You and you alone can save me
The End?
By: Kuraii-chan
Kuraii-chan: Yes, I know, I'm very late again. I'm sorry… but also with this chapter comes the realization that there is only. One chapter left.
Seika: About damn time too!
Kouga: Shut it you!
Author Notes: The final chapter. Wow. It's enough to make me want to cry… my first fic is nearly over with only an epilogue left. I must thank everyone who has been with me on the journey of writing this story, and even hopped on the wagon recently.
It might take me a little while to actually start putting Bringing Honor up with so much going on (Church stuff, band stuff, loads of homework…) but don't worry. I've already started working on it and pulling the whole story together, so there is no way I could neglect it.
By the way, Evanescence's song 'My Last Breath' is not mine.
And, enjoy the second-to-last installment of You and you alone can save me.
Kagome blinked, absolutely dumbfounded.
Kagura? HERE?
But… it explained her previous feelings of being watched.
"Therefore," Sesshomaru went on, "You will not be allowed anywhere without Kyo, and preferably another guard. Security has been tightened… I'll not allow this to happen again. The whole castle has been alerted of My-Linh's encounter, therefore they'll also let me know should you be spotted without someone else and they shall promptly escort you back here."
Kagome opened her mouth to protest, rather loudly too, but was interrupted before should could squeeze a word in, "There is no need to take any unnecessary risks when it comes to you." For a moment his unfeeling hard eyes softened to a tender melted gold and he reached up to brush a finger across her cheek. "You mean too much."
Despite the absolute simplicity of the statement and complete lack of sentiments she had always thought should follow something like this, Kagome felt as if Sesshomaru had just said the sweetest thing possible and offered her the world at the same time. Her chest tightened and she could feel a spreading of something warm throughout her body that made her hair stand on end and every fiber of her being tremble.
She began to lean into the touch every so slightly when, of course, the door burst open.
"Kagome? AH. There you are, thank Kami-sama!" cried My-Linh as she launched herself at Kagome; oblivious to the moment she had just interrupted. "I was so worried they'd gotten you, are you all right?"
Kagome chuckled softly, gently prying the artic kitsune off. "I'm fine. The most that I even knew was that I'd had a feeling, a sense, of being watched. Otherwise I had no idea they were here, and I'm positive they didn't harm me in any way."
My-Linh pressed a hand over her heart, as if trying to calm what must be it's erratic beating against her ribs. "You don't know how scared I was… what if they had gotten to you somehow? What if you were trapped with that vile excuse for a hanyou, Naraku?'
The only indication that Sesshomaru was paying any attention to the near-sobbing youkai guard before him was the dangerous glint in his eye as My-Linh mentioned Naraku and the possibilities of Kagome's fate should Kagura have gotten a hold of her and taken her to him.
"Ni, it's all right My-Linh!" She tried to reason, "After all, I'm here and fine am I not? There is no need to dwell on the past, because you will only miss out on the present."
"Kagome."
"Hai?" Sesshomaru looked over at her.
"You will go with My-Linh to watch Kiba train his guards. I will be attending to some matters in my study should something arise that requires my immediate attention, if it does not then do not disturb me."
Kagome nodded as the Taiyoukai swept out the room while My-Linh only watched him with a dumbfounded look.
"He's cracked." She muttered at last before shaking her head and dragging Kagome down the hall.
"Ne?" the young miko questioned with a frown. "Cracked? Sesshou-kun? Not likely."
"Oh no, very likely. After all, I knew it would have to happen some day…"
"Nani?" cried Kagome, exasperated, "My-Linh you're making no sense!"
"Think about it Kagome," The erratic kitsune halted dead in the middle of the hall, nearly causing Kagome to run into her, "He just gave this long winded speech about how you must be extra careful and not leave rooms without at least Kyo, though two guards should be the bare minimum. In fact it sounded like he would probably be right there with you as well, and then suddenly he needs to lock himself up in that damn study of his while he sends you off to the other side of the castle to watch some guards train. Sure, I'll admit you'll probably be safest off over there with all of them, but on the journey over there you never know what could happen. He's practically going against everything he just set down for you, which is horrendously sloppy of him might I add… and the of course there is the fact that you're the one he's madly in love with, and don't you try and deny it because its obvious, and he's being so careless with your very life!" She huffed, glancing around in paranoid annoyance.
Hm… you must admit, that is rather sloppy work of Sesshomaru… not the kind of mistake you'd expect from someone like him. Someone like me, yes, but not him. I wonder what could have caused this? Stress level? Maybe his mind was preoccupied with something else.
But something in the back of her mind nagged her, whispering traitorously that that was no excuse to possibly be putting her life on the line because his thoughts were elsewhere.
"But anyhow!" continued My-Linh, "We'd better get over there before we miss the whole thing... You've yet to see Kiba in action, and I have a feeling you'll love it…"
And once again she was off, dragging Kagome behind her like a rag doll.
"Perfect!" Kagome grinned, settling herself under the shade of a giant oak. They had the best possible seat to watch the training, and of course she found herself curious. When she had first heard about Kira he was the exact opposite of what she had been foretold… perhaps Kyo only knew him from what he saw as Kiba trained his men?
"Set!" The triplet barked and suddenly everything went still. The soft murmur of laughter and deep voices was abruptly cut off as the men stock-still.
"You've had your fun, now it's time to get down to work. I'm sure all of you heard about the day's happenings?" without waiting for a response he plunged on, "This shows weakness on our behalf, that they could enter somewhere like here and remain undetected for however long. Serious damage could have been caused… damage that couldn't be undone." He took a look around at all the blank faces of his men.
"What if Kagome-sama had been killed, or worse yet, captured and hauled off to that disgusting excuse for a spider hanyou's lair?" The silence was immediately filled with intensity that Kagome was sure she could have felt even if she hadn't been a miko. And it was odd, she noted absently, how the triplet had said nearly the exact same thing as his sister had previously.
"Exactly. We'll be training extra hard from now on. This is a mistake that will not repeat itself in the future, am I right?" The roars of approval were so loud they could have deafened one should they had stood too close.
Kagome couldn't help but smile as her eyes watered. Aw, I love you guys.
"Now! Get into your teams and stretch out your limbs. You'll be needing it." Kiba stalked off, entering a small hut to retrieve something as the youkai silently split into about five smaller groups.
"All right! We will be working with as much as we can in as little time as possible. There will be no playing around today. I want Team Four to start off. We're doing katana-wielding first."
A group of about seven stepped up and the one closest to Kiba was handed a katana. "Spar with me."
The young man nodded, and fell back into a defensive position; feet shoulder-length apart and holding the sword at a slight angle in front of him. Kiba unsheathed his sword and mirrored his opponent, making eye contact.
It was barely the time span of the blink of an eye when suddenly Kiba was rushing at his pupil, his sword perpendicular to the ground, clearly aiming for the head in one of the most basic and common attacks.
Just as quickly the student was ready however, raising his sword above his head, parallel to the ground just in time to make contact with his sensei's sword before any damage could be done. Then as soon as the blow glanced off his sword, he swung his sword in a slight arc in a horizontal angle at Kiba's right shoulder.
Easily he moved his sword to his right and blocked the attack, the two of them looking as if they were doing nothing more than throwing paper balls at one another. Then with amazing speed he was lunging forward and thrusting his katana at his student's torso.
Kagome's eyes bulged in disbelief as she gasped. He looked as if he was intent to kill!
But the student showed no fear, instead pulling his sword down in a tight downward swing so that Kiba's blow was knocked to the side and merely slid past.
Kiba suddenly stopped, pulling back and sheathing his sword. "Good! You've finally mastered it Kakashi! I'm impressed." The student, Kakashi, smiled at the praise. "Arigato Sensei!"
"Just don't let it get to your head," Kiba reprimanded, "A big ego is a samurai's downfall."
Kakashi, still beaming, shook his head. "Of course Sensei."
"Kiba-san was amazing!" cooed Kagome happily, delighted at having had the chance to watch him train others. "I never knew he could have such different personalities inside himself."
"It is what is necessary to get the job done." My-Linh shrugged, "You can't let your personal life or feelings get in the way if you want to accomplish what you set out for. Such is the way of a warrior, or anyone who has a major goal or dream. No less could be expected as you can't get what you want by just sitting around."
Much unlike my era, Kagome thought humorlessly. How many people got rich by sitting by and watching the stocks? But I don't think I exactly prefer the ways of my era to the hardworking ones of this era.
"Kagome!" Cried an all too familiar rough, deep voice.
"Kouga-kun," She returned. Obviously word really did get around fast.
He grasped her hands firmly within his and sapphire met smoky blue-gray. "Are you all right? The spawn of that half-breed didn't lay a finger on you did they?"
She smiled softly, touched by his profound concern. "Iie Kouga-kun, I'm fine. I think they were only watching from afar. Observing… though why, I'm not sure." The ookami nodded thoughtfully.
"All right. If you're certain. But when I get my hands on that Naraku he's gonna regret the day he was born." Kouga's eyes flashed angrily, and he squeezed her hands softly. "I'm not gonna let them harm you Kagome, don't you worry."
Kagome just smiled.
"Oh yeah, before I forget…" He released her hands and reaching down, tugged his two jewel shards from his legs. "I can't chance Naraku getting a hold of these, so I'm giving them to you." With a wolfish smiled he added, "You take good care of them. I don't want to have given them to you only to have Naraku get a hold of them."
"Don't you worry Kouga-kun." She chuckled, "I'll take good care of them."
Reaching forward, Kouga boldly cupped her cheek, "Should anything happen to me Kagome, I want you to know I love you. This isn't about beating Dog-shit either… I really do have feelings for you Kagome, and I want you to know that even if I'm not the one to make you happy that I'll always be here for you."
Tears pushed forward and threatened to spill down her cheeks as she hoarsely questioned, "Do you really think we're that close to the Final Battle?"
Kouga nodded sagely, "We're on the brink Kagome, and there's no turning back from this point on. I just figured you should finally hear it in a proper declaration rather than my usual."
One tear escaped and slipped down her cheek before falling and shattering into a million little crystal droplets on the floor. "You be careful from this point on then you damn reckless ookami." Very suddenly Kouga found the small frame of the miko he'd so loved for years in his arms, hugging him as though there would be no tomorrow. "I don't know if I could loose you." As odd as it may seem, Kouga was as close to her heart as Sesshomaru was… though in different ways. Kouga was like the pesky older brother, always looking out for her, protecting her, pestering her about things that didn't seem quite so important at the time… For all she cared they were like family, and to lose family hurts.
"I love you too Kouga-kun but-" she was cut off however as she looked up to find a pair of frigid gold eyes staring intensely at her.
Oh fuck…Great. More misunderstandings.
"If you two are done," began the Taiyoukai coldly, "I'm here to inform you that we are evacuating the castle immediately. You are asked leave your belongings except for the bare essentials as it is doubtful we shall be gone long. Just hurry and report to the front gates when you are ready. There you shall be informed of what is going on."
"Sesshomaru I-" but he was gone before she could finish.
Kouga watched as Kagome kicked a nearby table furiously before howling with pain.
My-Linh winced at the display; my how things had suddenly taken a turn for the worse. And both Kagome and Sesshomaru were sure to be in a foul mood after this as well…
Well that just shows how jealously complicates things.
"Now," began the Taiyoukai and all murmuring ceased. "We are here because we are setting out on a journey. It is, however, voluntary. But the reason I've selected all of you is because I think your specific skills will be useful to the oncoming battle at hand. Naraku is obviously becoming overly confidant as to have sent his spawn into my home to spy on one of my guests. We shall have to change this.
"Yes, it is possible that this could be the long awaited Final Battle that ends Naraku and finishes this war for good, or it is possible we will only be able to weaken his forces. Either way, however, is good for our side and a step in the right direction. Many of you have sought shelter here because of Naraku, and this is your chance to make a difference or extract your revenge. However you prefer to think of it. As I said before though, this is voluntary. There will be others left behind to guard the castle and you may join them, or you may leave if you don't wish to be involved. Whatever your decision, you had better make it quickly.
"The end is near, though how near is up to you, all those who will be fighting. All who wish to fight Naraku, follow, those who wish to stay, My-Linh will guide you back and assign duties, and for all who don't wish to be involved you may retrieve your things and leave to safer ground."
Kagome looked around, impressed despite herself as she saw the look of determination on every face nearby and possibly everywhere in general.
What strong loyalty lie within these men! And she watched as only about ten of the warriors got up in which to follow My-Linh. None, it seemed, wanted to stay back and watch this battle from afar, even though they were well aware of the risk they were taking by agreeing to fight.
Absolutely astounding.
"Kagome-chan!" She turned and smiled grimly at the approaching figure of Sango.
"Hey there Sango-chan. Where are the others?"
"They're coming. Inuyasha was determined to make the monk carry all of your things; he's positive that this is in fact the Final Battle and that you'll be needing all your futuristic supplies with you." Sango grinned sheepishly, "I'm sorry I didn't get to visit you earlier, but I heard about what happened. You look well enough, but are you all right?"
"Perfect… It's weird in a sense, but I have a feeling that they were only there to watch and observe, not to harm me. Not yet anyways." Kagome shook her head, "So, is Shippou coming?"
"Well he was stubborn about coming until Rin heard all the commotion and begged him to remain and keep her company. The poor girl, I can't imagine what it must be like living here with no companions aside from Jaken… so of course Shippou decided he would be staying here to 'protect' little Rin-chan." She chuckled lightly, "You don't suppose the kit will end up in love with her do you? How awkward it would have to be… but then, you can't do anything about your feelings."
Boy isn't that the truth…I certainly didn't ask to fall for Sesshomaru, and yet here I am."We'll I'm sure they'd work it out somehow…" she trailed off vaguely, and Sango smiled widely, looking as though she'd just been proposed to.
"Why? Because you and Sesshomaru-sama are considering becoming more than just 'friends'?"
Kagome deadpanned. "Funny Sango-chan, just hilarious." Sighing wistfully Kagome wondered if she'd get a chance to smooth things over with that very Taiyoukai. Surely he couldn't honestly believe that what he thought he saw was what was going on, could he?
… Nah. Even he couldn't be that stupid…
… Could he?
"Oi!" called Inuyasha, successfully interrupting her thoughts. "What you got in this bag!"
"Bricks." She responded flatly, and with one look at their blank looks remembered a bit too late that they had no bricks here. "Er… never mind."
Miroku, however, was the one actually carrying the bag… and the shade of red he had turned suggested passing out sometime in the near future.
… And five seconds later he did just that, slumping to the ground in an ungraceful heap.
"Wonderful," muttered Sango, poking at the lifeless form of the houshi with her foot. "We're just about to set off to battle and he's sleeping. Or dead."
Inuyasha blinked down at the mass of purple and black, only sparing the monk a moment's thought before turning to Kagome. "So, you're all right?"
Ugh. How many more times will I answer that horrid question?"Fine." She ground out bitingly, causing Inuyasha jump back in surprise. "And while I'm at it, no I've no idea why the sky is blue."
Oops. That came out a tad bitchier than she'd meant it to…
"Heh," Sango began nervously, "So uh, where do we stand on the jewel shards?"
A small hand automatically reached up to grasp the half-circle through her haori, "I've got my half, and then two that Kouga-kun gave me earlier which I've already fused into the one on my necklace… it honestly looks like Naraku has the other half and that there are no more to be found."
So at long last her obligation to this era would be complete… and then what? What would she do once everything had been set back to normal and this whole game of cat-and-mouse was at last at an end? Surely she couldn't just leave everyone here and act as though nothing had happened… but she had a life – well a semi-life at best – back in her own time.
And it wasn't any longer a point where she could just brush this off as something she'd think of later… because later would arrive eventually and with the way things looked it was very possible that later had already finally arrived.
"Kagome," the rough voice of Inuyasha pulled her from her thoughts, "We're setting off. You can't just stand there and stare off into space any more."
"Oh!" she squeaked as a fierce blush worked its way across the bridge of her nose and spread to her cheeks. "Right, arigato!"
Awkwardly, she started walking in the close-knit circle of her friends, because apparently Miroku had awakened while she had been deep in thought, except this time their mission was different. The situation was different. More people were involved and at risk.
They'd just have to fight harder this time, because the huge lump of assassins were youkai she had grown to admire and adore in the past however many days.
"So all we need to do is defeat Naraku and the Shikon Jewel will be complete again?" Questioned Inuyasha, sounding awfully hopeful.
"Yes, that the way it appears. Of course, we can't be sure until we have his half of the Shikon in out possession…" Kagome trailed off. For all they knew, Naraku wouldn't even have it on him at the time of the battle… but that was unlikely the more she thought about it. He was awfully cocky; something that was overdue for change.
"Hm," pondered Sango aloud, "You don't think that his true intentions for sending in Kagura was to lure us out of the castle, do you? Sesshomaru's castle is a place he obviously couldn't have safely entered himself… and as Kagura is merely a fraction of him, and technically not even a whole being, it would be easier to get her in undetected."
Miroku, however, interjected his opinion, "Actually I'm pretty sure that wasn't what he had been intending. I think his plan went a bit astray but he'll be able to take advantage of the situation and turn it in his favor now that the objects of his intrest are out in the open where he had resources and can access easily."
"Objects?" Kagome asked softly, and rubbing his chin in thought Miroku nodded slowly, "Hai. Obviously Inuyasha is a point of intrest, but I believe he has taken an intrest in you as well Kagome-chan. Why else would Kagura have been tailing you instead of Inuyasha, or anyone else for that matter?"
Inuyasha snarled audibly, making a few warriors turn around and give the hanyou and questioning look. "He won't lay a hand on Kagome!"
A flash of something indescribable darted across Sango's eyes that Kagome barely caught a glimpse of before the taijiya was nodding in agreement, "I won't allow it."
For a few minutes the group trod along in silence, each pulled into their thoughts that varied for each person. The rumbling of Kagome's stomach dragged them from their stupor however and Inuyasha shifted her backpack from one shoulder to another.
"Hungry? Got any ramen in here?"
Kagome grinned, "Only a little more, and you can have it if you can convince Sesshomaru to let us stop and eat." She watched in delight as his cute furry little white dog-ears twitched and could just hear the rusty wheels in his head turning frantically.
… It made quite a funny visual actually.
And of course, just as she said this everyone suddenly halted, nearly forcing Kagome to run into the poor unsuspecting youkai before her. Luckily having nearly lived out here in this era had improved her reflexes and saved her a suspicious looking tumble with a probably handsome-looking guard.
"We will be setting up camp in the clearing to your right. Be on your guard however and remember just what we're here for." Softly Sesshomaru's voice drifted to them, but with such authority that it was amazing.
Shuffling slowly, Kagome easily claimed a spot for herself, grinning at a few of the small bickering matches over sleeping space. Inuyasha plopped her yellow pack next to the large oak tree and slid to the ground, sighing.
"Anyone who wishes to hunt food, feel free to do so. Those who are not eating may rest because we have a huge battle coming up. If you have food with you, eat it. I doubt we will be saying long."
Kagome laughed at Inuyasha's expression and handed over the cup of ramen after some digging. "In fact…" she pulled out just enough for the rest of them as well. "Never underestimate the wonders of either your mother, or your backpack."
Miroku seemed to be thinking along the same lines as she, because he hurriedly skirted around the enormous trunk and set to making a fire that would go unseen by any others. If they were to see the food of the future, questions would arise… not something she really wanted to deal with at the moment. It just wasn't at the top of her priority list.
"Psst. It's ready," hissed Miroku with a grin and the three of them scooted around the tree to join their friend and the waiting fire.
"Mm, thus iz tuh lyfe. Tamk joo Kogameh." Mumbled Inuyasha through a mouthful of noodles. Kagome gave him a flat look, and he all too happily went back to his favorite food.
Though she had to admit… as nice as castle food was, nothing could compare to a nice hot cup of instant ramen.
Their peace was interrupted all too quickly however as Inuyasha's body went rigid, and he stopped what he was doing… with ramen hanging out of his mouth and chopsticks paused in mid-air. Then his eyes narrowed just as a shout rang out through the clearing.
"Naraku," he snarled, and stood suddenly. Alarmed, they all practically hopped to their feet, stumbling a little on the way until everyone was upright and undamaged.
"Sound the alarm!" "NARAKU!" "Everyone, get your weapons!"Snippets of various shouts of panic reached Kagome's ears as she quickly retrieved her quiver and bow. Sango slung her Hiraikotsu over her shoulder and nodded to Kagome, crouching like a tiger ready to pounce on its prey. Miroku had his staff firmly in his left hand and flexed his right hand as if preparing his kazaana for battle, and next to him stood Inuyasha, hand on the hilt of Tetsusaiga and ready to battle.
Kagome smiled bitterly, How sad it is that those my age and even younger must be ready and prepared to go into battle and witness some truly horrendous things in this era.
But as quickly as her thought flitted into her head, it was gone, replaced with nothing more than thoughts of the battle ahead as she rushed into the clearing only stop dead in her tracks.
No wonder everyone had been making such a commotion.
Heading this way was the largest hoard of demons she had seen yet… there had to be thousands upon thousands of demons headed this way and closing the remaining distance rapidly. And if her eyes we're deceiving her, then Naraku was just above the midst of it all and grinning sadistically.
Lovely.
Absolutely great.
"Didn't your mother ever teach you that it's rude to interrupt someone while they're eating?" Cried Inuyasha as he attacked the first wave of demons with such ferocity that even Kagome had to admit she was relieved not to be on Naraku's side.
Well… It's a good time to test out everything I've learned.
With a grin, Kagome lunged forward, pulling her ki into her hand and then transferring it to her bow as she swung it forward. Easily she killed about five in one pink swipe… and so far everyone else seemed to be doing just as good.
"Hiraikotsu!" shouted Sango loudly a few feet back, the bone boomerang ripping through multiple youkai in a large arc before descending back to the ground only to be caught by Sango once more… it must have taken quite some time to master that move.
"Jewel shardsss," hissed a particularly large snake, "Give me your shardsssss." Twisting around, it made its way towards her swiftly with such speed that would have been thought impossible for an object so large.
The giant green snake sprang up from the ground, cat-like yellow eyes gleaming with uncontrolled blood lust and a dark hunger for power.
"Shimatta!" Hissed Kagome as she fumbled for an arrow in the quiver that rested against her back, the sturdy sliver of wood eluding her nimble fingers.
"Kaze no Kitzu!" And just as suddenly it had appeared, the oversized snake was shredded into pieces.
"Damn it Kagome, be more careful!" growled Inuyasha, slicing open yet another demon as it tried to sneak up on her from behind. "This isn't just a game."
"I know," she all but snarled in return, before sprinting forward and taking advantage of the slight lull in the onslaught of youkai.
Just on her left, she saw a blur of wind rush forward with the same idea as she. Kouga.
Notching an arrow, she let it fly in a beautiful arc of pink before it shot through two panthers, which seemed to think they could sneak up on Kouga and prevent him from getting to Naraku.
Well sucks for them.
A flurry of movement to her right caught her attention, barely allowing for a rapid fire of arrows to keep the oncoming badgers at bay.
And then she spotted a head of orange hair that she all too easily recognized. Kyo…
He had all the obvious experience and quick reflexes of a seasoned warrior, able to focus completely on his battle at hand and still be well aware of his surroundings so as to keep from being attacked from behind or the side.
"Eep!" squeaked Kagome as a rush of air pulled at her side and she turned in time to see something absolutely hideous, that she'd rather not know exactly what it was, get sucked into Miroku's kazaana.
"Careful Kagome-chan," he admonished before rushing off with a handful of sutras ready.
Wonderful. Reprimanded twice.
"Dance of Blades," came the malice-tainted but soft voice of Kagura as she brought her red and white fan down in a sharp horizontal sweep.
Kouga seemed to be doing a jig of some sort as he dodged the blade attack of the Wind Sorceress. They just kept coming so fast though, that he began to get slower and slower until…
"Fuck!" he yelped, falling backwards and clutching desperately at his side as if to try and keep the crimson liquid from leaving his body.
"Such foul language," she tisked with a smirk, "I'll just have to teach you some manners." And with that she brought that horrid fan down again with the softest hiss of 'dance of blades'.
And Kagome knew what she had to do.
"Go to hell!" she snarled, swinging her bow at a sudden swarm of ravens. One swooped down, eager for the jewel hanging half-hidden by her haori. It let out an ear-splitting shriek as it dove and wincing, all Kagome could do was swing her bow blindly in hopes of striking the creature.
Its scaly tail swung and slashed the side of her cheek while a pair of talons sharp as the jagged edges of broken glass ripped angrily at her arm.
Thrown off by the attack, Kagome stumbled, biting her lower lip in an attempt to withhold her cry of pain. "Bastard," she snarled, swinging the bow down with as much energy as she could muster into it's skull and taking the slightest sadistic pleasure as it was simultaneously crushed and purified the three-eyed bird at the same time.
But her victory was short lived however as rapidly she found herself facing that same bear youkai she had encountered when Sesshomaru had saved her life… Aki was it?
"Miko," he grinned wolfishly. "It is a pleasure to see you again… except this time I'll be getting what I want."
"Bull," she grunted, notching an arrow deftly. He seemed unfazed however and merely stood there.
Hesitation slithered its way into the back of her mind… why wasn't he reacting to her obvious threat to his very life? Did he have some kind of power she didn't know of?
He saw her weakness, her falter, for what it was and smirked even more widely. "What is it you doubt miko? Is it truly what you think it is?"
"Explain yourself." She demanded, her voice sounding oddly steady.
"It is simple really… perhaps it is not within my strength that your doubts lie, but within everything you believe. Is what you're fighting for honestly all that much different from the reasons we fight? Are your 'friends' really what they claim to be?"
"Whaa-?"
Aki spread his paws widely in a gesture to bring her attention to all the war around her. "Is this really all you make it out to be? All you've convinced yourself it is? What reasons would Sesshomaru have for involving himself in this war? Or those warriors of his who have come as well? They didn't have the slightest intrest in the war before you came along, did they? Why the change of heart? I don't believe that he'd so easily change his opinions just for a petite human as yourself."
Did his words hold depth? It was entirely possible; after all, Sesshomaru had no real quarrel with Naraku… so why did he accompany her? What exactly would he gain from this?
"You see my point then, my dear?" He smirked deviously, his eyes glittering with some sort of look that Kagome could neither identify nor did she particularly want to. "So perhaps he himself is scheming. Things are never as they seem after all."
She was hesitant to answer, her mind whirling. Haltingly, she stepped backward as if in a half-hearted attempt to retreat from Aki.
The bear opened his mouth to once more cloak her mind in doubts, worries, and fears when before there was even time to register that something had happened he was down on his knees, clawing desperately at his back for something he couldn't quite reach.
"Kagome-sama! Are you all right?" Miroku's worried face peered over the writhing youkai, clearly expressing his concern for her safety.
"Fine Miroku," she murmured shakily, "I'm fine." His eyes shone with doubt but he nodded all the same. "I'll finish him off Kagome-sama, I believe the others require your help."
"Hai," she rushed forward, tossing last minute advice over her shoulder, "Don't let him get to you Miroku. Don't listen to a word he says, he is skilled in manipulating words."
She could barely here his response over the roar of the ongoing battle around her, "Thank you Kagome-sama!"
She was able to press forward with ease, having no encounters with any youkai for at least a few minutes, nor could she find any of the rest of her comrades.
"Iie!" Cried out a familiar anguish-filled voice. "No, let me go! Kohaku!"
Sango! "Sango-chan? Sango-chan!" Whirling around in a circle, she strained desperately for the taijiya through the battle-plagued land. Concentrate Kagome-girl, concentrate. I bet you could find her if you just tried.
She halted abruptly, forcing her eyes shut and inhaling deeply. She allowed the sheer enormity of her powers to wash over her entire being, before sending it out in ripples, like the beacon of a lighthouse. It swept through all surrounding figures, touching everything in the immediate area. She could feel the youkai shudder one by one, as it washed over them, and she was able to sense their terror at such close proximity to such power. Power capable of purifying no less.
Youkai, youkai, youkai, tree, youkai, youkai, human-
There! The human, identify the human!
A female, your size, with a weapon about as large as herself.
Sango…
Kagome snapped out of her trance-like state quickly and sprinted in the direction of her friend, dodging around all the ongoing battles.
"Kagome!" shouted Sango, and all heads pivoted over to stare at her.
Kohaku's eyes held only the faintest glimmer of recognition, but it was enough and Kagome could feel hope surging within her. There is a chance Sango, we have a chance.
Her eyes shifted over to her friend to assess the situation and nearly groaned aloud. She was ensnared in a giant hand, and was held up high enough to force everyone to acknowledge that should she fall, at the very least bones would be broken. The taijiya was struggling mightily with her weapon, as her space was quite obviously limited. And of course, it didn't help that the creature whom the hand belonged to was a giant that happened to dine on humans. How did she know? Nasty encounter with one on one particular day while wandering off in the middle of the night in search of those hot springs that Miroku had claimed to be nearby.
It certainly hadn't been a pleasant experience to say the least.
Kohaku was currently standing with some dark-haired youkai that she'd never seen before… but by the close resemblance to a certain hanyou, it wasn't hard to figure out where he was from and why he was here. Curiously enough, Kagura wasn't along as well, despite her having become something of a 'babysitter' to Kohaku.
Something was amiss, but she couldn't place her finger on what it was—
"Egah!" Kagome yelped, dodging the sword just in time. Kohaku pulled the blade back from the empty air it had sliced through and fixed his eyes on her. The dark-haired youkai nodded and once again the younger demon slayer rushed at her.
Scrambling, she darted out of the way and hastily hid behind a tree, using its trunk as a temporary shied as she notched her arrow. Before she could get ready to go back and make her attack, Sango's brother was in front of her.
Aww shit…Without any change in his features, he brought his sword to the ready and with his deadly aim he quickly began to close the distance between them. Kohaku's movements were so quick that her mind had not yet caught up and processed the fact that she was now in severe mortal danger and needed to escape… so she merely stood with her back pressed firmly against the rough bark and waited wide-eyed as her inevitable fate was closing in.
There was a flash of white and she cried out as Kohaku jumped back. Everything within her mind was foggy, and she wasn't really able to comprehend the situation and the fact she was still alive.
Kagura stood not twenty feet off, fan raised in what must have obviously her blade attack. Only… she had just saved Kagome's life. Why? And how was Kouga?
"Brat," she snarled, "Do not submit to Naraku! You disgust me." Kagome blinked. It wasn't quite clear if Kagura had been talking to Kohaku or Kagome herself, but it didn't quite matter. Her actions still stood out in the miko's mind, and she was struggling to comprehend it.
"Does this mean… you're on our side?" She asked softly, and Kagura's lip curled in a sneer.
"Don't let this get to your head. You are currently winning this war, and I despise Naraku. I merely stick to those with the greater authority, as I am not a simpleton who wishes to lose her life. Now collect yourself instead of waiting for the boy to attack you once more."
Kohaku however seemed to be just as preoccupied with Kagura's words of betrayal as she. His eyebrows drew together in vague confusion, causing his nose to scrunch up a bit. Kagome would have cooed and hugged him for the utterly cute picture that he made, but stopped herself in time. "Oh no! Sango!"
Kagura looked on with faint amusement as Kagome darted around the tree and down to look for her friend, the young miko cursing herself for her stupidity the entire way. She turned her attention to Kohaku and sighed. What to do with him? It wouldn't be good if Naraku got hold of his little pawn once more…
Kagome looked frantically around, astonished to find the giant hacked into pieces on the ground, and Sango gone. As was the black-haired spawn now that she thought of it…
Well there was no time to dwell on this, because Sango must be all right, and from what she could see as she glanced around, Kouga was having trouble after his spar with Kagura earlier, which must have weakened him.
She raised her notched arrow and released it, watching in satisfaction as it eliminated that particular hawk. Kouga turned to give her a surprised and grateful smile before continuing his movement forward.
Kagome was about to join him at his side to help get through the crowd of youkai, when a mewl caught her attention. Kirara was off to the right, in the center of a tight circle of various species of youkai. Is it just me, or am I constantly being shifted around to help others? With a quick shake of her head, she notched another arrow and it flew, knocking out about a fourth of that horrid circle. All eyes shifted to her, as she reached back for another arrow only to find… she was out.
Oh of all the luck…Well, there was no other choice but to proceed anyways, because she sure as hell wasn't going to leave Kirara to fend for herself. Trudging forward, she gathered some of her power into her bow and slowly she and Kirara began to eliminate the rest of them.
"Itai!" She cried out as she was attacked from behind. Swirling around, she promptly purified the creature as her eyes danced with anger. Bloody cowards. She didn't stop to inspect the wound however as she stopped two more youkai in their tracks. That could wait for another time…
Finally she sagged against Kirara, taking only the briefest of moments to look over her numerous scrapes she has accumulated so far. None of them were half as bad as they appeared, for which she could be thankful. Kirara meowed her thanks and Kagome smiled, taking their small break to look around.
The amount of bodies on the ground were growing steadily as they pressed forward with their assault, and Kagome had to admit she felt a small sense of pride in noting that she could only see a few of the bodies belonging to Sesshomaru's warriors laying on the cold ground. To be certain she would properly bury and grieve them at a more appropriate time. Speaking of the Taiyoukai, she was happy to note the flash of white and red was going on as strong has he had been when they had started, obviously not one to tire easily. In addition, about half of the dead youkai had been slain by Sesshomaru's merciless poison whip, which was currently in the process of taking out another large chunk of the enemy's massive army.
"KAGOME-CHAN!" She blinked, turning her head only to find an insanely large and quite hideous youkai coming at her and Kirara.
"Oh damn," she snarled, internally beating herself. How could she have been so stupid as to drop her guard on a battlefield? And it only got better as Kirara was currently trying to rise from her sitting position, and she herself was out of arrows.
But once more she was saved just in time; though this time by Kyo who had called to her earlier. His scythe was buried in one of the, well thing, 's arm and was keeping it at bay with his sword.
With frantic movements, Kagome grabbed the sword of a fallen soldier, though to which side he belonged she wasn't quite certain. Turning she was just in time to watch as that thing, whatever it was, run it's hand into Kyo's stomach, its razor sharp claws making quick work of the fragile flesh. The guard cried out in pain, falling to his knees as the creature retracted its bloodstained hand.
Before she knew it, Kagome was running at the hideous creature, sword raised and brimming with purification powers. "Die," she snarled, plunging the glowing blade into its chest. The thing's eyes widened before suddenly its body glowed and crumbled to the ground as dust.
The sword dropped to the ground as she hurriedly knelt next to Kyo. The fist-sized wound in his stomach bled freely as the guard tried to contain the blood with his hands. "I shouldn't have been so careless," she bit her lower lip sadly reaching down to lay her hand over the wound. "Let me try to heal it Kyo, please." Agh, if only she had her backpack with her!
The youkai was ready to protest, but one look at her face and his resistance faded. "Fine, if you must."
Kagome nodded, focusing. She'd only heard snippets of Kaede conversing with someone about a miko healing a youkai. Apparently it was possible, but the miko needed to be in great control of her powers in order to refrain from purifying the demon at the same time. It was a rare occurrence, and not even Kikyou had ever mastered it. She tried to recall exactly what it is Kaede said had to be done.
Oh yes…
Carefully she called on her powers and brought them forward to her hands, which were hovering dangerously close to the wound. She could feel Kyo tense beneath her, but that was only to be expected. Carefully and slowly she sifted through the power, and drawing out the smaller healing particles. She removed all the power that would actually purify except for about a speck. Yes, she was well aware that even that small amount had the potential to kill him, but it was necessary to clean the wound. And just as soon as she would release the speck she would draw it back so as to keep from seriously harming Kyo.
She slowly fed the healing energy into Kyo's wound, and about halfway allowed the tiny bit of purifying energy to enter, retracting almost as soon as it was released. Kyo kissed loudly in pain, his eyes widening but she could do nothing but hope as she fed the rest of the healing power to him. Amazingly enough when she removed her hand the wound was gone without a trace of it ever having been there. Kyo blinked and looked down, prodding softly at his skin through the ragged blood-soaked hole in his haori.
"Amazing," he smiled up at Kagome, "How can I ever repay you Kagome-chan?"
She chuckled, "Seeing you better is enough. But we should keep going before the same mistake of staying in one place for too long repeats itself again, ne?"
The two rose and Kagome blinked, looking for Kirara. Where had she gone?
"Come Kagome-chan, this war is not yet over." She nodded, following a bit reluctantly. She only hoped Kirara as well as Sango were doing all right.
They didn't encounter many demons, and Kagome was able to snag a quiver of arrows from some soldier before they joined up with Inuyasha, Kouga, Miroku, Sesshomaru (who made a point of not looking at her), Kira, and Kiba.
Kira's eyes flickered over to them, and particularly paid attention to the hole in Kyo's haori where there should have been a wound and wasn't… but he said nothing. Kagome wanted to giggle insanely and slap him at the same time.
Despite his apparent but hidden concern for Kyo, he should have been paying more attention and it was almost astonishing to Kagome that he of all people would make this mistake. "Fuck it all," she growled, notching and arrow and letting it fly as quickly as she could. It wasn't fast enough however because the bear managed to get a swing in, his claws slicing through Kira's shoulder cleanly to the bone.
She winced at the snarl that started somewhere in the kitsune's throat, a combination of the pain and from such close proximity to something so deadly to him. That could have easily reduced him to nothing but ash as it did to the bear. He fell to his knees, clutching at his shoulder much like Kyo had to his stomach wound previously.
Kyo was shoving Kagome forward, eyes wide. "Kira, Kagome-chan can heal your wound." But the kitsune shook his head firmly.
"No, I'm fine." Kyo frowned, and knelt next to the kitsune. "Kira, please let Kagome-chan heal you," he implored softly, "I don't want you in pain."
Kira blinked, apparently quite astonished at the normally quiet and confidential guard's sudden show of emotion. All the same he remained firm in his decision, "Kyo, trust me when I say I'll be all right." Quite reluctantly the younger youkai nodded, unhappy with Kira's choice.
Kagome smiled to herself, stealing a chance to look over at Sesshomaru. He was giving the two of them a strange look that she found herself unable to interpret, and she didn't bother to guess. Instead she rejoined Inuyasha and Miroku who had not halted in keeping the demons back, and decided to give Kyo and Kira some space. After all, something good could come out of all this ruin and death yet.
She had just finished a particularly frustrating fire elemental when a shadow from above caught her eye. Kirara landed gracefully in front of them in the space where that damned fire sorcerer had just been, Sango perched precariously on her back. It took a second to notice the deep gash in the taijiya's right leg.
"I'm fine Kagome-chan," she grinned good-naturedly at the look on her friend's face, "Don't worry about it. Good thing I've got Kirara to cart me around so I'm not useless, eh?" And without waiting for her friend's response, Sango and Kirara took off, the shouts of 'Hiraikotsu!' ringing in her ears.
And soon thereafter Kagura appeared. Kagome could just feel the astonishment rolling off everyone in waves as the wind sorceress proceeded to help wipe out the declining stream of youkai.
It seemed like hours before they finally caught sight of Naraku. For once he wasn't disguised in that hideous baboon pelt, and would have appeared as any normal villager if not for those red eyes…
"Naraku, you bastard!" shouted Inuyasha loudly, quickly disposing of the youkai in his way and sprinting towards said hanyou, "This time I'm gonna finish you off once and for all!"
He brought Tetsusaiga down rather forcefully on the visible barrier around the spider hanyou, but was repelled almost instantaneously. Which, of course, infuriated Inuyasha to no end.
"Feh," he grumbled, "Why don't you stop hiding and come fight me?"
Naraku chuckled. "Do you take me for a fool? I'm afraid I can't be egged on quite so easily as you can. And Kagura you traitor, I shall deal with you later." His eyes shifted and settled on Kagome.
That gaze… that piercing gaze was unnerving. It was almost as if he were laying her bare, right down to her very soul, for everyone to see. Could he see everything she hid so deeply? Her doubts, worries, and fears? It was almost as if she were transparent before him. And in the same breath the look he was giving her could only be described as hungry… it was as if he were simply devouring her with his eyes.
A shudder traced its way down her spine, but she found no matter how desperately she tried, she couldn't look away. Suddenly he broke the look, and Kagome nearly fell to the ground. She had been so powerless, and it was almost as if he had sucked most of the energy from her body with that single look alone. It was absolutely terrifying.
They had somehow penetrated the barrier whilst the unnerving staring had gone on, and Sesshomaru had given Naraku a few wounds with his poison whip. But Naraku didn't allow it to continue any further than that. He rose up in the air, his eyes flashing and from the shadows Hibiki emerged.
Everyone but Sango, Kagome, and Kagura blinked as their thoughts were all the same. It must be the newest spawn of Naraku.
"You will fight me," He inclined his head towards the group, once again his rich voice making Naraku's own smooth drawl pale in comparison. He said nothing more as he crouched, a set of beautifully crafted twin daggers within each hand.
Sesshomaru stepped forward. This was to be his battle.
So now it was up to the rest of them to go after Naraku… Peachy.
Inuyasha snarled and went after him with Tetsusaiga once more, but every attack was somehow deflected despite the lack of barrier this time. The hanyou chucked, and he allowed his eyes to wander over the collected misfit warriors before him, once again pausing at Kagome.
She, however, was able to avoid the spellbinding look as she followed Inuyasha's movements, shivering as she could just feel Naraku's intense gaze.
"Inu!" The hanyou looked over at her, his frustration quite evident, "I've got an idea! Come here, everyone."
Naraku remained where he was, smirking down at the plotting below but uninterested in just what their new strategy was. Surprises were always much more entertaining after all.
"Miroku, I need you to put your best sutras on Sango's Hiraikotsu. Sango, I'm going to put an arrow full of my purifying powers in it as well, and you're going to throw it with as much strength as you can at the same time as Inuyasha's backlash wave… we can do this, we can win if we bind together. Kagura, if you could send your Dance of Blades along with our attack along with that one Dragon thing it would be greatly appreciated."
Everyone nodded, watching as Miroku drew up his most powerful sutras and slapped them onto the bone boomerang. Kagome then withdrew her strongest arrow and began to slide her ki into it. She was running out however, and it seemed to weaken her to push the limit of the arrow a bit before embedding it into the boomerang, and to be safe adding a little to the actual boomerang as well.
Everyone straightened as Kagura set to work. Inuyasha got ready, and Sango nodded, both moving as if they had choreographed this perfectly.
"Backlash wave!""Hiraikotsu!"
"Dance of Blades."
And right as all three released their attacks, Kagome set up a barrier, wincing as she felt the last of the youkai Naraku had out on the field (who had been battling with Sesshomaru's assassins) rushed forward to attack them in a weak attempt to help Naraku out.
They were persistent though, so Kagome was unable to watch the path of their attack but instead had to focus on just keeping the barrier up. She was weakening quickly however, and the pounding in her head didn't help any. She swayed slightly, her head spinning rapidly as her body fought violently against exhaustion.
No one noticed however, their eyes trained on the struggle between Naraku and their attack…
I'm sorry…Kagome thought vaguely as she fell to her knees, the barrier slipping. But suddenly she felt gentle hands pick her up, setting her back up and feeding power to her to give to the barrier.
Ni? Miroku? No… Her vision had gone hazy, everything blurring together, and she was barely able to make out a figure with long brown hair. Who else could possibly be helping her? If only she could see their face…
And as if able to hear her thoughts, the person turned and smiled softly. "Don't give up Kagome, I'm here with you."
She nodded faintly, before slowly being claimed by the darkness of sleep as the barrier finally collapsed and pulsed, sending out a pink wave that purified the youkai fighting against it.
"Thank you Kikyou."
Sesshomaru snarled as Hibiki went still for a moment, pausing mid-attack before darting around the Taiyoukai and rushing at the others as if tracking down the source of the eerie pulse.
The proud Taiyoukai turned, eyes widening in horror as he saw Kagome slide to the ground… and she was the shadow youkai's target.
"Kagome!"
Everyone who had been too busy anxiously watching the struggle then gasped, watching as Naraku was torn into pieces and his half of the jewel fell to the ground with a soft 'ping'.
"We've done it!" Inuyasha looked aghast, "We've finally done it!"
"I'm free." Murmured Kagura; allowing a smile to settle on her features for the first time since her birth.
Sango opened her mouth to say something when a 'thump' caught everyone's attention, and they all turned around with smiles to hug Kagome only to have their expressions freeze in horror.
Miroku was first to react, jumping in the way of Hibiki. He positioned himself, Wind Tunnel ready, but Hibiki was suddenly behind him.
Hold onto me love
You know I can't stay long
All I wanted to say is I love you and I'm not afraid
Can you hear me?
Can you feel me in your arms?
It happened too quickly to process, but there was a gush of blood, the sputtering of someone who has suddenly found their mouth filled with some sort of liquid, and the thud of a body falling to the ground. Sango's eyes widened even further… No… NO!
Holding my last breath
Safe inside myself
Are all my thoughts of you?
Sweet raptured light, it ends here tonight
With a strangled cry, the taijiya rushed forward, dropping unceremoniously to the ground. She reached forward and cradled Miroku's body to her chest tightly, chanting the word no as if it would somehow undo this. "Shh," Miroku murmured, coughing violently and bringing forth more blood.
I'll miss the winter
A world of fragile things
Look for me in the white forest
Hiding in a hollow tree come find me
I know you hear me
I can taste it in your tears
She felt numb as the tears rushed forward and fell, clutching him closer and burying her face in his soft hair. "You can't do this, you can't leave me!" She rocked back and forth, hugging the monk close and sobbing quietly. Her shoulders shook, and she closed her eyes. This couldn't be happening… not now.
Closing your eyes to disappear
You pray your dreams will leave you here
But still you wake and know the truth
No one's there
"Aishiteru Sango," He mumbled, before coughing even more violently and finally going still. All movement stopped and Sango looked down into the pale, drawn face. Even her tears quit falling, and she could almost feel her heart shatter.
Say goodnight
Don't be afraid
Calling me, calling me as you fade to light
"NO!" Sango shook Miroku, softly at first then harder as his eyes failed to open. "No, no, no…" Her breathing was coming faster and she was faintly aware that she was hyperventilating. "NO!"
Holding my last breath
Safe inside myself
Are all my thoughts of you?
Sweet raptured light, it ends here tonight
Everyone winced, unable to find the tears that should have surged forward. It was as if they were all trapped within their surprise at the sudden turn of events. Kagura's eyes shifted over to Hibiki, who stood over the overwhelmed taijiya and the now-deceased monk.
How dare he remain here?
"Dance of Blades," she all but snarled, launching the attack with more vigor than usual.
Hibiki's eyes widened as he noticed the attack from his sibling just seconds too late. The question in his eyes was evident, why?
"Because you are worthless." She hissed, biting her tongue to keep from crying out in pain as she pulled the still purified arrow from the boomerang nearby and plunged it into where his heart should have been. The youkai disappeared instantly, with the look of betrayal still evident in his normally stoic eyes.
Sesshomaru was at Kagome's side as she awoke soon thereafter, and she cried bitterly with Sango.
"We won't bury him here," the miko murmured to her friend softly, "We'll give him a proper burial, because he deserves so much more than this." Sango nodded, her eyes haunted.
"Yes," she whispered brokenly, "he does." All the same, she made sure no one mentioned to Kagome that he was protecting her when he died… that was guilt she didn't need and Sango knew she didn't do it on purpose. There was no reason to divulge something like that. "Don't forget to get the other half of the jewel Kagome."
She nodded, and getting up slowly she walked over to the nearly forgotten jewel and picked it up. The tainted half purifying in her hand instantly. She closed her hands over the two halves, and felt the familiar warmth as the two pieces fused together.
"It's finally over." She murmured, surveying the damage around her with sad eyes. Why did it have to be this way?
As if sensing her thoughts, Sesshomaru came over and hugged her firmly from behind, enclosing her much smaller hands within his own. "I'm sorry," he whispered softly. Kagome nodded, smiling… but it didn't fully reach her eyes.
Neither had the chance to notice the astonished gaping of Inuyasha and Kouga, nor the somewhat satisfied look of Sango.
"Ni?" Kagome blinked, feeling the jewel heat up of its own free well. "Nani—?" And suddenly she was enshrouded in a soft light. Sesshomaru released her and stood back in confusion.
To her left a very familiar being appeared. His shaggy silver hair caught the last remaining stray rays of golden light, and his lavender eyes sparked with great warmth. His large white, feathered wings were folded against his back instead of stretched out, complimenting his tanned skin. A lush emerald crescent stood out against his cheek with a star suspended between the tips.
"You…" she murmured, before the light swallowed her up and she was gone.
He looked solemnly to the rest of the stunned faces and slowly began to explain the situation.
Thud.
"Oof!" Kagome blinked, trying to adjust to the sudden darkness in contrast to the light and the setting of where she last was.
So uh… where exactly was she now?
Feeling around slowly, her hands met with the solid wood that enclosed her in this small space. The well… I'm back in my own time?
With a look of utter confusion, she climbed her way out, panting softly from the strain it put on her already overworked body before jumping back in.
… But she was not transported back into the past and instead added another bruise to her steadily growing collection.
"No," she hissed. This couldn't happen, it couldn't end this way! Not after everything, not when everyone needed her most… not when she needed them most.
Furiously, she climbed out of the well and jumped once more, only to be able to count on one more bruise showing up tomorrow. And over and over she repeated this process with the tears of frustration growing in her eyes until she could no longer climb out of the well and instead began to cry softly.
It was over… it was all over.
KK: Bwah. And thus ends You and you alone can save me. I will be setting the last installment up soon (hopefully), and I do think you will all enjoy the epilogue more than this chapter… :D Please don't kill me?
Seika: Oh, trust me… they'll bloody well kill you.
KK: Oh but you see, they can't. If they kill me then I'll never finish the Epilogue and they'll never get their happy ending.
Seika: Ah… niiiice.
Lady Orchid: Hehe… I'm sooo sorry about the 4 month delay… :D;;; I promise you the Epilogue won't take as long.
The Squabbit: Haha, well I hope you liked it. I certainly disliked the war… it was choppy and horribly written, but seeing as it's my first attempt it doesn't quite surprise me.
Awww, thank you. :D
hermonie: Yes, I fully agree. :D
AnimusPatronus: You're too kind. And thank you, it was a lovely birthday. :D
xXxEmoChickxXx: Oh I'm so glad you think so. :D I hope this one was to your liking as well.
Demonic Gurl: Oh thank you! Teehee… :D And I just don't much care for sequels myself because they usually aren't half so good as the first one and it's just a major disappointment, plus I'm only interested in the romance and falling in love part. What they do after is their business… o.O;; I'm glad you like the mirror thing, I rather liked it myself… (perhaps I should sell them my idea?) And I've not heard of this rumor, no, but it won't stop me. This is one of my favorite parts.
SexyYami89: Oh thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. :D
Darkangel329: Aw, I'm happy to be of help!
Sparkleberrie: Sorry, only one more… :D;;;
Mimiru: Simply by their questions and what they say. Like asking about something you stated several times or tried to put emphasis on in explaining it… and then they criticize you for it because they didn't care enough to read everything.
Love Me Princess Kagome: I agree, but falling in love does that to people, ni? And you see, if she doesn't know about her power it's true it could be sleeping, but its also possible it could awaken without her knowing and she could purify things on accident. All the same there is still the hidden threat there should the miko be aware of the powers or not.
Black Lady of Darkest Shadow: Aw, not the best but I must thank you for such high praise! Inu and Kouga will find out in Tsukasa's explaining, but sadly we will not be there to see their reactions. Oh well…
Chichiri-sama: :D THANK YOU! –plays in confetti-
Ms Lioness: No, I'm afraid not. I'm planning on putting it out sometime after the ending of You and you alone can save me. And I can only hope…
Mekahanyou: Oh dear, then I be this chapter shocked you. :D I struggle with it to be honest, it takes effort to get them as long as they are. (Especially this one)
Yukina-chan: NEVER WILL I IGNORE YOU! –pounce-
Kagome-chan: Indeed. :D
Miss lady death: Oooh… -wince- Is 4 months soon enough?
Hikaritenshi2000: It's fine, I understand. Us with dying computers must stick together!
Sora Chi Kaminari: Aw, teehee. Sure, when I get some free time. I'm not promising you anything however because I have the worst memory in the history of Ever… I forget what I wrote in my last chapter and frequently have to refer to it when writing the next chapter… o.o;;
Icerose: It's fine, I understand. I'm glad you think so highly of me, teehee. :D
Animeniac: Hehe, I hope you liked this chapter as well. :D
Paige: Aw, I wouldn't do that far… Don't worry, it's my baby. I can't not finish it. :D
Lisa: Thank you very much. :D
Cylastia: School.
The Pia: O.O;;;
Selena-chan: Thank you. :D
Churry: Believe it or not, you are the only one who has commented. Everyone else has had no problems with it and have loved it or overlooked this problem. I'm sorry that you are a close-minded homophobic and pray that you see the error of your ways. Have a nice day.
Shadow miko: I'm glad you liked it, teehee. :D
Itoma the god of water: Well I'm sorry for the delay. I do hope the length makes it up to you!
StarPrincess2020: Why thank you, you are too kind. :D
Tohru-Uotani-Hanajima: Here you go, I hope you enjoyed it. :D
OrionPeardott: Thank you for all the reviews! Heehee. :D
Darkness 4 eternity: It's fine, I don't mind. Thank you for reviewing!
Inugurl25: Why thank you! I'm glad you like it. :D
Darkness 4 eternity: Haha, it's fine. Thank you for reviewing at all. You're too kind, and I hope you liked this chapter.
KK: So… I'm unhappy with how the battle came out.
Seika: Well it was your first attempt…
KK: And I'm sorry for the 4-month delay. I do hope the 25 pages made up for it… and the Epilogue will not take as long I PROMISE. :D