A/N: I apologize for long bouts of time between fanfic chapters posting.

For the single anonymous reviewer who cursed me out for not updating: As I've explained several times before, life happens and I have always meant to finish my stories and still intend to do so. Many joyous things have happened and many sad things, but life has kept me preoccupied. If you're so despondent over my stories to result in a tirade over how awful of a person I am, then I suggest you find a writer more reliable, I can only get to the computer when I'm able. I absolutely love criticism over my writing, that's acceptable, but please have a little class and not call me vulgar words for not updating. I don't have a lot of free time, so as Korra would say: Deal with it!

Side note, thank you to those who are patient and continue to follow my works. Your insight to characters and/or suggestions is thoroughly appreciated. I do take them into consideration and please brace yourselves as my free time is usually limited. Thank you for your suggestions and I want you to know I appreciate you, each of you. I'm just very despondent I don't get to produce as many chapters as I used to.

Disclaimer: I own nothing, except my own rant. Happy holidays and stay classy. ^_^

He'd closed his eyes on Ouran, and opened his eyes to find he was standing within a tent miles away from the battle grounds… or rather Miroku was. Kyoya had the faint knowledge that this wasn't in real time, but rather that he was living in someone else's memories. There was the alarming fact that he was also stuck in someone else's body. It moved like his own, the only thing upsetting about it was that he was quite a bit shorter. That and Kyoya was unable to move of his own accord. He was powerless to look away or back out of any action. Apparently, Miroku thought Kyoya needed to see this experience of all experiences. This time, this moment, this day. It warranted a different retelling than what Kagome had penned in his notebook.

And Kyoya had a sickening feeling he knew how this would end. It began with a story from Kagome about losing her loved one, it would no doubt end that way. Just how it played out was the mystery.

They would make their march, human, half-demon, demon, priests, and priestesses alike. They all had a stake in this. A wooden cracked table stood before them, stretched out on it a yellowed map with flags dotting it, and a crystal necklace was strewn over it that had been used by a strong scrying psychic to confirm what they knew to be true. All these thoughts, someone else's, occurring in Kyoya's head to feed him facts.

It was her voice that broke his reverie. A voice Kyoya only knew in his time to be quiet, one that hadn't reached its full potential. Here, this voice belonging to the woman he loved, Kyoya could hear it in all of its purity.

The fierceness and sheer leadership in that lilting voice as Kagome pointed on a map, while standing next to someone who looked quite an awful lot like Sesshomaru, just more demonic. "He has Shippo and Rin hidden in there." The demon lord was decked out in full armor, quite an intimidating sight to behold when compared to his business suit attire. Her other hand lay across a spot that signified the foot of the mountain. "This is where the first onslaught should begin to draw their attraction. Holy beings and demons sent in to draw the fire, branching out so that humans and slayers may charge straight through the middle. They may be protected, but not hindered in their own abilities. He'll be drawn to it considering how egotistical he is. But he won't come out immediately; we need to hold back if we can on taking out his entire army. We want him to be smug and think he's tiring us."

Miroku stared at her, coming closer to view the map, and all the while Kyoya took in the very sight of her. This was no ordinary mortal girl. This was a goddess for all women. Now she was the goddess of war, tactics, but Kyoya knew her to be charitable, kind, sweet, and a siren beckoning to him with every moment she was in his presence.

That luxurious hair he liked to imagine curling around his fingers was drawn up in a perfect ponytail with the exception being a pesky stray lock of black trailing along her cheek. The vigor of life glowed in her eyes. Dark purple slayer's armor clung to her incredibly toned body like a second skin. How Kyoya knew it was slayer's armor, he didn't know, but guessed it was because he was looking out from someone else's eyes and held Miroku's knowledge.

And for a moment a visage flashed before his eyes of that delectable body bucking beneath his own, or rather Miroku's, under an amber hued glow of candles... the scent of rose petals and essence sticks thickened the air... their bodies were writhing with sweat in an age old rite of passion... the sound of her panting up against his ear in delirious pleasure crept across his thoughts. And then it was gone.

Kyoya irritably wondered if Miroku was either taunting him with what he could have or if he was bragging about Kagome being a tigress in the bed.

"Hnn. We will flank the side of the mountain where this Kanna has told us he will be. Temptation is too great for him."

"We'll draw the bastard out," chuckled Inuyasha as his clawed hand tapped on the hilt of his sword.

Kagome stared up at the full demon and his eyes went out to her full of trust. They'd discussed this at length and knew that any demon chasing after the children would draw too much attention. Kyoya felt his body go to her, stand alongside her, and his hand went of its own accord comfortingly over her armor covered shoulder. Kyoya could even feel the warmth radiating from her. She was sweating through that armor. Nerves, but today of all days she would not give into them. Surprisingly, this Kagome was also built. Muscle was there underneath his fingertips. Muscle that Kyoya was suddenly aware existed in his time period, but had decreased due to its lack of use.

"We'll be distracted in battle, Sesshomaru, if we don't get them," came a low voice that he barely recognized. It was coming from his own mouth. And thoughts flew in his head that weren't his own.

Miroku would never insult the demon lord and just say that Sesshomaru would be distracted, though honestly he and Kagome were indeed worried about the children as well. A memory popped into Kyoya's mind of Kagome weeping the night Shippo had been taken and cradling in her arms a picture he'd doodled of her colored in crayon. "Don't worry. We'll save them," Miroku assured his wife with a peck on the cheek.

"Hnn, I will rely on you and the miko to fetch our wards until such a time comes as she is needed." It was understood that Kagome would need to make it back as Naraku died. It was not only her duty, but they were all positive she would play an integral part in his demise.

"Distract them for us, Inuyasha," said the priestess.

"Feh, lemme work, wench," the half demon said with a cocky smirk. Inuyasha rolled his arm back for a good stretch. Sango reached out and boldly tugged on Lord Sesshomaru's sleeve. Miroku could see her hesitance at the action she performed, but Sango did so without backing down. He'd never thought he'd see Sango willingly touch a demon aside from her fire cat or Inuyasha, especially Sesshomaru.

"We need to get to our posts, Lord Sesshomaru, if we want to have the element of surprise." The only one to call him the title he proudly bore. Sango was going to lead the middle band, riding on Kirara heralding their attack so all could see her, and Sesshomaru was going to direct the outside branches atop his cloud. Naraku was aware of their presence, but not when they'd attack. Everyone was planning for the day after, hoping the whispers would get to Naraku. However, the leaders had discussed it and would strike. Now.

"Any last words?" Kagome asked, hoping to get a chuckle out of her lame joke when they all knew these next few hours may be their last. Extinguished like the flame on a candle with the tiniest breath of wind. It could happen to them. They'd all made their peace with that months ago.

"If we survive this battle, I want five kids," replied Miroku, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. "Oh, and I ate the last bowl of ramen," he admitted.

"Dammit! I knew it was you!" Inuyasha stomped with a foul glare cast at the monk. The half-demon looked over at Kagome somberly. "For what it's worth, I'm glad I met you, wench."

"You too, Inuyasha." Kagome gripped tightly onto Miroku's beaded hand and looked up at him. "An encouraging kiss would be nice." And he did just that. Kissed her like his life depended on it. All the while he was feeling up her rear in a fashion that was perverted in the extreme, be it in public or in private. Kyoya was lost in the feelings that swamped his body from Miroku and knew… Miroku could've taken her then and there with the love and lust he had for her. Kyoya was very much aware of the reason why Kagome slapped him now when his hands gripped her rear. It was for the fond memories and their own signature of the love they carried. That slap was a signature for them.

So, Miroku had different preferences, that was nice to know.

He pulled away to hear her whisper against his pierced ear, "I love you."

"I know," he whispered back, all cocky and smirking. Kagome shouldered her bows and arrows. Miroku held tightly his staff. Sutras were ready in the pocket of his robes. And Inuyasha pulled out his sword. While the demons in front of the mountain were distracted he would sniff out Naraku and the others would meet him. No doubt, Naraku would show up.

"Hnn." Sesshomaru turned his attention fully on Sango and tipped her chin upwards with the tips of his fingers. If he'd kissed her it would've been just as shocking. "If this Sesshomaru should perish, he would like to acknowledge that you are the fairest woman he has laid eyes upon in all his years." Sango's face matched the pink hue of her slayer attire. That had been quite unexpected and very romantic. Kagome expectantly looked at Miroku.

"I've got nothing," he said with a shrug. "At least, nothing that can beat that." She punched his arm. "You already know you're the loveliest woman I've ever seen or felt!" One more punch for good measure.

In another moment Kyoya was shifted in the memories until he felt his legs, Miroku's legs, as they were sprinting through the woods with quite a speed Kyoya wasn't used to. Never had he felt muscle down there this taut. No amount of paid training could have prepared him for the hurtles as he ducked and dodged through brush beside Kagome. Loud thunderous roars, the clang of swords, shouts, and cries could be heard in the distance.

They had to shut them out. A mission of just as much importance was ahead of them.

They'd risen that day with two goals set in mind.

Save Shippo and Rin and then finish this war.

Naraku may have the battlefield exactly where he wanted in regards to location, but they had the determination as well as the numbers.

It was a while before they came across the destination intended for them. Of course, their enemies probably expected that the monk and priestess would be the ones to journey this way. They were the two with the softest hearts and the most to lose.

This was where Hanna had revealed the beginning of the end would be set in her mirror, right before her death. "Kagome, I have a feeling we're walking into a trap," Miroku muttered.

They paused to see rather than look. There was quite a difference between seeing and merely looking. They saw that no demons stood sentry over the entrance to this cave. There were two sets of tracks going in. A dancing mushroom had been haphazardly thrown near a bush, signaling that Shippo had tried to discreetly notify them which way he and Rin were being taken.

The duo listened rather than heard. There were no squawking birds, buzzing flies, or even crickets. Silence met their ears in this lone area.

"At least we both know it's a trap," she admitted. They stared into the mouth of the tunnel, both concentrating on what they felt. "Four," she answered him.

"Four," he agreed. There were four beings in this cave. Two of which were small, undoubtedly Shippo and Rin. The other two felt as if they were being suppressed so the duo wouldn't know just what they were up against.

Nimble fingers habitually reached out for his cursed hand. It was the one hand that no woman had ever willingly touched while knowing what was encased behind those beads. No woman, but Kagome dared to hold it so gently. Kyoya knew what this gesture meant without having to feel Miroku's thoughts. She'd risk death merely to hold his hand. He squeezed it encouragingly before they let go and she pulled her weathered bow off her body. An arrow was quickly laid across the bow should she need it. "Miroku, what does Inuyasha usually do?"

"Brazenly run in and get the shit and tar beat out of him." He hadn't even hesitated with that answer. And as he answered, Kyoya felt that he was in tune with Kagome's emotions, thoughts, and actions at that point. As if Miroku wanted him to know what had been going on with her as well.

Kagome nodded, wanting him to reassure her that they weren't going to do just that even when the mother hen in her wanted to take off and desperately find Shippo. "It's a good thing we aren't Inuyasha." He gave a small chuckle and stepped forward, his cursed hand pressing the small of her back. Their fate awaited them today, might as well get it over with.

For what was supposed to appear as an abandoned cave, it sure had quite a lot of torches lighting their path. The torches behind them along the cavern wall would sputter out with every step forward.

"Someone's intentionally leading us," he voiced.

She nodded. At least they'd known it was a trap to begin with. No exit routes that they knew of aside from the one behind them. If the back closed in then it would be one hell of a time finding their way out. Of course, this was with the highest optimism that they actually survived. Luckily, they'd talked this over the night before. Should anything happen, they were to try and remain together. If anything they'd learned over the last few years it was that separating had never worked out for their group when looking for shards. Someone always ran into trouble they wouldn't be able to handle by themselves. Luck had always saved them with someone bursting in from their party… but they couldn't rely on luck today. If they did get separated, they'd both practiced their barriers and stretching them out to protect themselves, at least until they found each other.

What awaited them wasn't unexpected. At least, partially. Kagome had felt a constant feeling tugging on her soul for days. She'd known all along that she would have to face this person. It was a fixed moment written in her destiny of that she was positive.

Light flared ahead of them on several torches with the silhouette of a woman outlined. She stepped out so they could see her though her cold indifference was known before the shadows left her skin. There she was, their beacon of carnage to come.

A dark priestess whose eyes were as dark as a hopeless night while her skin was white as soured cream. This was a person that Kagome had long hoped would redeem herself by joining their side. Her hair was inky dripping down her shoulders in a soft curtain with a sheen that Kagome had never been able to maintain. But the facial features were similar enough that it felt like staring into a cursed reflection. The face of beautiful cruelty.

Kikyou tilted her head and said with that eerie smile she often had, "At last. You've finally made it, Kagome."

"Kikyou," she said curtly. "I had hoped not to find you here."

Kikyou glanced to her left where there was nothing but shadow and returned a dazzling smile on them. "I'm here to reclaim my soul from the one who took it from me."

"Funny, I'd hoped to do the same."

Kikyou's face curdled. She waved her hand and the torches went out, but not before Miroku and Kagome caught sight of the second member within the cave.

A demon had stepped out of the shadow just before the darkness overcame them.

A towering cheetah demon.

Having no light hooded Kagome's vision and for a moment she felt uncertainty and fear. No need for a bow when you couldn't see and were in close quarters. Kagome held a calm composure as she slid her bow over her shoulder and pulled out a knife, though her heart was pulsing wildly. It was the only melee weapon she was trained to wield aside from Miroku's staff. There was no point in swiping in the dark, so she remained steady and tried to hone in on her other senses.

"Leave the girl for me. The monk is yours."

"Gladly," came the growl.

A younger Kagome would've freaked out and groped for safety. But this was life or death and their lives depended on maintaining a semi-cool head.

"Is this your plan, Kikyou? Playing hide and go seek?" Kagome asked, treading just a little to the right.

Kagome was once the weakest link with no combat experience and spiritual powers.

Kikyou's cackle bounced off the walls of the cavern with that snide smirk that Kagome didn't even need to see to imagine Kikyou was making.

"I'm done playing games, Ka-go-me. Your name sounds as childish as your voice."

Miroku had drilled her with spells when he wasn't trying to get her on her back to bear his child.

The demon bellowed mightily and fur brushed past Kagome as the beast ran by her. Toying with her and making her jump while he went for Miroku. Though she was knocked to the ground, Kagome tucked into a roll and slowly stood back up.

Smoke. Good.

Kyoya was in Kagome's thoughts and Miroku's all at once. Everywhere and nowhere in particular, feeling every moment. Apparently, Miroku wanted Kyoya to know all of the details.

Miroku had tossed a ball of smoke powder to the ground. Unknown to Kagome the powder had caught quite a bit in the demon's eyes and Miroku took advantage to whack the demon as hard as possible. Now he knew where the demon was and had a fighting chance.

"Are you worried for your lover?"

Sango had extensively taught Kagome how to handle herself in combat.

"Scared he'll die?"

One of the best advantages was when Inuyasha had admitted that Kikyou was not the woman he'd love. He'd taken Kagome aside to direct her on openings.

"Maybe I'll let you see him die?"

Inuyasha knew Kikyou's weakness.

"I'm not helpless," replied Kagome.

She was trying to move lightly enough so as not to give away her position.

He'd said it was talking about herself.

"You are. You cannot see."

"And neither can you!" Kagome shot out a bolt of energy towards the direction of Kikyou's voice. Light bounced off the walls knocking Kikyou back and for a moment they could see everything. Including the demon wrestling on the ground with Miroku. A dark sleeve was torn and matted with blood dangling on his arm as he gripped the cheetah's hair to ripping point.

A moment's distraction.

Kikyou lunged for Kagome, sending her arrows scattering on the ground as they were blanketed in shadows again.

They rolled to a stop with Kikyou on top trying to pin Kagome.

Her form was wrong, her knees not strong, and for all her knowledge Kikyou's soft palms had never known hand to hand combat in her life. Kikyou struggled for a grip on Kagome's hair. It stung, but at least Kagome's arm was freed when Kikyou grabbed her tresses.

A fist swung upwards and knocked Kikyou right on the chin, coating Kagome's knuckles in blood. They rolled over and Kagome took that opening to continuously swing madly fist after fist. Arms arching over and over while Kikyou weakly beat up at her chest trying to wrench Kagome off.

Kikyou was dead to begin with; killing her again wouldn't be easy for anyone, which was why it had to fall on Kagome.

Only one thing could possibly kill Kikyou now.

A priestess.

Power thrummed and was ferried to the top of Kagome's skin causing a bright shine. "The souls you've collected, I call them up out of you dark spirit!" Words she'd garnered from Miroku's teachings about exorcising demons. The closest thing they had to getting rid of the plague that was Kikyou.

"No," shrieked Kikyou! "You can't undo me! Stop it! Stop talking!" She attempted to scratch Kagome, hands going for her mouth, but the greater priestess would not budge. Not for this.

"Allow them freedom and be cast back to the fires of hell! Bother this world no more!" Screaming followed. In the light cast by her body Kagome could see the panic in the former miko's eyes. And like a fallen china doll, Kikyou began to splinter and crack into pieces beneath her.

"No, you won't have me so easily!" As Kikyou's body began to crinkle, dark words rushed to her mouth in anger at being so easily undone. "You may put me in the ground, but I vow if not your life to take your sound-"

Kagome struggled through the dark aura radiating from Kikyou's deteriorating body. She reached out to try and strangle Kikyou and cut off the curse. Alas, Kikyou tossed enough to make it hard and it was challenging enough trying to get a grasp on Kikyou's disintegrating body with Kagome's hands greased by blood.

"-Suffer for several years hence, may you never break this curse of silence!"

"Kik-"

Kagome's voice was severed from continuing as she was hit with a strong force of magic that knocked her into the cavern wall. The strength to open her mouth and cry out never came. Pain wracked her throat. Nothing crossed over her lips but a fresh spurt of blood as the spell took effect in damaging her voice. No words would come out no matter how much she moved her lips and strained to make noise. And Kikyou was smug in her satisfaction as she glowered back at the wordless priestess. Light from the exorcism caused Kikyou to glow in a ghostly manner. Her face stayed frozen that way, smirking, until she became nothing but dust and dried flaking flesh on the ground. The only thing that remained of her was her vengeful curse as a testament to the kind of woman she'd been.

"Kagome," Miroku called out in the shadows. Kagome scrambled to find footing, sprinting towards the sound of brawling, tripping over something Miroku had dropped in the dark. His staff.

Kyoya could feel the pain, he knew Miroku was lying crumpled on the ground, feeling dizzy and in so much pain from a clawed hit to the head. Trying with all of his might to keep the cheetah from his wife. He was vainly hoping that his call out to her had been enough to allow her time to get this demon unawares. Sticky syrupy blood oozed on his cheek. He'd tried. Kami had he tried to summon his own powers, but the cheetah moved quick enough to catch him before he could manage one mantra. He was blacking in and out from a pounding headache, faintly aware of what was happening as the weight that had been pressing into his ribs from steady kicking abruptly stopped. The snarls were no more as the wildcat screeched and its own blood fell like raindrops onto Miroku's clothes.

The jangle of his staff clattered to the ground from the demon smacking it out of Kagome's hand.

Miroku had to get up or that monster would get Kagome.

Try as he might, the struggle was too much and his head spun dizzily. He slumped. Every stumble mocked him. Unmanned him. He couldn't be undone with so much on the line. A feminine gasp reached his ears. He would not stay down when her life depended on him.

"You dare hit me," growled the beast. She'd sensed it now that Kikyou's protective spell camouflaging his power was gone. The demon was a target in the dark room she could easily pinpoint wherever he went.

Her feet spread out, her body glowed menacingly.

She wouldn't-couldn't go down easily.

Neither would Miroku as he went about summoning what energy he had in his body to crawl along the floor, hoping to get his knees working again.

Every ounce of energy she had went into burning the beast and making it hard for the demon to hold onto her.

He would grab her and let go.

In the darkness Kagome scurried, searching for a safe spot, an anchor to use her priestess energy… but he would have her again. Force knocked her around and tears welled in her eyes. As she crawled, making a reach for the staff that she knew she'd dropped near by, she was in the air again, hands latched onto her shirt!

Rocks pressed sharply against her back and side, ripping her shirt and drawing blood. A wheeze for air was managed, but it was cut off shortly. Claws clenched around her neck, drawing blood. It ran in drips along her skin.

Was this the end?

Tremors of fright ran through her body as those bright cat-like eyes held joy from her pain. Her heart thrummed in terror.

Was this what it was like to know your end was coming?

She'd always known that death was a high possibility, but had always hoped it wouldn't come to this. Her breathing was getting harder; black spots were showing up in front of her eyes as her hands struggled against the muscles gripping her neck. She shone, glowing as brightly. Still he resisted to let go despite the blood marring his cracked skin from his tenacious grip on her. His fangs were bared as he leaned in closely, licking his chops and smacking his lips in an unseemly manner while he inhaled the scent of her terror. With the other claw he forced her fighting hands to the wall and he laughed, gloating over his domination over her.

"The Shikon Miko will be no more," breathed the monster even as his skin bled from touching her.

Hope still existed. Always existed. Especially where forgetful youkai were concerned.

It's words were cut off by a sharp intake of breath. Kagome could breathe again as its hold loosened. Blood splattered on her chest from one of her arrows that had scattered with her bow. The torches within the cave suddenly sputtered to life as if waiting for the owner of the cave to relinquish his hold on it with his own dark magic. "I think not," muttered Miroku, slumping weakly where he stood from the exertion, dropping her bow.

"Now, Kagome," he ordered. She'd known as soon as she felt his thrum of power in the cave when he'd gotten back up. They were to end this together. Their reiki combined was the final push turning the demon into ash as he threw out a sutra and she became a beacon of light.

Once freed from the brink of destruction, the duo fell into each other's arms, one gasping for air, the other hobbling on his staff to remain standing up. He held her against him, trying to be her pillar of strength when he wanted most to fall over. "I think my arm was pulled out," whispered Miroku, reaching out with his cursed hand to touch her face. Kagome felt for his limp hand, trailing it up to his shoulder. This would hurt, quite a bit. But pain was something they were accustomed to. "Now!" She pushed it back in with all her might and he roared in agony at the throbbing muscles, falling against her in a slump.

Kagome wanted to say his name to reassure him, but she couldn't, she could only cry. She touched her throat and he knew. "You can't speak anymore?" She shamefully shook her head. She should've been strong, she should've-

"You did your best." And knowing it was the best reaction to give her, and also, having just feared he would lose her… Miroku began tenderly kissing her neck, making his way up to her bloodied and cracked lips. Each kiss was a praise lavished on her ability to survive. Arms entwined around her waist and her hands slid along his slick face. The priestess pulled away to look at the damage done to her monk and lifted up shining hands to lie on his face. He held them there, relishing her trained power that washed over in a balm to his cheek that was no longer an open wound. Those same hands began dipping underneath his robes to slide over his ribs, trying to mend what no amount of science could as quickly as she. Touching places that stirred longing within him that was better left for a day when they weren't at war. Those loving digits slid along cracked ribs causing a wince to cross his face and for her to pause until he whispered," Continue, my lady." When she began to pull away after he was healed as best as she could do, he held her there with his forehead resting on her own. No one could have resisted the call for blushing from the way his eyes swept over her.

"If not for this battle, I'd have you right now," he whispered. Her face flushed, but her eyes reflected the lust in his own. "Kagome, heal yourself." He touched her bleeding side and the scratches on her neck. She shook her head.

"You don't have the energy?"

She shook it again.

"You're saving it for later." He huffed out in aggravation before placing his own hands on her, not as strong as she, but as worried as any lover. A calming warmth spread along her neck. The scratches stopped bleeding as did her side, but the pain not so much.

She patted on Miroku in a demanding way and pushed him back until he was sitting on the ground, patting his shoulder to try and let him know, but he knew. "You want me to stay here?" Placing his hand on her face she nodded. Right now, he needed to catch his breath. And now that all illusions and tricks had faded, there was a distinctive small tunnel in the wall that only she could fit through… or Kikyou. "I'll wait, in case anyone comes in through the cave. Get them, Kagome." As she moved to leave he pulled her back down placing an urgent kiss on her lips. "Be quick about it."

Being worn out and bloodied didn't hinder Kagome as she went deeper into the cave, fumbling around blindly until she found them nestled in the rickety wooden cage with straw everywhere for matting in a tiny confined room that allowed enough room for few children, much less many adults to stand in. This had obviously been a safe place for children, demonic children to hide once. Now Kikyou had turned it into a prison. Kagome's eyes glowed upon seeing Shippo, who'd kept the room lit with his foxfire. Determined fingers merely had to touch the cage to snap it open and break Kikyou's spell that had kept it shut. With Kikyou departed, her work was undone by her successor. Rin and Shippo scurried out of there. Kagome swept them into her motherly arms, peppering their faces with kisses, and then quickly motioned for them to follow behind her as they crawled their way out of the tunnel and towards freedom. Towards Miroku. Neither one asked why she wasn't speaking, both children merely assumed to likewise be quiet.

It still didn't stop the heartache of knowing she'd have to find a new way to communicate to those she loved most.

Emerging out of that cave seemed like a lifetime had passed when it had been merely a little over an hour, judging from the position of the sun. Jaken was waiting outside. It was his duty upon feeling the evil around that section of the mountain disperse to hurry in to do his job as a retainer and keep the children. "I want to fight with you guys," whined Shippo. Rin was ready to go with Jaken, she trusted well enough that Lord Sesshomaru would save the day and all would be well. What a child's mindset she still retained that Kyoya understood from looking at the girl through Miroku's eyes. But Shippo, he was a different matter. He'd always been a part of their fights until today.

Kagome sternly shook her head. How could she agree to let him go into this fight? He was a child, more than that, he was her child now. Their child.

"Shippo, you have to understand. You need to be protected; you were kidnapped for kami's-"

"I deserve to be there too," he said. Those eyes were as determined as Kagome's were when it came to a challenge and Miroku looked at her defeated already. He knew when there was no stopping his son or his wife.

"He's got me there." The father figure looked between wife and son. "It would break her heart for anything to happen to you and it would break his heart likewise, dear." She waved her hands about in exclamation at how ridiculous it was to have a kid in a battlefield. He understood her without needing her to speak. "I know, but he's older than any human child. And you might as well have been his age when you climbed out of that well. The world asks us to do hard things at young ages." The world screamed for blood and he remained the voice of reason. "We need to do this together." Her monk cupped her face in his hands. "I'll keep an eye on him while the other is on you."

With reluctance Kagome made what she was sure the worst parenting decision ever, not knowing that later on down the road she would be grateful for giving into her husband's wishes and bringing along their adopted son.

By the time they reached the battle Naraku had long since been seduced out into their game of war. Blood was a stench and cries of pain echoed, but order still remained. The wounded were carried off quickly and efficiently while others distracted opponents so they wouldn't chase after the hurt. In a moment a red blur appeared before her with his palm stretched out clutching onto what had remained whole years ago and was now pieced back together. For a moment she was dazzled. This was what the war was fought for. Not land, not wealth, this little cursed jewel that was nearly whole once more, Miroku had pieces on him so that he could go through the well.

Her half-demon friend smirked while his brother roared out threateningly in the background, a giant bestial dog, keeping Naraku at bay from retrieving the jewel he'd lost. A gaping wound to the chest of Naraku and Inuyasha's blood laced hand revealed what happened. "Had to get close to the bastard. Feh, Sango blinded him with that damned boomerang of hers. Never saw it coming." He quickly pushed the object he'd once desired into her hand and immediately growled out in anger. This had to end. They were moments from it all being over and he could hear Naraku giving his brother a well deserved fight. It didn't help that he instantly felt the Naraku loyalists eyeing them. He'd have to fend them off of Kagome and Miroku to give them a head start to freedom.

"Kagome, run! We've got this bastard!" he cried, nudging her with his bloodied hand to get going far away and make a wish. The jewel was immediately pocketed.

Monk and priestess began running, they were so tired already but all the strength they had went into their legs. Years and this was finally coming to a close. Targets might have well have been painted on their backs as they went somewhere no one else could go. The well. Shippo clung to Miroku's shoulders and tossed mushroom bombs behind them that erupted into sickening fogs. His contribution helped to stymie some lesser demons. The little fox almost slipped off of Miroku's shoulders, but Kagome quickly reached out and stole him away, clutching onto him like a football.

But there was a defect to this plan all along. Naraku was the one who'd cursed Miroku's family line in the first place. He controlled the hole in Miroku's hand. And as he saw them run towards the well, knowing he'd never be able to get the jewel before she left, Naraku pulled out his last nasty trick. If he couldn't have the jewel then he'd make her life miserable as hell as he went down. Naraku let Miroku's hand open up and continue to do so without stopping.

Miroku cried out as he fell to the ground and Kagome backtracked with Shippo shivering in her arms. She couldn't say anything. Kagome desperately held onto Miroku, arms tightly clutching around his shoulders. She needed to get away, but her heart wanted to attach herself to him and never leave. Or if to leave, to leave with him. His hand was thrown away from her and Shippo, sucking at air and demons. His face was contorted in absolute pain from the ripping of his skin. Kagome pulled his face towards her, her panicked eyes asked the question that she already knew the answer to. Her heart sunk to her stomach.

They'd always known this might happen, but never suspected it would be when their quest was so close to completion.

"I can't shut it, Kagome," he answered, while Naraku felt bittersweet victory in the distance despite the fact that Sesshomaru and Inuyasha were killing him. All eyes were still on the fight, none spared for their little trio in the distance on the lone hill. The demons who worshiped Naraku knew when defeat was near and none would dare step anywhere near that wind tunnel. The wind around them spun and whirled. The darkness of the evening had grown and the clouds were being pulled in great masses towards them by his wind tunnel.

Kagome's wide blue eyes were filling with tears. Drops were swept away by the raging winds. She felt like they were in the heart of a tornado. There was so much she wanted to say and couldn't. She mouthed the only words that mattered from her heart, 'I love you.'

"Wherever you are, that is where my Heaven will be. I love you. I always will," he vowed, kissing her forehead. "In this life and the next." Miroku pushed something into her pocket and leaned down stealing her lips. He covered her mouth with his own, coveting every taste he could as he made the few extra feet towards the well with his other hand raised high in the air away from those he loved the most. She felt the well pressed against her back and clutched onto Shippo with fear in her eyes when she looked at her husband.

How could she know what was going to happen?

Miroku needed her out of there.

Kagome held onto her child and husband. She wouldn't leave without Miroku. But Shippo! Shippo needed her to live.

Miroku frantically pulled her closer to him with his free arm, his hand squeezing her bottom so tight as if it were his last squeeze… which it inevitably was. She kissed him without reserve one last lingering kiss.

But he pulled away and she should've done something.

She should've done something because of that damn light in his eyes that said he had an epiphany!

"Watch after each other," he said. And Miroku forcefully used his entire body to knock the two into the well. Kagome threw up a hand to grip onto the rim and caught herself from leaving into the well that was already thrumming with raw power to suck her into the future. She couldn't drop Shippo who was clutching onto her neck whimpering. Kagome couldn't leave, not without knowing.

Kagome peered over the ledge with straining arms. And just as he fell to his knees with the hole eating his hand entirely, Inuyasha and Sesshomaru cornered Naraku. As Inuyasha raised the blow to kill Naraku and finish him completely… Miroku was sucked up into the whirling vacuum of darkness that was his hand and was no more. Gone, the only trace left was his staff that clattered to the ground.

Shock sent Kagome falling backwards into the well, hands clutching onto Shippo, willing him to pass through the well with her even as the tears rained down her face and the sobs shook her body. There was nothing, nothing so heartbreaking as watching the one you loved die before your eyes and knowing you could do nothing about it.

Kyoya felt himself floating above, watching, and could still read every thought of Kagome's as if it had been presented to him in a book.

Kagome disappeared into the well. Her heart broken and her body battered and her lips still tasting the warm sweetened mouth of a dead man.

This wasn't how her story was supposed to end. Fate was supposed to be merciful, but instead life just proved to her that no one, neither good nor bad, was free from death and suffering.

He saw that moment. That moment she came out of the well, beat up and weeping. Bitter tears when she found in her pocket the last two shards she'd given to Miroku to get him through the well.

They still had the jewel.

Kagome was clutching with shaking hands onto Shippo, kissing his little head of hair for all she was worth. Making silent vows to keep him and watch after him. The little kit called out for help and the patter of feet and the glow of a flashlight bounced off the walls as her brother was the one to discover her wounded and holding onto Shippo for all she was worth.

Before Kyoya knew what was happening, Kyoya's soul was falling and tumbling in a pit of darkness. He was spinning and spinning and suddenly he plunged into something solid that he readily recognized.

His own body.

Kyoya took a huge gasp of air and opened his eyes to the blinding light of the nurse's room at Ouran.

"He's awake," shouted Hikaru. The Host Club crowded around him. They hadn't left his side even though all of them were late for class. Kagome had been clutching onto his hand the entire time.

"You've been out for half an hour. We were about to take you to the hospital," explained Kaoru. His words felt lame as Kyoya was distracted, as if it wasn't important he'd just suffered a fainting spell. "Your dad should be here soon."

There she was. The angel of his past and possible future. The woman he'd died to protect, to ensure that her vital life he loved so much would continue on in the world.

Kyoya blatantly stared at Kagome. By coming here, to this time period, she'd been transformed into something different. A shadow of her capabilities, but that shadow could be tangible again.

He'd gone to the past to see the life of another and understand his own pull towards Kagome.

He'd gone back to know that he was a separate person, but held more power than he'd ever imagined. "Kagome." Just saying her name aloud from his own lips was a joy.

He'd also come to realize his love for Kagome, it would never die. In this life, it had been his choosing to fall for her. The fact he'd loved her once before didn't hurt, but rather strengthened it.

Kyoya had brought nothing with him going in.

But something had come back with him. A parting gift to make things easier to explain to her. Kyoya knew without even having to call out for the ghost that it was Miroku's doing. He knew it as well as he knew that Miroku was finally at peace now that their story had truly been told. The ghost had made leave so that Kyoya could finish his own story.

"Kagome." Kyoya said her name ardently and reached up with his free hand to cup her cheek. It felt like centuries since he'd seen her gorgeous face. Shock filtered across her features when she felt beads pressed against her skin, beads that shouldn't have been on that smooth palm. Not on his hand!

Kagome stared at them in wonder and back at Kyoya. She knew those beads. Intimately. Tears spilled over her eyes.

The next words that passed over his lips were ones that shocked Kagome's very core and made the Host Club members feel like intruders upon a rather intimate moment. None but Kagome understood the significance of those words that trespassed over his lips.

"Wherever you are, that is where my Heaven will be." It was a different voice and a different person entirely, but this heart, this old soul, was the same. The look on his face, the thrum of power resting beneath the surface of his skin, it all felt familiar and different all at once. The last words he'd said, she was hearing them again and she didn't know whether to be scared or ecstatic. But she did feel her heart in her throat and the tears rushed down her face in happy sobs as Kyoya hoarsely said, "I love you. I always will. In this life or the next."

And his father walked in.

A/N: To Be Continued... woot. I loved writing the ending to this chapter.