A.N. I'm so, so, so sorry this is soo late! I came down with this stomach virus, and I've been in hell for the passed few weeks, last week being the worst. I hadn't been able to keep much down until a few days ago, but besides some bouts of nausea I'm all good. Then I got the flu and I'm still a bit ...ehh.

But because I made you all wait so long, you all get one free shot with your choice of rotten fruit... at Inuyasha. –mwuahaha- & you get 8,000 or so words of pure, pure Delightful Disastrous.

Now before I begin, I mention vaguely a program in the second Tsuki that can (using a satellite) act as either a Rand Mcnally or you can actually look at people's houses as creepy as that sounds. There are limitations of course if you don't pay (My brother has it set up on his computer but I don't know how or where he got it but...yeah he only uses it for directions so I don't grill him about it...)

Disclaimer: I own not a thing in this world, except whatever my sick mind concocts...

Chapter dedication: to LeafeKnight7 since her birthday was just last month. Congratulations for turning a whopping sixteen!

Finale

(Tsuki)

A priestess with grace and beauty unbound sat cross legged on the ground of what appeared to be an iridescent bubble.

Aside her raged hordes of demons, spilling each other's blood but never quite dying. They only could feel the blatant shock of pain. It was war without a purpose. A fight with no end.

She smiled slightly, with her eyes closed in her meditation, "I wonder..."

There was a thud against her enclosure. With her eyes still shut, and with a frown, she called out, "Angered, milord?"

There was a growl before a mockingly inviting voice called back, "Come join the fun, miko. You can't stay protected forever, Midoriko."

Midoriko rolled her eyes under her pale lids, "I'm not merely protecting myself, Dominion. I am praying."

There was a guttural laugh, "For death, miko?"

"For life... Not that you of all creatures could understand such a concept." But there was only so long she could pray safely in her bubble. As soon as the jewel entered the castle, evil began to permeate the jewel.

Dominion sneered as he and the strength of the demons around him grew. "It would seem as your powers is being sapped, miko."

Not completely depleted but enough for her protection to be shattered. The glass of her safety spiked through the hordes of monsters, cutting through anything in its path. Midoriko stood panting and Dominion charged.

And once again the battle commenced.

(Tsuki)

Kikyou sat rooted inside the van, in the driver's seat, her eyes glued to a laptop that had been placed firmly in her lap; a bow and a quiver of arrows were draped over the back of the seat next to her.

She was supposed to be the getaway driver, but that small role did not sit too well with her. At all.

Kikyou clicked on her headset. Apparently Sesshoumaru loved his gadgets, for he had all these knickknacks merely lying around. "It's Kikyou." She rolled her eyes at the snide comment that met her simple greeting, "Could you stop being an ass for five seconds? I know it's hard but please...try."

There was nothing that pissed her off more than someone who couldn't appreciate help.

She typed into a laptop that she had lifted from Sesshoumaru's possession. "Sesshoumaru, I'm downloading a layout of the house. Try not to move until I say anything. And try not to say anything either," She muttered the latter in impatience as he started to question her.

Apparently she had forgotten to tell him that she had taken his laptop.

Oops.

But there was no point in crying over spilt milk. What was done was done. She couldn't go back in time and not take his laptop when he wasn't looking. Life didn't work like that.

Kikyou clicked the picture that was on the screen to zoom in a few times.

"Go me," she smirked as the blown up picture of the layout popped up on the program. She quickly looked it over trying to figure out what was what. "Alright Sesshoumaru... I think I know where you guys need to go."

(Tsuki)

There were three simultaneous sighs as the two chased each other around the beach. They were almost evenly matched. Kikyou groaned and chased after the two, "We don't have time for this! It's nine already and we've yet to finish the set up! You guys know we still have shopping to do to make up for yesterday, set up electricity in this area, set up the games, and burners, bake for tomorrow, clean—"

Inuyasha chuckled, "So that's why you needed that key. Kiki-chan, you're a genuine cupid, a little crazy, but a cupid none the less." Kikyou slapped Inuyasha playfully. Finally she twirled around, uncharacteristically loose, "It's good to see Mirouku in such wonderful hands. I'm so happy for him."

She clapped her hands together. "Wait! You're Kikyou Tamida! I absolutely love your clothes line," she gushed shaking the young woman hands enthusiastically. Everyone turned to stare at her. Kikyou gave a soft smile, and Kagome blushed as she noted everyone's eyes turned onto her. "Hey! Don't look at me...Go back to ...what ever you were talking about!"

(Tsuki)

There were probably fewer skeleton in a graveyard.

On what seemed to be every corner of the floor, were the skeletons and corpses of the dead in the most grotesque positions. Some were more recent that others. Bony hands were wrapped around their own throats, mouths opened, and they all varied in sizes. Men and women and young boys and girls. Many still had their clothing others didn't.

Sango and Mirouku looked at each other at front door, where Sesshoumaru had placed them. He and the rest of the group were probably in the room one over. They stood at positions where they could see out without being seen by anyone that might be in the house. They did not want to take any chances.

The couple wore headsets and metal masks to purify the air of miasma, and held different weapons. Mirouku held a bo staff while Sango had a large boomerang. She had remarked that the weapon brought back old memories of her father.

In the car Sesshoumaru had opened the box- the Shi no Kirei, and had begun to pull out small toy sized weapons.

As they left the box, they grew to life sized sizes.

It was not hard to guess the rest of the plan from there.

They were in the enemy's territory, but they were not unarmed. Only an idiot would think that Naraku did not have anything planned for them just to make their lives a little harder.

Sango reached out to squeeze Mirouku's hand, "I'm so nervous I could vomit." Mirouku wrapped an arm around the girl's shoulder, smiling, "Not exactly how I would word it but it fits the bill."

(Tsuki)

Sango shook her head, "You guys really are barbaric." Kagome grinned, "Let the guys live a little Sango. As long as were not in public, I'm sure it's fine." Sango shrugged and mumbled, "Public or not, it's still a bit inhuman."

Sango smiled back at Mirouku and in that moment, she knew he wasn't just some perverted manager; he was a caring and sweet man that always smiled and made others smile. And what she also knew, and what scared her the most, was that she knew she loved him.

His reply was a snort, "You cook?"

Mirouku shrugged, "I've made toast before."

(Tsuki)

Inuyasha looked at his brother. "Did you hear that? It sounds like there's somethin' under us."

Sesshoumaru held a finger to his lips, "Be on alert." He moved to the side. "Kikyou... Do you see anything along the lines of tunnels in any of the rooms?"

"I'm looking now...And do not tell me to hurry. Your computers need a good upgrading." There was a small pause, "Oh God, Sesshoumaru there is a whole system of them in the room left of the foyer. Do not linger in there. They can't be stable. At all."

Sesshoumaru cursed, "Moved out. Now! And try not to stay on the floor."

At that moment, there was a burst from underneath the flooring. A silvery purple streak burst out of the flooring showering the group with woody splinters.

Inuyasha cracked his knuckles, "I definitely call this one."

There was a cackle as the 'streak' landed on the ground. Kageromaru sharpened his sickles against each other. "I actually want a challenge hanyou... so how about you, wolf boy..." A tiny purple tongue snaked out of his mouth to lick his lips. "Care to give it a go? I haven't had wolf in so long."

Inuyasha glared, "You little shit! I'll show you challenge..."

Kouga pushed Inuyasha back, "If the freak wants a fight, then I'll give him one, you go on... There's no time to argue over who fights what."

Ayame nodded, "He's right. Let's go..."

Sesshoumaru nodded, "Ayame's correct. Stay off the floors. And," He turned back to Kouga, "Try not to die."

Kouga grinned leisurely stretching, "Wouldn't dream of it."

Kageromaru smirked, "Aww. Touching. I'll give you a minute for your goodbyes. They will, after all, be your last."

Sesshoumaru leaped off with one last look at Kageromaru, Inuyasha following suit, Ayame lingered awhile longer, "Good luck, Kouga."

Kouga glanced at her leaving form, and that was all Kageromaru needed, as he raced towards him gleaming, "Times up!"

(Tsuki)

A small woman walked into the room. She had fiery red hair and sharp green eyes. Ayame had an iris tucked behind her pigtails and a pair of sunglasses hung off her nose. An auburn tail flicked behind her.

Sango frowned, "Yes, yes a flat tire. I think you've over used that excuse Ayame."

The girl winced, as she put on an apron over her white spring dress, and mumbled, "Fine, I overslept a bit. But I'm here now."

She had also asked him about Ayame and learned a few things on that subject matter and was even more determined to get the two together.

Inuyasha shuddered, as Jakotsu bounced past him with a wink. "He definitely needs help..." Sesshoumaru nodded and followed his brother out of the room to finish dressing. "Or tranquilizing. Either one I am completely fine with."

"We're coming to stay over there with you."

"I was not aware that my home was a hotel, little brother." Sesshoumaru growled.

Kouga looked down at his shoes his and brought a hand threw his long black hair that he had up in a pony tail, and said in a soft voice murmured, "Kagome. I wanted to say, I'm sorry. I over reacted a bit."

Kagome rubbed her forehead, "A bit? Kouga, I think that jumping through a window is a lot more than over acting a bit. You could have been killed."

Kouga grabbed her hands, "You were worried about me?"

(Tsuki)

Kanna slipped into the front carrying her mirror, mindful of the two who stood guard. Apparently they were proving to be their own distractions since they were talking to each other at the moment.

She began to touch the bones of the ones nearest her. "Wake up...master has a job for you." Her mirror shined brightly as wisps of light entered the skulls of each nonliving body. She frowned at her handy word, "You are to go easy on them..."

And without another word she slipped out of the room, the sound of bones scrapping against each other sounding to her departure.

-

Sango looked at her companion, "Did you hear that?"

Mirouku blinked, "Hear what?"

The scraping sound went up a bit. Sango looked at him, "That! Tell me you hear it."

Mirouku blinked again feigning attention to what she was saying as his hand reached over to Sango's backside, "Oh. Yeah, I do." Sango hit him upside the head. "Idiot! Be serious."

Mirouku looked out into the rest of the room with a pout, "I was being serious. I was seriously trying to feel you up." He did a double take and turned back to Sango, who was hitting her head against the wall muttering about her choice in men. "Um, love. The corpses are gone."

Sango stopped banging her head, "Honey, I doubt those bodies just up and left."

Mirouku shrugged, "Yeah you're probably right. I just need sleep."

Sango patted his head, "Yes, yes, you do."

Suddenly something began to roll around on the floor. It stopped in front of Sango, "What the fuck!" she hissed, backing up against the wall.

It began to rotate and Sango bit in her tongue to keep from screaming. "Holy crap!"

She said after a moment.

Mirouku started to chuckle a moment after it stopped moving. "I bet that was Inuyasha's doing." Sango hid her grin, and placed a hand over her head, "Well ha ha."

Sango rolled her eyes, and pressed her headset, "Throwing skulls now? Real mature, Inuyasha. Why aren't you with the group?" she turned to Mirouku, "I doubt Sesshoumaru would have let him play a joke like that without us hearing about it." Mirouku chuckled softly, but everything lost its humor when they got Inuyasha's response.

"Sango...What are you talking about? I'm still with the group. We have seen a skull in a while, and I definitely haven't thrown any. Is something wrong?"

Sango paled, and the empty sockets that stared at the two suddenly lit with a blue flame, "Boo..." It grinned at them.

Mirouku kicked the skull out of their rooted place and exited into the foyer, "I think I've found our missing friends, love..."

The skeletons and corpses were all walking towards them, moaning and grinning.

Sango gained her composure and hefted her boomerang. She winked at him, "Good. Then let's go greet them."

(Tsuki)

"Such a beautiful name. I am a humble manager named Mirouku. If you ever have any problems, needs, or wants to bear children, feel free to come to me." Kagome blushed and looked at him strangely, "Excuse me, what was that last one!"

Mirouku shook his head and smiled, "I'm sure, from what I've heard of your cooking, that it is second only to yours." Sango blushed and floundered her words, "No I don't...I'm not that good a chef...!" She was nearing his place at the table and as she put his down his foil wrapped hamburger, she felt something stroke her rear. Her face burning red, she swung her hand and caught the right side of Mirouku's cheek in a resounding slap. "Pervert!"

She laughed with him, "I don't even know how but I fell for a guy with wandering hands."

Mirouku stroke her hair absently, "I'd never even look at another girl if you were at my side."

Sango looked up at him, her cheeks a light pink, her eyes misted, as Mirouku continued, "I wouldn't have to. There's no one else that compares."

(Tsuki)

Kouga jumped backwards and away from the carnivorous demon. He landed on the floor only to have the wood break under his weight. Serpent demons wrapped around his feet from underneath the boards.

"Uh!"

Kageromaru cackled and went after him, his razor sharp sickle arms extended. Kouga tried to free his legs from the snake's constricting hold. He let out let one last grunt, and slices through the leathery hides. The wolf demon freed himself, only seconds before Kageromaru reached him, but did not come out unscathed.

Kouga held his bleeding leg, holding in a wince. "Fuck!"

Kageromaru smirked, "That should slow you down enough." Kouga flipped his ponytail over his shoulder cockily, "Not likely."

He started the offensive this time, seemingly unhindered by the wound, but Kageromaru knew better. He was babying his wounded leg.

He laughed again and met Kouga head on, catching his arm. The wolf flipped backwards onto floor, with a grimace.

"Damn you."

He pulled the small sword that Sesshoumaru had given him from his waistband, but before he could draw it from the scabbard, two serpent demons began to wrap around him, "Not you guys again! Urh...!"

Kageromaru used the time once again to go after him, "Let's finish this... I'm in the mood for a living heart."

Kouga struggled against the hold of the demons in vain. "Sick little freak...!" Kageromaru dove unrelentingly towards him laughing.

But in a flash, instead of death, Kouga saw his whole world crash before his eyes.

(Tsuki)

Sango flung her boomerang, which she was fondly referring to as Hiraikotsu, for the possible billionth time. "These guys aren't really tough, just really, really, horror moviesque and creepy."

There was a shrieking laugh from one of them and Mirouku snorted, cringing slightly, "Try fucking disturbing. I'm pretty sure that I'm scarred for life."

He brought his staff down onto a skull, and it fell to the ground lifeless once again, "But you are right. They aren't too tough."

(Tsuki)

Inuyasha wiped his bangs out of his eyes, "How do you think Mirouku and Sango are holding?"

Sesshoumaru snorted, "If Sango did not already kill the lech then the both of them are both fairing well, otherwise." Other than Inuyasha's last conversation with them he had no reason to believe that they were not doing well. Both seemed like a pair that could hold their own well. Sesshoumaru suddenly paused.

They had previously reached a corridor that was so narrow that they had had to walk single file. Ayame had volunteered to take the rear.

But there was one problem... "Where is Ayame?"

(Tsuki)

If there is one thing that could implant itself in your mind for eternity, it's the sight of your first love being impaled by a sickle demon, and falling limply to the ground in front of you.

Kouga looked on in disbelief, "Ayame?"

Kageromaru emerged from her abdomen causing Ayame to howl in pain. Naraku's minion frowned, "How did I miss?"

Kouga broke free from his restrictions angrily, "You bastard! Ayame!"

With a swipe of his claws the snakes were reduced to dust. He went after Kageromaru next. His pupils constricted to slits in his eyes with red hot anger.

Kageromaru wheezed, "Even if I die, little wolf, I still had the pleasure of tasting your friend there."

Kouga picked up his sword in a matter of moments took care of Kageromaru. "You twisted bastard!" He furiously lacerated the dead incarnate's carcass over and over, until he was nothing but shreds.

Then he stood and went over to Ayame, "Aya?"

A line of blood dripped from the corner of her mouth, "Hey tough guy..." she winced a bit. Kouga knelt beside her quickly reassuring her the best, "You're gonna be fine, okay? You-You- It's not even that bad right?"

Ayame laughed slightly, "Nope, just missing half my vital organs. It-it's nothing much." She tried to lighten the mood but only ended up making herself cry. She coughed, "It hurts Kouga."

Kouga suddenly hugged her head to him, "I'm sorry Ayame."

Ayame rasped a bit, before smiling, "Ko...Kouga I don't blame you for anything...Not for this, and not for before. I-I should have explained everything." She started to get a little light headed.

Kouga, squeezed her hand, "I don't mean to sound cliché, Aya, but you shouldn't talk." He rubbed her arm to keep her warm.

She chuckled, the sound bringing spittle of blood. She made a face, "God...I must be in real bad shape."

There was the creak of the floor and the sound of a slithering, and Kouga scooped up Ayame, "We can't stay in here. It's not safe."

With that he jumped out of the room as the whole floor collapsed and was replaced by a sea of demons.

--

And there he told her not to talk. "Kouga, please, let me explain," this is where she swallowed. "Remember graduation?" So wistful, regretting, "I was supposed to stay in Japan... finish my schooling in my hometown, with friends...and with you." He smiled.

Tears sparkled in her eyes. "That had been my wish. But then gramps got in trouble with some bad youkai. They were ready to kill us, for money like always. America seemed the best place to go. They're not so fond of youkai it'd seem," she laughed here more blood came then before.

The movement was not helping her. "But who'd suspect a straight A girl and her wolf as youkai? Not them apparently. Gramps went onto be an elder for another clan in the north while, I came back to finish up school. They didn't follow us or anything so I guess it was all blown over." And she was rambling. "I didn't want to tell you Kouga, then." Her eyes became pleading.

"I didn't want you hurt. I didn't want you to stop me from leaving or do anything to those youkai. I knew you would. You're stubborn like that... headstrong." And then there she smiled. They were so similar, he had said. "I'm sorry I said that at graduation. I didn't know if I would be able to come back and I didn't want you to wait for me. I just wanted to get that all off my chest, Kouga. Before I die..."

"Don't tell me I'm not..."

"It hurts too much, Kouga..." She paused here and he whispered in her ear. "Goodbye..."

"I love you..."

And that is where she died.

(Tsuki)

Inuyasha pressed the button for Kouga, "Hey...Are you okay? Where are you? Have you seen Ayame?"

He got no response, but there was no time to try again for Sesshoumaru pushed him down. Inuyasha groaned, "I'm gettin' real tired of being knocked into shit. Walls, floors, what the hell do I look like to you people?"

Sesshoumaru let him up, "I suppose then that you would have rather been that wall?" His gaze shifted to the wall behind them that had been newly demolished. All that was left was charred rubble.

"Heh, I'll pass on that. Thanks."

"Prepare to die..." The two brothers whirled around in time to see the pyro of the group, Hakadoushi narrow his eyes and with a wave of his hands the whole room went up into flames.

Luck be a lady tonight...

(Tsuki)

And at that moment, Naraku was amusing himself with his captive.

He stroked Kagome's hair, a gag was in her mouth, and she was tied to a chair. She tried to move away from his grasp. She was filled with disgust every single time his nails combed through the strands of her hair, or he whispered with his cajoling tone. She squirmed against her restraints.

When she had first been brought there, she had basically tried to claw Naraku's eyes out. So, five minutes after that first incident found her tied to a chair. They had had to find a chair and rope, so apparently restraint had not been intended at first.

But seven minutes after trying to claw Naraku's eyes out, found her trying to break her chair on Naraku's person. Ten minutes after trying to claw Naraku's eyes out found her legs also securely bound together.

Twelve minutes after trying to claw out Naraku's eyes, found Kagome trying to kick Naraku in the balls when ever he came near her. Fifteen minutes after trying to claw out Naraku's eyes found Kagome with her legs securely bound, and tied to the chair.

Seventeen minutes after trying to claw Naraku's eyes out, found Kagome mouthing off to Naraku. Eighteen minutes after Kagome tried to claw Naraku's eyes out, found Kagome securely gagged.

Now she could barely move and Naraku was enjoying that. He had told her so several times. "If your precious little Sesshoumaru doesn't come for you, I suppose I'll take you in as a pet. You amuse me. I suppose that's why Sesshoumaru bothers to keep you around... amusement...You have no worth other than that...And your body."

Naraku smirked as Kagome glared at him; her face was tinged an angry red.

"Yes... I trust Hakadoushi to take care of your little friends. Then, I will have the jewel, and I will have you."

(Tsuki)

Sango caught her Hiraikotsu and brought it back down to a standing position. She leaned against it with a sigh, "Well, so much for those guys."

Mirouku plopped onto the floor, raising a cloud of dust. "Heh yeah."

Kikyou's voice filled the ears of the two in the room. "Guys...where are you right now?" Sango looked at Mirouku before responding, "We're in the front foyer, still, why?"

They heard Kikyou swallow before answering, "Something really weird is going on with this place. I don't know what exactly, but it's like the whole thing's transforming... Watch yourselves."

Sango smiled, "We're completely fine, Kikyou. Don't worry about us..."

Kikyou sighed, "Alright... I'm just going to check on the others."

Mirouku looked around, "Nothing seems out of order..."

And then the floor beneath them gave way.

(Tsuki)

The fire was as hot as the flames of hell, and they crept up on every surface imaginable. The room had become a box of flames.

Hakadoushi lifted a brow, "Hot enough for you?"

Inuyasha cracked his knuckle, "Nah, this," he laughed, "this is nothin'."

Sesshoumaru pulled a sword from his sash, scabbard and all and threw it to Inuyasha. It had been one of two. The other he drew himself.

They were the swords of his—their father. Tokijin and the Tetsusaiga. There had been a third sword the Tesseiga, which was to go to Sesshoumaru, but that had yet to be found.

Both swords pulsed to life and Hakudoushi chuckled, "Amusing, brothers. But don't even bother pulling out your swords. I am not here to fight."

Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru did not drop their defensive stances.

Hakudoushi smiled, "He is."

And from the flames came a horse with flames for a mane and at its hooves. Its eyes burned with the fires of hell.

Hakudoushi's eyes lit up with pride at the horse, "Entei meet the brothers. Brothers... meet your death."

And then he vanished and Entei reared its head and galloped onward on flamed feet.

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes, "How dare you think that this pitiful excuse for a demon could be my end."

Inuyasha smirked, "Pissed?"

"Very."

(Tsuki)

Kikyou floored the gas, shifting the car to reverse, "Shit!" She cursed as she backed a good distance away from the castle. "What in the world?"

An ominous dark cloud had formed over the castle, and in a matter of moments had eaten away at the sky until the cloud completely dominated. As the cloud grew, the castle seemed to shake and morph. Purple steams poured out from inside the castle.

If the corrosion of the plant life that the strange purple goop ran over was not enough of a sign to get out of there, the sizzling and smoke was.

She reached over and picked up a mask that Sesshoumaru had instructed her to keep ready. She hurriedly placed it on.

The acidic whatever it was stopped a good several feet from the castle before it began to swirl in a circle and create a mote around the castle.

Kikyou stared at the transforming castle, "Mirouku? Sango?"

There was no response.

"What the hell is going on in there?"

(Tsuki)

Kouga looked at the demoness in his arms, "Ayame..."

"Hey...Are you okay? Where are you? Have you seen Ayame?"

Inuyasha's voice didn't to seem to register with him. "Ayame...?"

She couldn't be dead. This was Ayame. The same girl that could make demons that were decades older cry when they were little. Tough-as-nails Ayame. She couldn't die...

But she did... For him.

"What am I going to do?"

He couldn't leave her. He wouldn't.

Not here.

But he also couldn't bring her with him and hope to be able to fight...

And he had to keep moving. He was being followed. And if his nose was right, who ever was following him smelled similarly to the one that had killed Ayame.

He sped up slightly, keeping distance from the walls as they began to ooze a corrosive liquid.

Suddenly he was forced to stop as a spontaneously generated whirl wind formed in front of his path to block his passage. He growled, and held the red head's body even more protectively to his chest, "Show yourself. Now!"

Kouga tensed when a black haired woman walked up to him. She seemed as if she was doing something wrong, for she would every so often, nervously look around her to see if anyone was watching or following or something.

She looked at him with pleading pink eyes, "Give me the girl."

(Tsuki)

Sango groaned and whispered, "Mirouku? Are you okay?" Mirouku rubbed his back, "Yeah... I'm fine, you?"

Sango moved into a sitting position stiffly, "Wonderful." She felt around for her companion, "Roku? Where are you?"

Mirouku found her hand in the dark, "Right here, Sango."

They seemed to be on something rough, and suspiciously rocky in texture. Mirouku pulled Sango into his lap, "I wish we had some light..."

As if in answer to his wish, there was a loud sizzling roar, and a bright fluorescent purple light lit the area. Mirouku and Sango were gifted with sight.

They looked around them, and Sango had to stifle a scream. They were indeed on a rocky surface, but it ended short...very short. Mirouku was lucky to have not fallen off. But their luck ended pretty much there. One look below them was enough to give them a clue as to how bad their position was.

Beneath their sanctuary, were demons. Hundreds and hundreds of demons.

And to make matters even worse, that purple light, turned out to be from, if Mirouku guessed correctly, miasma in a liquid form. Corrosive poison... It was eating away at anything in its path. Meaning the youkai below. It would have been fine with them had not the demons decided they were going to head off to higher ground.

Their higher ground.

They were sitting ducks. Sango held Mirouku's hand tightly as they heard the roars, growls, and hisses grow nearer.

Mirouku looked over at Sango, and smiled wanly, "This isn't exactly what I had in mind when I pictured dying with you. There was more gray hair involved."

Sango laughed nervously slightly and hugged the arms that encircled her, "This can't seriously be it..." Mirouku was in the middle of responding back, when an eerie blue light shone in their faces.

"Come with me if you want to live..."

(Tsuki)

And then there was silence. Empty... Empty... Silence... There was nothing but the own roar of blood in her ears. The pounding of her heart. Naraku and Juromaru had left awhile ago.

Were they alright? 'Sesshoumaru...' Was he alright? Sitting there doing nothing was absolutely killing her. There were out there getting hurt because she couldn't hold her own.

Like Naraku had said. Had sneered in her face. She was worthless. Nothing but bait.

She had been left alone for what felt like hours, but was only fifteen minutes. 'What if he's not even coming?' She wasn't all that clueless. She knew there was something bigger than her going on. She clamped her eyes shut.

Before she had been brought here, Kagura came clean. To the driver, to her jii-chan, to the basement, to her kidnapping. Everything.

She had filled her in on a lot, and why she was doing it all. And she couldn't bring herself to hate the incarnate.

She hadn't wanted to do what she did.

But how was it that she was so naïve, so clueless to not be able to piece anything together. 'Can't I do anything?'

Kagome took in a deep breath to calm herself.

'Stop it, Kagome...Don't let Naraku get to you. He's wrong about everything... He doesn't know anything.'

Someone walked into the room, and by their footsteps, Kagome could tell that they were angry.

Kagome opened her eyes and instantly furrowed her brows. It was Naraku.

Dressed in a pelt... Of a baboon. 'Ewww...'

And he was pissed at something. He was being followed by a Juromaru and a small white haired boy.

Naraku looked at Juromaru, "Where are your sisters?"

Juromaru rolled his eyes, "Playing with your guests." Inwardly he smirked when Naraku seemed to buy his lie.

Kagome struggled against her bindings. They were here! They came for her...

Naraku frowned, "Don't get any ideas of a rescue, hon. Juromaru," he commanded sharply, "Bring them here."

Kagome wished for a little leeway in her bindings anything so, she could free herself and bash Naraku's face in.

The hanyou abruptly tensed and he looked at Hakudoushi angrily, "I told you to get rid of them."

'Get rid of who?' Kagome blinked in confusion.

Before the incarnate could protest his attempt, the door to the room burst open and Kagome never knew a moment where she had felt more relieved.

(Tsuki)

Kouga growled, angry that anyone would think that he'd abandon Ayame to anyone related to her murderer. "Why should I?"

The woman rolled her eyes becoming a bit impatient, "I'm here to help...Please. There isn't much time. I'll place her somewhere safe."

Kouga looked torn, "But you're one of them!"

"Yes, but not all of us want to live the lives of someone else. Please, give her to me. Then go to Naraku. I'll give you the directions. The two brothers might need help."

Kouga closed his eyes briefly as he placed Ayame in her arms, "What's your name?"

"My name is Kagura. And thank you..."

(Tsuki)

Mirouku didn't bother to question her. There were certain things in life that were just a give in. Go with a little girl or get ripped limb from limb by a horde of demons.

Uhh... duh.

He basically carried Sango the whole way, despite her protesting, but he was not about to let her out of his sight just yet.

She had not really run, but always managed to stay ahead of them until the mysterious girl decided to stop after they had gone a good distance into the tunnel, "We will be safe here..."

Sango jumped out a Mirouku's arms, but stayed close to him. "Who are you?"

She looked at them with vacant eyes, "I am Kanna..."

"Why did you help us?" It was Mirouku this time who asked the question. Kanna looked at them, the mirror in her hands gleaming, "I did not want you two dead."

She continued to speak, "Take this tunnel. It leads outside... You have a fallen comrade that you will find along the way... Take them out of here."

Sango covered her mouth in shock.

Mirouku ran a hand through his hair, "But why—how ...wh—"

"Please...go...there is no time!"

Sango nodded, "Thank you..."

Mirouku nodded his thanks and the two were off.

Kagura appeared next to Kanna from the shadows, "Are you ready, Kanna?"

There was a moment of silence, filled only by the screeches of the demons, and then Kanna nodded, "...Yes..."

Kagura smiled at her older sister, and then the two went off.

It was time...

(Tsuki)

Kagome blushed a dark red, "Sorry if I interrupted. My name's Kagome." She held out her hand awkwardly. The older woman shook her hand earnestly. "I'm Sango, and this," She paused to pet the blissful demon cat, which had gone back to her creamy delight, fondly, "is Kirara. Totousai told us about you, yesterday."

Sango wrapped an arm around her, "Let's not even bother to question, Kagome ole girl. Let's not even bother."

(Tsuki)

"Thesthoaaroo!" Kagome looked at the youkai who had come to her rescue, and her heart swelled. He'd get her out sure enough.

Sesshoumaru looked angrily at Naraku, "Release her."

Naraku sneered, "I don't believe I have the jewel yet, so there is no reason to release the girl."

Inuyasha stepped up with the box, "Then we'll make the trade. I can't stand seeing you touch her."

Naraku airily stroked Kagome's hair, causing her to erupt in muffled threats. "I don't trust you, Inuyasha not to pull anything."

Just then Kagura and Kanna entered with Juromaru, "Good. We're all here." Naraku smirked. "Inuyasha give the jewel to Kanna, and Juromaru will give the girl to Sesshoumaru. Deal?"

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes, "Fine, as long as Kagome is delivered safely."

Juromaru went behind Kagome and untied her bindings and removed her gag. After having her stand, he held firmly onto her arm.

Inuyasha removed the jewel from the box, and slowly began to move towards Kanna. Juromaru did the same with Sesshoumaru.

Naraku overlooked everything, "Don't even think of trying anything Sesshoumaru. I'll kill her if you do. It'd be so easy."

Hakudoushi and Kagura stood on opposite sides of him a good distance away.

All of a sudden the doors reopened and Kouga burst in. Juromaru started and threw off the synchrony. Kagura smiled, 'Good it's all working according to plan.'

Inuyasha handed over the jewel a moment before Juromaru would have handed over Kagome. Now that they had the jewel there was no need to hand over Kagome. He wrapped one arm around her waist and the other he held inches away from her throat. Claws extended.

Kagome whimpered and Kouga gasped on what he walked onto, "Kagome! Kagura! You planned this didn't you?"

Sesshoumaru eyes edged red, "Naraku!"

Naraku smirked, "What a pleasant outcome. Good work Kagura. Now Kanna? The jewel if you will. I have a wish to make."

Kanna looked at Naraku and smirked. She turned from him and tossed the jewel to Kagome.

Juromaru released her in time for her to catch it.

Naraku's expression went from shocked, to angered, to horribly pissed. From underneath his baboon pelt shot dozens of inky black tentacles.

"How dare you cross me!"

The house shook in Naraku's rage and began to crumble from the foundation's destruction.

Sesshoumaru grabbed Kagome and Inuyasha drew his sword, slashing at the tentacles in their way. "Run!"

Kouga was not too far behind as they tried to find an exit.

Kagome looked back at Naraku, who was in blind rage just hitting anything at random, and she met the pleading eyes of Kanna, "We have to go back, we have to save the incarnates, and Kagura."

Inuyasha didn't miss a beat in his slashing, "Kagome... I'm sorry, but there's nothing we can do. To go back would be suicide."

Jagged stalagmites burst from the ground, and the floor splintered and tore showering the room with wood and rocks.

Sesshoumaru cursed, as he looked down. Underneath the floors was a sea of the liquid miasma. And it for the time being was rising. Slowly but, surely.

Kouga caught up to them, battered and bruised (though the shortest possible to Naraku, it was perhaps the most demon filled) he panted slightly, "Get Kagome out of here, I'll go back for the incarnates."

Inuyasha shook his head, "You're in no condition to do anything."

Sesshoumaru closed his eyes, "Inuyasha get Kouga out of here. We're leaving. Without them."

Inuyasha just nodded and hefted Kouga onto his back. Kagome looked at their departure with tears swelled in her eyes. Sesshoumaru turned to Kagome and grabbed her arms firmly. He looked into her eyes, and told her, "Kagome, I am sorry, but we have to go."

The ground shook, and there was cracking laughter, "Go? I don't have my jewel yet. You two aren't going anywhere. I'll made sure of that."

Naraku seemed to glide straight up to them his eyes burning red, as his body rippled and pulsed. Sesshoumaru pushed Kagome behind him as Naraku transformed into his true self.

Kagome dug her face deeper into Sesshoumaru back as the sound of tearing flesh filled the room. Sesshoumaru grabbed her waist and jumped onto one of the near by stalagmites. He placed her there. "Don't do anything stupid and do not move from here, alright?"

Kagome nodded a bit stunned, "Please be careful, Sesshoumaru." She hugged him, "I'll kill you if you get yourself killed."

Sesshoumaru chuckled and placed a kiss on her temple before leaping off the rocky structure, sword drawn.

Kagome tried not to pay any attention to the sounds of hisses of pain that would sound every once in awhile. She held the jewel tightly to her chest.

"How could something so small be the source of all this trouble?"

She rubbed her forehead, and then suddenly she saw a flash of light. Her brows furrowed and she lent over the edge of the stalagmite and peered downward to see what it was. She grinned when she saw Kanna her mirror in hand, but even from where she was, she could see that it was cracked. Kagura and Juromaru were nursing wounds of their own.

"I have to go down there. They're not safe..."

She crawled over to the opposite edge, and began a slow descent downward.

"Stupid? No this isn't stupid at all."

--- (Tsuki)

Sesshoumaru lifted a brow in silent prodding as his embrace tightened, "You definitely do get a full ten. You are a killer kisser..." How many women did it take to get Sesshoumaru to lose his temper? Just three who seemed to be very good at it...

Inuyasha sputtered, "Is your brain broken or something, Kagome? How could you volunteer me? You can't expect me to actually ...cook!" He gave a shutter at the word.

"As long as you're in this house, you will refrain from touching anything that contains even a hint of alcohol."

(Tsuki)

Sesshoumaru dodged the spray of miasma that Naraku shot at him and jumped underneath him. "Prepare to die, Naraku."

He brought his sword in one swift slash against his under belly, effectively ripping him in half long ways. He leapt away to admire his work.

Naraku screeched as each half dropped to the ground. The halves twitched a bit and then they were still.

Sesshoumaru smirked. "Pathetic."

His smirk melted away to a frown when the supposed corpse halves started laughing, and each stood. Which one last howl of laughter, they joined themselves together.

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes. "How?"

"It's hard to kill something without a heart, Sesshoumaru."

---

Kagome rubbed her rear and let out a low groan, "Ouch!" She had fallen the last few feet on her butt.

She stood shakily still clutching the jewel, and ran as fast as she could to where the incarnates were, jumping over the small collecting pools of miasma and the bits of rocks in her way.

When she reached them she felt so relieved, "Are you three okay?"

Kagura looked shocked, "What are you still doing here!"

Kagome gave her a determined look, "I came back for you guys...Like I promised." She smiled at Kanna.

"There's an exit beyond that," she pointed to where she had just been, "Take it, when the time is right."

Juromaru looked at her, "And yourself?"

"I'm staying here with Sesshoumaru. I won't leave until he does."

Kanna shook her head, "Then you will never leave. Naraku will not die until Hakudoushi does."

Kagome paled, "And where is he?"

"Creeping behind Sesshoumaru..." How calmly she said that really did not help her nerves any. She might as well have just told her the sky was blue for how nonchalant she was.

"All of you go, now! I'll distract him..."

Kagura looked torn as to what to do, "We can't leave you."

Kagome smiled, "I'll be fine...Go now...Please."

Kagura and Kanna both hugged her, before Kagura pulled out her feather. Juromaru seemed to falter as to what to do to show his thanks, and Kagome pulled him into a hug of her own. She smiled at him, and pushed him off.

"Good bye you three. Good luck."

--- (Tsuki)

Inuyasha flailed his arms, "Sad? You can not say that that girl does not scare you! Between her and Sango I think I've lost a few decades off my life. And add Kikyou..." he huffed indignantly, "It's an even century!" Kikyou gave him a smile and joked, "I take that as a good thing, because that means you're kept in line." Kagome smiled at the smiling woman and the steaming man. 'Hanyou' she corrected herself. But sometimes it was just so hard to tell. Human, demon, or hanyou— they were all the same when you got down to it.

(Tsuki)

"Sesshoumaru! Behind you! Kill Hakudoushi and Naraku dies with him! "

Sesshoumaru ducked out of his position and moved into a better range. Hakudoushi... He smirked.

Naraku growled in anger, "Girl...!"

He jumped off for Kagome, "If I die, I'll at least take you with me!"

Hakudoushi snickered at Sesshoumaru, "Naraku or your little girlfriend?"

Sesshoumaru did not even hesitate to go after Kagome. He reached her far before Naraku did and flung his sword by its tip in Naraku's direction.

It missed him by a mile.

Kagome sweat dropped "Erm... Sesshoumaru...You missed." She slapped his arm, "How the hell did you miss!"

Naraku howled in laughter, "Fool!"

Sesshoumaru snorted, "I never miss. Look behind you."

Naraku faltering turned around. Hakudoushi stood, Tokijin impaled deeply in his chest...where his heart would be.

He looked at Naraku, then at Sesshoumaru, and then his eyes rolled to the back of his head and he fell...dead.

Naraku swayed on his feet, "No..." but instead of just dying he reared his head, and implanted his fangs into the floor.

With the last of his life's breath, he blew it up.

(Tsuki)

Suddenly she said slyly as she took a seat next to her, "I'll bet you're not saying anything 'cause I looked way much better than you in that clip."

Sesshoumaru lifted a brow, "I thought you only spoke French."

(Tsuki)

Kagome looked up at the hand that kept her from falling, then down at the miasma that would greet her if she fell.

---

"And you said nothing why?" "You never let me get a word in. There was no break in your senseless banter to say anything." He smirked.

Kagome huffed disbelievingly, "How do you expect to get the door open? It's like a foot thick, moron!" Inuyasha turned to her, "I'll claw the thing open! I'm not a weak human like you. "He crossed his arms and turned away from her. Kagome narrowed her eyes, "Weak?" She glared and mumbled, "I'll show you weak." The angered girl grabbed his ear pulling the older man towards her, "Now apologize."

---

It looked so far away. It was probably a twenty foot drop. It had started to recede into the ground after Naraku had perished, but it was still an obvious threat.

She randomly declared, "And you know what, I think I really like you...But don't tell Sesshoumaru, because it's a secret."

"Shouyga woke me up, saying something about birds." Sango laughed, "The early bird catches the worm?" Kagome nodded against the granite counter top, "Can I get you some coffee?" Kagome nodded against the table and slurred drowsily, "Yes please. Half milk, half coffee, and half maple syrup, please." With that she dozed off.

---

Sesshoumaru winced. He didn't know if he could pull his weight up as well as Kagome's, and not break their foundation. The floor was noticeably unstable after Naraku's little stunt.

He looked down at Kagome, "I am going to try to swig you up. Be careful, Kagome."

Kagome nodded.

Mrs. Higurashi clapped her hands. "So, Mr. Totoki..." Mr. Totoki blinked, "Who?" Kagome titled her head to the side, "Isn't that your name?" Mr. Totoki nodded, "Why, yes. Why do you ask?" Kagome and her mother exchanged glances.

---

Sesshoumaru counted out loud to three softly for her sake and swung her upwards. But whether it was the unconscious force he placed on his left hand, or simply that the gods up there hated them, the flooring he held onto broke under his fingers. His eyes widened in surprise and he let go of Kagome's hand, mid throw.

Time slowed as he saw them both fall, and heard Kagome scream. She had gone farther up than he was, but she was still going to fall when gravity to effect.

He engulfed her in a hug, "And I wanted to say I'm sorry." Kagome looked into his face. He looked so remorseful that Kagome just hugged him back. This was the Kouga she missed instead of the over protective youkai who burst through windows.

Kagome, Kikyou, Rin, and Sango, all in full costume made cotton candy, sold caramel covered popcorn, lollipops, pretzels, and gum, snacking on some every once in awhile. They even played cards while they waited.

--

Then time came to a complete stop for him for a second as he scanned the area for something to catch himself on.

There! A ledge.

"Grab my hand!" Kagome did as he asked and reached out for his hand. Sesshoumaru reached for hers.

But would they hold?

Sango giggled and put her hand slightly over Kagome's, everyone else following suit. Inuyasha commented first on how outlandish the action was, but smiled none the less.

Kagura and Kanna both hugged her, before Kagura pulled out her feather. Juromaru seemed to falter as to what to do to show his thanks, and Kagome pulled him into a hug of her own. She smiled at him, and pushed him off.

--

'Can't I do anything?' Hadn't she asked that before?

And then she realized she could. Kagome withdrew her hand. "Save yourself Sesshoumaru... I'm not going to let us both die."

And Sesshoumaru yelled, for possibly the first time in his life desperate, "Kagome! Grab my hand!"

She just smiled and closed her eyes. "Good bye, Sesshoumaru. Aishiteru..." And she continued to fall. And Sesshoumaru just stayed as he was with his hand extended, and his eyes wide.

--

She sniffed, "Do you think Rin is a scaredy-cat?" Kagome hugged the girl, "Of course not, honey! You know... I also don't like the loud noises."

"So Jii-chan, do you remember what today is?" Her grandfather smiled, "How could I forget!" Kagome grinned only to face fault when he continued, "It's the opening of the new museum in the city!" Kagome laughed, when he winked, "Happy birthday Kagome." And he hugged her.

--

I wish you all could be happy...

And then she hit the miasma.

...End...

(Tsuki)

Ah, such a wonderful place to end this fic, right? Maybe I shouldn't include the Epilogue? Am I really that evil? Hmm... Depends on the amount reviews –nudge, nudge- But seriously...

Help this story go out with a bang! Flame me, praise me, threaten me, whatever just review! ...Please?

Okay and a big thanks to LadyAkina, green envy1120, kity moon priestess, WhiteRose-Kurama, butterflywinds, Destiny'sDestination, addicted2reviews, ImmortalSoull, Katsheswims, Chewy518, Jennifer, sexyvodka1125, rinseternalsoul, Indaic, LeafeKnight7, inukuramaRmine, moonscout11, sheenachi for taking the time to send a review for the last chapter.

I love you all for taking the time to review, and especially read, and support this fic! You all are the definition of awesome!

One more chapter to GO!