watched in horror as her pupils lengthened and squished into slits. He looked down at her hands, which were hanging by her sides. The claws on the ends of her fingers became long and sharp, as did her teeth. Inuyasha quickly let go of her arms and stepped back as her transformation completed. She once again became that mindless monster, but this time, there was nobody to help him.

"Kagome!" he cried out in desperation.

"Naraku's fault!" she answered furiously.

"Kagome! Stop it! Kagome!"

"Naraku's fault! My Shippou, Sango, all Naraku's fault! I'll kill him!" She yelled into the sky, "Show yourself, you filthy coward! I'll rip you to pieces, you bastard!"

Inuyasha tried one last time, "Kagome! KAGOME!" But, she was too far-gone to register his voice. Inuyasha began to panic.

Kagome spun around and spotted Inuyasha. She gave a feral snarl and leapt after him. Inuyasha, in alarm sidestepped her, easily, but the idea that she wanted to attack him left him cold. She caught her balance and turned to attack him again. Raising her hand, she jumped and slashed downward. Inuyasha just made it out of the way. Her arm slammed into the ground, leaving a small crater. Where is all this energy coming from? He dodged yet another attack and ran around behind her, sliding his arms under her armpits and pulling them up, locking her against him. She froze. "Kagome," he called into her ear. She looked torn between her human and demon blood. Something told him what he had to do and he bent his head to nuzzle her ear. The contact broke the spell completely. Kagome sagged against him. "Kagome?"

She turned her head with a weary smile, "Hi, Inuyasha. What happened?"

"Uh, nothing." He moved to drop her, but as she slid to the ground, he caught her again, shifting her into a more comfortable position.

She looked confused, but said nothing as she was just grateful for the support. She sniffed and wrinkled her nose. Turning to the source of the smell, she found Sango and Kirara on the ground. "Oh my god," she whispered.

Inuyasha turned her eyes away from the sight. "Let's go. We'll bury them later. You need a rest."

"I…do?"

"Trust me. I'll tell you why later."

Taking the hint from his grave tone, Kagome didn't argue and just followed obediently. After a few steps, she stopped. "Wait, can we bury them now? Then, we can rest. Please? I want to do it now. It just seems disrespectful to leave it until later."

"I don't think that's a good idea," he answered dubiously.

"Why? Please, can we? It just doesn't feel right."

Inuyasha sighed and finally nodded. "Alright. I see that it really means a lot to you. Come on."

Kagome smiled, "I want to bury them next to Miroku's grave. They were engaged, so I think it's fitting that they're buried next to each other."

Inuyasha nodded again, "Good idea. You get Sango and I'll get Kirara."

"Ok." Kagome ran back to the camp and picked up Hiraikotsu. Oh my god! It's so heavy! She ran back to Inuyasha and gratefully dropped the weapon. She then went over and lifted Sango's upper body onto her back. She pushed her up so that only her feet were dragging. Then, she picked up Hiraikotsu. Kagome looked over at Inuyasha and set off. Inuyasha was not far behind, but Kirara's weight slowed him down.

It took them the rest of the day and the night to reach Miroku's shrine. They were closer than they had thought. "That's good, at least," Kagome offered optimistically. She chose not to voice her concern. The whole time, Kagome had had a strange feeling that someone was following them. She had ignored it, though, and focused instead on the journey.

Inuyasha nodded, "Let's bury them now." They walked over to the graves behind the shrine and found Miroku's. Inuyasha set Kirara down and knelt to begin digging. A hole soon formed and when it was done, it was about four feet deep. Kagome laid Sango down inside. She then laid Sango's Hiraikotsu on top. "I don't know how she carries that thing. It's so heavy!"

Inuyasha smiled slightly, "She was one of the strongest humans I ever knew, both in body and in spirit."

Kagome bowed her head in respect. "You were the best friend I ever had," she started to cry, "and like a sister to me. I'm going to…to miss you." She choked on her tears. "I love you, Sango, my sister and best friend. Goodbye." Kagome stepped back and wiped her eyes futiley.

Inuyasha nodded, "You were a strong woman. I respected you very much. I'll miss you, too. I'll never forget all your help, or you."

Inuyasha then knelt down and began to dig another hole next to Sango's grave, where her other best friend would lie. Soon another four-foot hole had been formed. Kagome pulled Kirara's body into the hole and helped Inuyasha cover it with the mound of dirt next to him. "You were a great friend and helped us out so much, Kirara. I'll miss you. You were so cute. Goodbye."

Inuyasha was silent for a second. "Yeah, you helped us a lot. We wouldn't have been able to do so much without you. Thanks."

The two turned away and Kagome started crying again. Inuyasha, in a moment of courage and decision, took the hanyou into his arms. She grabbed the front of his haori and cried into his chest. They remained like this for any minutes. Finally, Kagome pulled away, drying her eyes. "Thank you, Inuyasha."

He smiled kindly down at her. "You're welcome. Come on, let's go. We need to get going again. Kagome nodded and yawned. Inuyasha's smile broadened just a little. "Here," he offered his back. "I'll carry you back."

"No!" she cried sleepily, "I couldn't make you do that! Especially now that I'm a hanyou. It wouldn't be fair. I need to be able to take care of myself."

Inuyasha shook his head amusedly. "We can make an exception this time. Climb on."

Kagome sighed and nodded, climbing on into her familiar position. She clutched his shoulder and laid her head on his back, closing her eyes contentedly.

Inuyasha grasped her legs, a faint blush staining his cheeks, and jumped off into the distance.

&&&&&&&&&&

Sango opened her eyes with a quiet moan. Her head ached and she felt disorientated. Sitting up slowly, it took a minute for her eyes to adjust to the bright light. Where am I? She was in a meadow full of long soft grass up to about her ankles, though she was lying down. The light was white and sharp, though it softened around the edges where trees bordered the edges of the grass. A dark forest extended from there onward, but it was not scary, in fact, it looked almost welcoming. Sango heard the sounds of movement and voices and she looked around. There, maybe fifty feet from her were a group of very familiar people bounding around in a lively game of tag. Who's that? She could make out three adults and one child. One adult was sitting on the side, while the others were running with the child. Sango squinted and their fuzzy shapes began to sharpen. The one sitting on the side was an old woman. One of the adults running around was a young man and the other was a woman, though she had two tails. The child also had a bushy tail. Sango wracked her memory, but she couldn't figure out why they looked familiar. She struggled to her feet and swayed slightly, her head spinning. "Ow…" The man spotted her and ran over, a look of concern across his handsome features.

"Sango? Are you alright?" He caught her in his strong arms and smiled down at her. "How are you feeling?"

Sango blinked and her eyes widened in recognition. "Miroku? What are you doing here?" Am I dead?

He laughed, "For a second there, I thought you didn't recognize me." He didn't answer her question, but instead pulled her into a tight embrace.

"Miroku?" Sango questioned. "What's the matter?" To her utter surprise, she felt a teardrop on the top of her head. "Miroku?" she repeated.

He sniffed and answered, choking, "Sorry. It's just…I thought I'd never see you again."

Sango smiled and held him back, resting her head on his chest. "So did I, honestly. It's such a relief to see you." Heaven is wonderful. She released him and, still in his embrace, leaned back to get a better look at him. "Are you ok?" Her eyes searched him.

"I'm just fine. Really. What about you? Are you hurt at all?"

She shook her head, relieved. "No, I'm good." She suddenly seized his hand and held it up to inspect his palm.

"What?" he asked her.

"Your hand, " she answered in wonder, "It was mangled when you…" she swallowed back tears from the painful memory, "…but now it's healed."

"Yep," he smiled. His smile faded and he slowly began to bend his head down to hers.

Sango wrapped her arms around his neck, "I missed you so much, Miroku. I didn't know what to do." She took the initiative and pressed her lips to his. He grinned and kissed her back even harder. They broke apart, gasping for breath.

"I'm glad you missed me. I missed you too."

Sango smirked, "Me or my butt?"

Miroku looked hurt, "That's so unfair! You, of course."

Sango immediately felt bad. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it."

He smiled, "Good." His eyes softened. "I love you, Sango."

"I love you, too, Miroku."

"So, is our engagement still on?"

"What do you think?" she teased.

"It better be." His voice turned wistful, "I better make the most of it. I can't do it anymore once we're married."

"Do what?" Sango asked curiously.

"This." Miroku reached around and rubbed Sango's butt. She tensed and scowled.

"Miroku!" Pulling her hand back, she gave him a huge hand-shaped welt across his cheek. The sound of the slap resounded through the clearing.

"Sango, dear…"

"Don't 'Sango, dear' me!"

The other three looked up to see Sango chasing lividly after Miroku.

"Good to see you're feeling better," the old woman chuckled.

Sango froze and turned. "Kaede?"

Kaede nodded, still chuckling. "Good afternoon, Sango."

"You're here, too?"

The young woman smiled at her, "We're all here."

"Kyoko?" Sango asked.

She nodded, "You bet."

Something small and furry nearly knocked her over. "I'm glad you're better!" it cried happily.

Sango looked down. "Shippou? You're here, too?"

"Yup!" he chirped.

Sango grinned, "Great!" I guess it isn't so bad. I miss Kagome, though. "Where's Kirara, then?" she realized suddenly. Just as she finished her question, a huge shape bounded out of the woods and knocked her over for real. Sango laughed as she petted the transformed Kirara's neck. "Hey, Kirara!" She sat up and hugged her friend around the neck. Kirara purred and nuzzled her mistress joyfully. Nope, this definitely isn't so bad. I get to be with most of my friends.

&&&&&&&&&&

Kagome curled her body into Inuyasha's body and clutched the front of his inner haori. Her smiled widened and she sighed contentedly in her sleep. Inuyasha smiled amusedly at her and landed in the circle of trees they had stayed in before. Everything was surprisingly as they had left it, though there was nothing of real importance, so it didn't matter too much to him. He bent to put Kagome on the floor, but she refused to let go. She always does this. "Come on, Kagome, let go." She didn't, though. Inuyasha set her legs on the ground and used his now-free hand to attempt to pry her fingers from his shirt. With her recently acquired demon strength, though, it was much more difficult than when she was a human. Finally, Inuyasha gave up. "Just don't 'sit' me when you wake up," he muttered down at her. The hanyou hopped up into a tree and nestled himself on a thick branch with his back against the trunk. He shifted Kagome's body so she wouldn't fall off and closed his eyes. "Goodnight, Kagome."

To his surprise, Kagome answered him. "G'night, 'Yasha," she murmured in a voice slurred by dreams.

A smile crept onto his features and he allowed himself to fall into a slumber.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

So…what did you think? I enjoyed writing this chapter…most of it anyway.

Just so you know, I start school September 8, and during the school year, updates may be very delayed. I'm starting my first year of boarding high school, and considering how busy they manage to keep you; I don't know how much free time I'll actually have. I'm trying to get as many updates out as I can before I go, but I won't be able to finish it. Just a warning. I'll do my best, though, not to keep you guys waiting too long. I just don't know how my schedule will be.

Also, I wanted to ask you guys a favor. Me and one of my friends (who also happens to be the author LadySword04) have begun a co-authored Inuyasha fic under the penname of Midorikos NeverEnding Spirit. Please check it out. We posted it a few weeks ago and we've not had one review yet. We just want to know what you guys think of it. Please R&R it. It's called 'The Case of the Missing Sandwich Bags' and it's a humor fic. We'll see how I fare in that area… Please give it a chance. Thanks for listening!

Personal Reviews:

Lord of the Blades – Thanks for reviewing! I really appreciated your comments. I'm glad that you were honest enough to tell me what you thought of the chapter. It's a shame that it only a got a 6.5, but I hope this one's a little better. I'm glad you liked my Christmas one! I hope you stick with me to tell me if my chapters are becoming too uneventful. Yes, it's nice to know who it was who emailed me. I hope I cleared up your question…

BeccaPatty – I know, I know…it's sad, but remember: Happy Ending. I liked the idea of Kagome transforming, and I thought Shippou was probably the best one to bring it out first, you know? Thanks for reviewing!

Imperial Angel – Thanks for reviewing! Aww, yea, ruining that sucks… Can I have my strudel now?

Inquz – Hey! Thanks for reviewing! Did you get all my reviews? You've got some talent, you know that? Thank you for your compliments, I really appreciate them!

TaintedInuShemeeko – Yeah…that sort of thing is always a shock… Thanks for reviewing! I'm glad you liked Kagome's transformation. I wanted it to be realistic.

Mikkasura – Of course I can't blame you. And I don't. I know what it's like to have your internet gone… Isn't it awful? Weird is good! Yay! You trust me! There WILL be a happy ending… Don't worry! Thanks for reviewing!