A/N: Thanks for the reviews, everyone! Also, to N'SPIRIT: Yes, my username is the same on Dokuga, and to Guest: I'm afraid I don't know what MushiShi is. I've never heard of it before, but this story is based off The Bride of the Water God manhwa, which I highly recommend!

Now on with the chapter!

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Chapter Fifteen: Second

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The sun was setting in the west, turning distant mountains red. I watched its descent with a heavy heart, knowing this would be the last otherworldly sunset I would see.

Sesshoumaru was in his study, probably searching for ways to cut his skin. I hesitated outside the door. Every part of me screamed not to do this, that there had to be a way.

But I knew there wasn't.

I'd spent the entirety of the previous day racking my mind for a solution, but came up with nothing. Eventually I decided to act as I usually did. I had tea with Kira and Chisaki, laughed when a joke was told, answered when asked a question. I told myself I was doing well, until Sesshoumaru joined us.

Was it normal to feel such happiness and sadness at one time? The deep navy of his robes highlighted the paleness of his hair, and his molten eyes lit up at the sight of me. Such a beautiful creature . . . just looking at him made me want to throw caution to the wind and take my chances with Kagutsuchi.

But reason had given way to want, so I'd greeted him brightly as he took a seat beside me.

Now, I stood not three feet from him, letting precious time with him slip through my fingers as I argued with myself.

Disgusted, I slid the shoji door open and stepped into the room. "Sesshoumaru?"

He was sitting on a cushion behind his desk, poring over something. His back was hunched, and his silver braid was tossed over his shoulders. "Just a moment, Kagome. I'm nearly finished."

I stopped where I was, laughing inwardly. His face was so intent, so serious . . .

I sighed involuntarily, then immediately wished I could take it back. Sesshoumaru's head snapped up, his golden gaze speculative. "Are you all right?"

I nodded vigorously. "Oh, yes. I'm fine." I sincerely hoped he wouldn't see through my thin words. He was too good at reading people . . .

He set his papers aside and stretched to his feet. I bit back a groan. Of course he would notice something was wrong. "Why do you insist on hiding what you're feeling from me?" he asked when he reached me. "How can I help you if you won't tell me what you need help with?"

"Sesshoumaru . . ." I fisted my hands in the front of his haori. "Everything will be fine. I just . . . I need you to trust me. Please."

He was scowling, and I tried to lighten the mood with a laugh. "Oh, don't make that face." Pushing myself up on my toes, I used my fingertips to smooth away his frown, and, unbeknownst to him, memorize everything about him. The height of his cheekbones, the dark slant of his eyebrows, the curve of his lips . . . everything I would never be able to see again. "Don't worry about me." Settling back on my feet, I pulled a folded piece of paper out from within my clothes. Grinning, I pressed it into his palm. "Later tonight, I want you to read this. But not until I've gone, okay? It's much too embarrassing for you to read with me here."

I watched him tuck the small square of paper into his haori. "You are acting . . . oddly, Kagome." His amber eyes were full of suspicion. "Can you not just tell me what is happening?"

Instead of answering, I threw my arms around his waist and hugged him for all I was worth. Hopefully, with my face buried in his chest, he wouldn't realize I was crying. "Forgive me," I mumbled incoherently. "This is the only way."

Confused as he was, he still embraced me back, and I clung to him as long as I thought I could. I felt him nuzzle into my hair andgods how I wanted to stay, wanted it more than anything.

Slowly, once I wasn't in danger of breaking down, I released him and captured his lips with mine. I had to meet Chisaki soon, and our kiss was nothing more than a soft brushing of lips. Reluctantly, I pulled away, but smiled so he wouldn't see how much I was hurting. "I promised Chisaki I would meet her in the center of the palace." I made for the door, pausing only to warn him, "Don't you read that letter until I am long gone, Sesshoumaru!"

I slipped outside, shutting the door behind me, and then took off at a sprint.

It wouldn't take him long to finish my letter, and I had to reach the rock garden at the center of the palace before he realized what I was planning to do, and tried to stop me. Soon, I saw the shine of Chisaki's red-gold hair and skidded to a halt before I knocked her clean to the ground. "Chisaki!"

"There you are!" She unceremoniously seized my wrist and dragged me to the small pool at the middle of the garden. "Come, we haven't much time."

I knew what to do. Not bothering to lift my hem, I stepped into the ankle-deep water of the pool and looked at Chisaki expectantly. "Ready."

No words were needed for this spell, if that's what it was. Raising a hand, Chisaki slapped her palm against a tall stone and a vibration like the beginnings of an earthquake reverberated through the small clearing.

The sparkling waters of the pool began to twist and whirl, wrapping around me until I was completely hidden from view. I tilted my head back, wanting this to be over, when I heard a cry that shattered my heart.

"Kagome!"

Through the swirling waters of the tornado that surrounded me, I could see the distinct gleam of Sesshoumaru's silver hair.

Startled, I cried to Chisaki above the roar of the water, "You can't let him follow me! Keep him here! Keep him safe!"

Then I felt the ground fall out from under me and was lost.

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A/N: Hope you all enjoyed it! Please review!