Sorry it took me so long to update, I wasn't sure where to take this!

Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho and/or Inuyasha

As Though They Were One

For the first time in a long time, Kagome felt alone.

Her wrist felt numb as the chains holding her up, cut into them. The dry blood littered her pale skin, making it look dirty and dull. Her toes barely touched the ground and her head hung, the hair sticking to her face from both sweat and blood. Her chapped lips were slightly parted as she breathed low and precise, focusing only on her internal battle and not the chains that kept her prisoner.

She knew her salvation laid within the hands of the silver fox, the one she can feel if she focused enough. She felt the air he inhaled into his lungs, as though it were her own lungs he supported. She felt the warmth his skin contained, as though it would warm her own. She licked her lips, hoping to moisten them as her conscious relied on the support of the demon who, she's sure has forgotten her.

Kagome wasn't even sure how she got here. The ache in her hip felt numb, the gash in her right arm tender. How long has she been here? The ground felt wet beneath her bare feet, a chill running up her spine. Remembering the battle made her heart clench. Her desperation stemming only from her desire to see that her friends made it out alive. A world without them, is a world she could not live in. A smile touched her features as she thought about her best friends, her family. She knew if they were alive, they would be looking for her but she also knew finding her would take weeks, maybe months.

The door opened, slight light pouring in causing Kagome to tense. It was that time again, she's lost count of all the horrid hours. As the demon stepped forward, Kagome remained motionless like the last few times. He would strike her and she wouldn't make a move. Her breathing continued to be low and precise as her imagination lingered towards Youko. The air he breathed, he breathed into her. As the demon went to strike, he nailed her jaw as he took a moment of glory, her feet flew up, capturing his neck and slamming him into the wall. He laid in a heap of bones and silence engulfed her again.

The silence that landed on the camp was one that made even the smallest of insects pause. Kuroune let go of Sango's wrist and stood up straight. He had been so intent on Sango, he hadn't realized the miko was missing. Youko's voice sliced through the air as he directly addressed the dog demon who sat before him and stared at the ground.

"Where is my mate, half breed?"

The threat was clear and Inuyasha didn't stir, it was after all his fault why Kagome wasn't with them. It was also his fault for the wound on his shoulder. He thought that if he could embrace Kikyo, that everything that had happened would cease to exist. But she dug the arrow into his back and watched him ache after Kagome sacrificed herself to save him; to save them.

He heard Sango screaming and Miroku moving towards him. He knew he failed them when he fell to his knees and Kikyo towered over him; promising him not yet but soon. He had shut his eyes, fearing the worse for Kagome as he slouched onto himself. He was supposed to protect her as she had him.

Youko had enough of his silence and within seconds had him up against the nearest tree, his claws flexing around his neck, his fangs bared. It was Sango who spoke up, her voice just above a whisper.

"We think Naraku has her"

Youko held eye contact with Inuyasha as he dug his claws into his throat, the anger consuming him. He was firm and lethal, Inuyasha silent. He felt like tearing him apart but then what would that solve? Kagome would just be furious with him. Letting the half demon go, he turned to Sango, just now noticing her state. Her body was covered in bruises, a few visible scratches; some deeper than others. Dirt caked her face and her lip was sliced, Kuronue hovered over her and her frame looked so petite in comparison. Her clothes were covered in both her blood and what he presumed to be the demons. Kuronue held her hand as he guided her to sit, her exhaustion evident in her lack of resistence. Holding Youko's gaze, she let go of Kuronues hand and reached for Shippou who allowed her to cradle him.

"We were attacked within this village, hordes of demons came down at a time. The villagers were screaming, they weren't sure which way to go. Shippou helped lead them out as we fought to secure the village… only for it to be burned to the ground."

Shippou nuzzled into Sango's chest, the weight of the gruesome battle on his mind. Miroku continued to stare at the fire, a far-away look in his eyes as Kuronue remained protectively by Sangos side. Inuyasha sat in silence, his eyes closed as he continued to ignore the fox.

"We were outnumbered, Miroku and I were at our end; only Inuyasha and Kagome truly continued to stand… With the arrival of Kikyo-"

Kuronue interrupted, sharing a look with Youko, "That priestess from the field?"

Sango nodded her head as she continued, "She returned with vengeance. She was surrounded by demons and when Inuyasha went to approach her, he became overwhelmed. Kagome received a wound defending him."

Youko glanced at the mentioned demon, noticing his ears pressed down.

"It was then that Naraku appeared, Kagome and Inuyasha shared a few words as she challenged Naraku. Miroku and I had become revitalized with her injury and Naraku's appearance. The demons were clearing but not enough for us to assist her."

Sango took a moment as she repositioned Shippou, who fell into a light slumber.

"She had purified half his body but with her injuries, she wasn't going to win. With one last gesture she reached for her bow and blasted an arrow towards Inuyasha, clearing the demons that surrounded him and Kikyo. It was her last move, giving her seconds for Inuyasha to react who… embraced Kikyo. Naraku collided with Kagome, light purple burst against black, wrapping around each other before the black consumed the purple and collapsed within itself. Nothing remained of them."

Youko remained emotionless as he picked at his claws, gazing down he made no comment. Turning his back to the group, he exited quietly; the wind only slightly moving his hair. It was when he was covered by the forest lining, that Youko became a blur. He focused only on the slight feeling of his mate. Although she disappeared without a trace, he knew he could find her.

Kuronue kneed in front of Sango, he knew Youko needed some time and his mind lingered on the demon slayer. He placed a clawed hand on her cheek, stroking the dirt and ash away with his calloused thumb. Even right now consumed by exhaustion, did she look like a daring force to be reckoned with. He slowly removed Shippou from her arms and handed him to Miroku; ignoring the monk almost completely. With Sango staring at the ground he picked her up and carried her tenderly into the woods, barely earning a squeak. She was too exhausted to move, too exhausted to argue even, so she allowed herself to be overcome by the warmth of the bat demon.

When Kuronue finally stopped walking, Sango opened her eyes; they were by a hot spring. She looked at him questioning as he knelt down for her to stand. Without a word, he began to undress her earning a quiet squeak from her, as well as a scarlet blush.

"K-Kuronue! What are you doing?"

His violent eyes peered into hers as he stopped undressing her.

"We need to get this dirt off you before anything else."

She remained quiet, allowing his presence to hum to her. She closed her eyes again as she felt the cool night kiss her bare skin. She felt him untie her hair as it cascaded down her back, his clawed hands removing the leaves within it. Her chocolate brown eyes met his violet and he smiled at her permanent blush. Removing his top and hat, he pulled Sango to him and glided them into the water, her muscles tensing from the hot water.

Not a word was spoken as he dipped her in and helped her clean her hair. She trailed her fingers over his chest allowing her aching body to relax. It was the most intimate she's ever been with a man but after the last 24 hours, she needed to feel safe and that's what Kuronue made her feel; safe. She leaned against his chest as he held her close, his clawed hands stroking her hair as she drifted in and out of sleep. Once he felt her body completely relax, he knew it was time for them to go. The air felt cool against their skin in comparison to the water. Once they were dressed in clean clothes, he silently carried them up and into the nearest tree.

She nestled into his chest and as though they were one, their breathing evened.

I hope this chapter is all you guys hoped for and more!
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xoxo