Arrankor: I'm glad you've enjoyed the story thus far, I hope that the ending can satisfy you as well; it's not over yet, but I think that now is just a matter of seeing it end properly. The happily ever after, as it were.
[[I do not own InuYasha.]]
Miroku had his head lowered, as he addressed the weakened Tsukiko, whom barely had the strength in assisting. "..It's hard.. to face.. not acting.. when the result was this.." Said Miroku. As if his own pain wasn't grand enough, the sound of Kagome was just as heart-wrenching.
"What you should do rarely is easy to face in the end, despite what your teachings may say." Said Tsukiko, barely managing to even lower herself down to the other human present, rubbing the fellow Miko's back as she cried over the two lifeless ones she once regarded as friends. The dark priestess' small comfort didn't come without a price though, as the pain of her wound flared up by kneeling down, she cringed as it seared in the area- as though flames were escaping her rather than blood.
"..I should treat your wounds, Tsukiko." Began Miroku, only to be forced to the ground a moment later.
"Sit." Responded Tsukiko.
"Ow! That hurt! It's rock down here you know?!" Cursed Miroku, as he attempted to remove a piece of rock embedded in his cheek, and rise again.
"Punishment rarely is pleasant." Commented Tsukiko.
"For what exactly am I being punished?" Asked Miroku.
"For asking a priestess, even one as nontraditional as me, to disrobe for you- especially at a graveside." Answered Tsukiko, well loud enough that Kagome could overhear.
"But- I.." He tried to correct, but could already feel the animosity of his future-born friend rising up.
Soon, Kagome was returning up the cliff, with Koga's assistance- looking back down briefly to look from above, at Sango and InuYasha once again. Well, now Miroku was laying there as well, but he deserved it...
"She.. could've.. killed me." Said Miroku, panting for air and perhaps feeling like death at this point.
"I'm rather surprised she didn't- perhaps losing two friends was enough." Said Tsukiko as she moved over to where Miroku lay in pain. "She shouldn't be back for a few minutes, even with the demon's help- for now, kind Monk, would you mind tending to my wound?" Asked Tsukiko.
"You.. are a devil.." Commented Miroku as he tried to pull himself up, while Tsukiko began to lower her robe- facing away from him. "How come you get me in trouble for asking, only to turn around and request it?" Asked Miroku.
"Don't worry, you're still learning- you'll be able to figure it out on your own in time." Said Tsukiko with a chuckle. "Kagome needed to move, that part was simple- as for why you were the receptacle for her stress, well- you should take at least that lesson from this place, it's not your choice to help someone, it's their choice to be helped." She specified. "You can't save someone from something they knowingly or unknowingly face whole heartedly. That's why you couldn't save Sango, or InuYasha, because once they'd started- by time you realized what was at stake, both of them were jumping over the cliff of decision, taking the inevitably plunge into consequence."
"But why was it important for Kagome to move?" Asked Miroku.
"Time is limited in the mortal realm, but unlimited in the afterlife- Kagome knows that all too well, but a natural death- not being sucked in while still living, or cutting through and choosing to enter; you don't fight against the fate of death when you enter it naturally, Sango and InuYasha won't feel attached to this world, it's a soul's natural state to return to where it originated from- there is no fear in the journey.. but I imagine the destination will be challenging, especially for those who met their end beside one another." Said Tsukiko, as cryptic as ever. "Perhaps they'll accept it and separate, knowing that it is inevitable- or more likely, as InuYasha is involved, they'll wander the afterlife without ever moving on, if only because it's the last place they can both exist- together."
"I know InuYasha is no saint, but surely he wouldn't be cast into hell- given how many people he's saved..." Said Miroku.
"A demon has no place amongst your human heaven, all demon blood is derived from the pain and suffering of humans, the very things we cast off by entering heaven. The only heaven for a demon, is here in our world, or the nothingness of the afterlife- the only reason one would accept hell, was to someday be reborn here, and reach their heaven again." Said Tsukiko.
"You say 'my' human heaven, but you are human too- are you not?" Asked Miroku.
"Of course, but I never intended to go to heaven. All the people whom I care for will be waiting amongst the flames, and so- I will merely have to join them there when my time comes to an end." Said Tsukiko.
"I see.. then I believe Sango would merely follow InuYasha over that cliff as well." Said Miroku simply.
"A fair guess, given these two- but understand, the allure of the light is strong, and even if Sango can resist it; do you really believe InuYasha would accept her sacrifice once again? Wandering the afterlife endlessly sounds a lot more like InuYasha, than happily accepting hell when the one he cares for doesn't need to be there..." Said Tsukiko.
#
"InuYasha, awaken.. Come now, dear; you shouldn't keep your mother waiting." Said Izayoi, as InuYasha stirred a bit at the feeling of something touching his cheek. "Mother.." He whispered, hearing her voice.
"You too, Sango.. it's about time to go, your mother has been waiting for you for some time now, it's time you met her again." Another voice, the mere mention of Sango causing InuYasha to snap more awake as he looked over- to a slightly stirring Sango, the man bathed in light beckoning her to awaken.
"..Father?" Asked Sango as she opened her eyes to see him, behind him- her grandfather as well, the mere sight of them both brought tears to the corners of her eyes. Before she knew it, she had gotten up and grasped them both, the both of them noticeably uncomfortable with which the strength the young Sango held them both with. "I.. missed you guys.." She admitted against them.
InuYasha, feeling relief that Sango was happy, finally started to get up himself- dusting off his robe as he did.
"I'm glad to see that you found the answer in yourself, dear InuYasha. The only way to truly forgive yourself for my death, was to forgive the man who's responsible." Said Izayoi.
"I didn't really forgive him, as much as I realized it wasn't as important as the other's lives..." Admitted InuYasha, scratching his cheek as he had trouble looking into his mother's eyes.
"Maybe you didn't mean to, but to eliminate the anger and hatred in your heart- the only way to remove all traces of it, was to let go of the past, and focus only on what really mattered to you- to forgive him and his actions, and focus on the ones you could prevent now." Said Izayoi as she stroked his hair gently.
"All I really did was focus on Sango.. I just didn't want to see her die pointlessly. I don't think that worked out in the end." Said InuYasha as he looked over at the Slayer across from him.
"Everything you had was bared before you, and everything you'd lose in making that choice- I'd say you were very brave, honey. We can't protect everyone, I failed to protect you in the end even, but our feelings are what matters- the desire to protect someone you care for is far more important than always being able to. You can't protect someone from themselves." Answered Izayoi as she reached over and took his hand. "Come, we'll have much more time to speak- say goodbye and perhaps you can meet again, in the next life." Said Izayoi, as she motioned towards Sango.
InuYasha realized that while Sango's parents were bathed in a warm light, Izayoi wasn't. "...I see.. so you've been waiting for me here too, living on with Tsukiko, until I came right?" He asked, recognizing the feeling he got from Tsukiko earlier. "And.. but you should.. go with them." Said InuYasha, looking over at the others once again. "It's where you belong.."
"Where I belong will always be by my son's side, my soul is not drawn to the light like theirs, for the light I am bound to is one of my own doing; I can no more join them than you can, my boy." Said Izayoi with a smile. "Nor would I, of course- just in case you were thinking that if it weren't for you, I'd be over there instead. My place is here, where your father is, where our son will go as well."
"Say goodbye, huh?.." Said InuYasha as he lowered his head some. "I.. don't think that's necessary- I'll see her again, I will, even if I have to be born a human to be able to be by her side in peace, I will see her again- someday." Said InuYasha as he turned fully towards his mother. "Let's just go-" He said, resolved to endure whatever distance the afterlife could place between them until such a day as whatever plan it had in store was concluded, then he'd find her again.
"I can't make you say goodbye I guess.. but, as your mother- I can tell you that IT WILL BE A LONG TIME BEFORE YOU MEET AGAIN INUYASHA!" Said Izayoi, yelling the pertinent part but more in the other direction than at her son. She smiled at him afterwards.
"Wha?! What the hell did you do that for!?" Asked InuYasha, as he went to look over at the others, as if to ensure nothing had changed- but instead found Sango planted onto him. "Ow- Ow- Geez, let me go!" Said InuYasha, finding the crushing of his ribs painful.
"What'dya mean, Let go! I ain't letting you go anywhere!" Said Sango in protest, growling at her half demon partner. "What's the deal, first you ask me to marry you, then you run off with some woman!?" Said Sango accusingly.
"It's my mother!" Said InuYasha.
"Well DUH InuYasha, stands to reason if my father met me, then your mother would be the one to meet you!" She argued back.
"Certainly a spirited girl you have there." Said Izayoi as she bowed before the light bathed men, addressing Shoku soon afterwards. "You are her grandfather, if I am not mistaken? You really did a good job at raising a fine girl." Admired Izayoi respectfully.
"Who would'a thought the demon would have such a pleasant mother?" Commented Sango's father, more jokingly than anything- though he still received an elbow from his own father, Shoku. "You'll have to forgive my son- I didn't do quite as good a job raising him, I blame my youth at the time." Answered Shoku with a smile.
"We never are prepared when it happens, but I would like to believe that we do our absolute best, even when the path before us is clouded." Responded Izayoi with a chuckle at the two.
"A noblewoman though, it's just surprising is all." Said Sango's father.
"Love knows no class, no gender, no race, and no fate- look at our own beloved children. A half demon is generally accepted by noone, less a choice few; a demon slayer is generally just as distrusting of demons, especially the temper of my dear boy; I fear I didn't have enough time to soothe that in his youth." Said Izayoi with another bow, an apology presumably for having to suffer InuYasha's temper.
"I suppose you are correct. Reminds me of the story of Ro Myo, and his beloved Jewl Iyet." Said Shoku.
"Ah, the star-crossed romance? I loved that story as a child. I don't doubt it took a biased role in my adult years as well." Said Izayoi with a giggle.
"Uh, mother- you sure you should, y'know, making all nice with em?" Asked InuYasha.
"Now, now InuYasha, you did ask for the girl's hand, did you not? This is about as close as I will get to meeting the bride and her parents, is that not so?" Teased Izayoi, causing him to react embarrassedly.
"Your mother is almost as blunt as you are- just in a different way.." Commented Sango from InuYasha's chest, afraid to turn around and look at her own family at this point. She would swear even her ears were red at this point.
"Hey, don't you go sayin' nothin' bout my mother, when yours totally tried to say she was too good for a demon!" Argued InuYasha angerily.
"Well CLEARLY she is, she's a hell of a lot nicer than YOU are!" Said Sango.
Izayoi giggled. "I've never been complimented via a third person perspective, nor with such a passionate tone- it's really rather strange to witness." She said to the other two parents.
"Yeah, Sango never was one to keep in mind of her surroundings when she goes off.." Sighed Shoku.
"Your name, the sixteenth night- that's the full moon, isn't it? Quite fitting a name I believe.." Said Sango's father.
"You may be right- perhaps it was fate, that my own life would take such an orbit around the night of the full moon..." Said Izayoi as she turned to them once again, letting their children express their emotions as best they could.
"I'd love to hear that story sometime." Said Sango's father.
"It can be a rather long one.. after all, it's spanned over two hundred years now.." Said Izayoi as she glanced over at the two arguing, but never letting one another go. "And is still being written, I believe.." She added.
"Time is one thing we all have an abundance of in the end, is it not Lady Izayoi?" Noted Shoku.
"You may be right.. though perhaps I will skim over some of the less relevant details.. After all; the night of the full moon holds such significance, it makes all other nights seem mundane in comparison- at least in the story of my life." Said Izayoi.
#
Kagome sat beside Sango's bed, looking over at the two who now rested there peacefully, she'd cleaned up the wounds and tried to prepare them, as well as herself for what was to come. It was time to say goodbye, but she truly, with her whole heart- didn't want to, nor did she want to see the kids say goodbye either. Just thinking about it she was on the verge of crying all over again. '..Maybe.. in that horrible nightmare.. you guys can.. keep me company...' She thought, trying to see any good she could find in their passing.
Tsukiko sat on the other side, remaining silent as she leaned against the wall- it was something InuYasha did constantly, a reserved gaze upon the rest of the room, one of an outcast who didn't feel a part of their world that passed by them. One has to question if that wasn't a part of his surrogate mother's influence, the ability to live outside of life, as it was a part of InuYasha that probably kept him as grounded as he was, and not merely just another demon or half demon as it were. '...For all my years, and all my powers, and everything that I am- I'd gladly trade everything, even my life, if only I could have lead you down a happier path.. my friend.' She thought as she looked over to InuYasha as well. She lowered her head. 'I'm sorry.. it's out of my hands now.. I can't see it anymore.. maybe it's too late, or maybe I just don't want to see how it will end, afraid you will step through that gate and say goodbye...' She thought.
Kagome tried to break her vision from the two if only to resist the desire to cry as she looked over at Tsukiko. "..InuYasha, called you.. Tsukiko.. didn't he?" Asked Kagome.
She peeked her head up, willing the tears in her eyes to vanish as she spoke in a normal, unemotional voice, despite the fear she held quietly. "Yes, he did- he must've remembered me finally." Answered Tsukiko.
"You.. spent a lot of time with him, when he was a kid? I've.. always wondered what he was like.. y'know, before.. she passed, and he was left alone.." Said Kagome.
Tsukiko smiled. "Not unlike he was today. Though maybe he cursed and yelled less, maybe he cried more, but to tell you the truth; if you get past the language difference, I think he hasn't changed in two hundred years, not really." Said Tsukiko. "He's just stupid enough to not understand how far he is in, and just smart enough to find a way through it no matter the situation." She said, totally the life experience of InuYasha into a single statement.
Kagome felt a giggle escape as she nodded. "That sounds about right.. The nightmares... will probably only get worse now. I'm afraid to close my eyes, I might sleep, and visit that place all over again.. but I think that'd be okay, if I had to, since- thanks to him, I'm alive still to feel that fear, that sadness, but also the love and joys of life along with them.." Said Kagome, feeling her eyes well up again.
"The nightmares are only afraid because you feel like you are alone in them. Once you realize that you are never alone there, you may find that it's less a nightmare, and more of a vacation from the living world." Said Tsukiko with a smile. "That's what we are as priestess' We give a moment's reprieve to those who ask of it. We guide those around us back to where they belong, no matter where our path leads us, or how far into the abyss we must go; we have the strength to bring them back, if we only knew the way." Said Tsukiko, being particularly cryptic as she spoke of the role of priestess, no she spoke of the role of Tsukiko and Kagome. The power to guide, as Tsukiko guided the events to see the truest will of InuYasha play out, but what of Kagome? '..I didn't guide anyone.. if anything I followed someone else.. his.. guiding.' She thought as her thoughts reflected the void she feared, a vast ocean of nothingness, where there was no one to guide you.
"Kagome?" Asked Koga as he entered, noticing she was sitting upright but looked like she was asleep.
"Be quiet, fool." Said Tsukiko, snapping at the wolf, but as he touched her, she awoke a bit. "Damn wolf, she was almost asleep." Tsukiko added, as Kagome looked confused.
Kagome looked around with confusion for a moment. "But.. I was..." She began, looking up to Koga.
"You were what, Kagome?" Asked Koga with worry.
"I'm sorry Koga, I do love you- but I have to go back! I could feel them, I could feel InuYasha again, and Sango too!" She said, in a nearly hysterical manner, forcing her eyes closed as if that alone would enable her to reach the place between dreams and reality once more.
"Miroku, restrain Koga." Ordered Tsukiko, Miroku who only was just entering at that moment looked confused, but placed a sutra on Koga as he turned around "Like hell you-.. what?" Asked Koga, as he tried to get free of the binding sutra.
"What's this about?" Asked Miroku, having done it without the slightest clue as to Tsukiko's reason.
"It's a favor, for Kagome." Said Tsukiko. "And for me."
"Kagome~!" Yelled Koga, unable to turn around to see to her, let alone move and tend to her, he continued to yell her name in vain.
"Grrr, KOGA SHUT UP! I can't concentrate with you yelling like that! Geez!" Fumed Kagome as Koga silenced immediately.
Miroku moved over to Tsukiko and whispered. "What's this all about? What's she trying to do..?" Asked Miroku.
"If I had to guess, I would say- she's trying to return to a place she is deathly afraid of, if only on the chance that she can make it back again, but not alone..." Said Tsukiko. "You may want to catch her- it'd be a hell of a thank you to come back with a giant knot on your head." Said Tsukiko, as Miroku- learning quickly not to question her words before accepting them, he moved over as Kagome began to lose her balance, and fall sideways. Miroku caught her just barely.
Koga resumed screaming as he heard the girl falling, though truly he didn't hear her land. "Keep your hands off her, monk!" "Get this damn sutra off me! Kagome needs help!" He continued trying to argue his way into getting to Kagome.
"No, I think Kagome is the one helping us- and I think she's plenty strong enough to do it on her own. It's not often one's feelings can transcend time to reopen gates, it should be no more surprising that someone who's been there, can find their way there once again." Said Tsukiko, though that hardly shut Koga up
#
'Where.. am I? I'm.. there again.. Aren't I?' Kagome wondered as she could see nothing in the blackness of the afterlife. 'No.. it's no dream, I can feel them.. It's.. clouded though, I can't find them like this!' Kagome panicked, about to run off in any direction just to be moving. The unnerving nothingness really effected the girl, as one of the most frightening experiences in all her life.
"How can I reincarnation of me, a priestess no less, be afraid of the dark?!"
'Who's there?!' Thought Kagome, but it was obvious.
"You have everything that was once me, so why do I still have to teach you anything?" Said Kikyo, as she appeared before the other.
"Well, it's not like I want to be here either! If you're so damned useful, then why not try helping me find them!" Said Kagome, yelling at her mirrored self.
"This place is as new to me as it is to you!" Said Kikyo.
"What'dya mean, it's the afterlife, how is it new? You've died already!" Said Kagome.
"Yes, and I went to hell- willingly, to see the jewel gone from our world; I did not stay here to sight see! The only reason I can appear her now, is because you are here! My soul is here because you are here!" Said Kikyo.
"Wait, so this isn't hell?" Asked Kagome.
"It's the purgatory between heaven and hell, where spirits who refuse to go either way are left-" Kikyo was interrupted.
"Then we have to hurry and find them, before they go on through! I don't know how to go to heaven or hell, I can only come here, so quit complaining and help me search!" Said Kagome.
"What mistakes must I have made in life to suffer such an indignant rebirth?" Cursed Kikyo as she faded away.
"Wha? Where'd you go?! Help me find them!" Called out Kagome.
'You can't find them as you are, your fear blinds you- you know only the desire to leave while you are here.' Thought Kikyo, within Kagome's head.
"That's not true! I may fear this place, but above that- I want to be here, if it means I can protect my friends!" Acknowledged Kagome.
'Then why aren't you seizing it?! You can't find them because of your fear- so cast it away!' Thought Kikyo.
Kagome sighed as she tried to look out at the blackness and not feel alone. 'Wait.. I'm not alone, you're here too, right Kikyo?'
'As troubling as it is, we exist as one- though I can only hope in our return in death, that we may go our separate ways...'
'Geez, what did InuYasha see in you again?'
'I wasn't an incompetent weakling who gets distracted by a ball of string rolling by, for starters.'
'I'm not weak!'
'Then stop being weak, and move forward- there are people behind you, supporting your journey, people ahead of you awaiting your arrival, and me with you- to remind you of why you're here, so why aren't you moving?'
'...Because, I'm searching..' Thought Kagome as she focused solely on the feelings of her friends in her heart. '..! They're that way!' She realized as she turned into that direction and charged forward.
'Good job, Kagome..' Thought Kikyo.
'Thank you.. for staying with me.. Kikyo.'
#
"It was really rather cute- they both knew they were dying, and could see the other was in just as bad a shape, but they started just chatting; like it was all a dream or something." Said Izayoi with a giggle. "Suddenly the topic of marriage and kids rolled around, y'know how it goes- the regrets of life always surface in death." She added with an amused yet serene smile.
"Oh, kill me now." Muttered InuYasha, as he felt embarrassment like never before.
"We're already dead- is there another level of death we can try to escape this hell?" Responded Sango, it just wasn't a topic you wanted to watch your parents discuss, your love life, private conversations in which you may or may not have said some embarrassing things, and to top it off- smiling and talking about how cute a death you had, what is that?!
"I don't know, but I'm willing to try and find out." Said InuYasha before growling. "Hey, look you three, I don't mean to interrupt naptime for you old-" Started InuYasha as Izayoi slapped him over the head with a smile. "Be respectful, dear." She excused, as she bowed before the others.
"He has a point though, we did get a little sidetracked- we really should be going, come on Sango." Said Sango's father as she waved her one direction.
"You as well, InuYasha- it's time to say goodbye." Said Izayoi.
Sango looked at her own hand as her father took it, she could feel the draw of something pulling her in that direction, but on the other side of her was InuYasha, still holding her hand- that pull may not be death's, but it was far more relevant to her.
InuYasha experienced something similar as Izayoi took his hand, her hand felt hot all of a sudden, as if the temperature was rising all around her- it was the gateway to hell, he remembered the feeling of it's draw from his experience with Kikyo. He knew he should let Sango go, and accept it- but as he looked back at Sango, and found her looking to him he continued holding on. 'Why.. is she looking at me like that?' He wondered. 'She's.. asking for help.' He realized, but didn't understand why. He recalled the moments before their death.. and smiled slightly, tightening his grip on her.
InuYasha and Sango both jerked their hands from their respective parents, coming together once again. Though he spoke to his mother, he never let his eyes leave Sango's face, she was smiling again- that was all he needed. "I don't know what other choices we have besides what you have to offer, mother-" Said InuYasha
"But I have to believe that it'll be okay, as long as we are together.. no matter where that might be." Added Sango, as she finished. "I do believe that, father."
"Because I know, it won't be okay anywhere, even in Hell." Said InuYasha
"Or in Heaven." Added Sango
"If we aren't together." They both said, as they turned to their respective parents, but didn't let the other one go still.
"I'll see you.. eventually.. mother." Said InuYasha as he nodded to her. "But not today."
"Give.. mother my regards.. tell her.. that I miss her too.." Said Sango, as she bowed slightly before her parent and grandparent.
Izayoi smiled from amidst the darkness that consumed the very place she stood. "Very well, InuYasha- but always remember that we're waiting for you both, whenever you choose to move on." Said Izayoi with a bow.
"Couldn't have said it better myself, lady Izayoi. I hope we can meet again." Said Sango's father.
"Aye, perhaps you can educate my son in being as reliable as your InuYasha." Said Shoku.
"I may have gave him life, but I believe a lot more of his true nature comes from those who share his life now, than those who sheltered him then." Said Izayoi with a smile. "But thank you, for if not for your Sango, I may have never seen my son so happy." Said Izayoi.
"Alright, enough with the mushy stuff, won't you guys just go to hell, heaven, wherever it is you guys are going, and stop embarrassing us!" Said InuYasha.
"Seriously, even their farewells are awkward! Wouldn't a simple goodbye suffice? See you soon even? As creepy as that might be..." Commented Sango as she huffed and turned prepared to walk forward, InuYasha following suit, as the gates began to close, and fade. "..Hey InuYasha.. do you know where we're going?" Asked Sango.
"..Not a clue.. but it's together, right?" Said InuYasha.
"..Yeah.. but isn't this going to get a little boring after a while? Why're we walking anyway?" Asked Sango.
"Are you going to question every little thing cause that could get irritating after a while." Said InuYasha with a growl.
"What was that?! All I'm saying is that, sure I enjoy walking with you, but hell I don't really particularly enjoy walking endlessly, not when we might as well sit down endlessly, or whatever- because we aren't going anywhere!" Said Sango.
"And I understand that, but it's not like I started us to walking, you did! So don't askk me why YOU started walking!" Said InuYasha.
"Cause I thought you might know where we were going!"
"We aren't going anywhere, we're already here!"
"Where's here?! We're nowhere!"
"THATS WHERE HERE IS!"
"BUT WHATS THE POINT OF BEING HERE!?"
The both of them let go of one another to take their respective arguing poses as they prepared for a lengthy argument about the physics and logic of an empty void and their position within it.
"InuYasha! Sango!" Cried out Kagome, so relieved to see them, so much so that she didn't even really notice their posture, as familiar as it was.
"Kagome?" Asked Sango, confused by the other's presence.
"Ah, damnit Kagome, I'm dead for what? One day? I always told you you wouldn't survive out there without me.." Said InuYasha with a sigh.
"Behave yourself InuYasha, it could be that she died of her own choice, y'know? I hear about that sometimes, some women when they lose their husband will grieve themselves to death..." Said Sango, feeling mildly frightened by Kagome's appearance in the afterlife.
"That sure sounds like Kagome, alright- she always was a crybaby, did I ever tell you about the first time we fought Sesshomaru? She started crying just because there was a chance we'd die." Said InuYasha.
Kagome felt the vein on her head puff out at the conversation. "Grr! Stop talking about me like I'm not here!" She yelled, but InuYasha and Sango both smiled at her despite that.
"Y'know, InuYasha- I don't actually remember dying, I think I lost consciousness.. could it be Kagome had something to do with it?" Teased Sango.
"Yeah, I could see her getting jealous of us dying together I guess- maybe you would've survived and she just-" InuYasha snapped his fingers. "Finished the job. But that doesn't explain me, she'd never kill me!" Said InuYasha.
"Oh please, InuYasha- you upset her infinitely more than I did, if she killed anyone, it was you!" Said Sango- though the both of them merely grinned at Kagome despite their grim topic.
Kagome was furious, as she whispered. "I hate you both." Though despite her words she moved closer and hugged them both, crying again. "I really hate you both! You're the worst friends ever!" She cried.
Sango laughed slightly as she hugged the other. "We missed you too, Kagome." Assured Sango to the girl.
"How'd you die anyway? Kaede finally get sick of your mooching and take that cooking knife to you or what? Never trust an old hag with a knife- rule one." Said InuYasha, jokingly.
"I'm not dead, you idiot!" Said Kagome, snapping at him.
"Huh?" Sango and inuYasha made a confused noise. "But Kagome.. this is.."
"At least I don't think I'm dead.. well, I mean, technically to be here I have to be dead, but not like the permenant kind, I think I can get back.." Said Kagome.
"You're not making any sense, Kagome- the only way between our world and the living world is Tetsusaiga's Meido. Unless you need to tell me something, I'm pretty sure you can't use the Meido, and even if you could- you don't have it, to get back." Said InuYasha.
"No! I'm a priestess, it's my job to guide people! So I came here to guide you home!" She defensively answered. "Though.. I admit, I'm not quite sure how to do that; but I got here, so I know I can get back." Said Kagome.
"Very well then, let's go home." Said Sango.
"Sounds good to me; this place is a little dead." Said InuYasha.
"That's so stupid, InuYasha." Said Sango, though she looked mildly amused by the joke.
"I'm telling you- I can, wait, what?" Kagome looked confused now. "You believe me?"
"Of course- if Kagome wants to do something, she always does it, no matter what stands in her way." commented InuYasha.
"I have no reason to doubt you- you'll always come to help if it's within your power, and I believe that it is within your power to get us home too." Said Sango.
"You guys.. make it sound so corny.." Said Kagome, feeling embarrassed now.
"It is a little weird, but it's true. You risked your life to protect me in the battle." Said InuYasha.
"You revived me as well, when I was sure I didn't have any power left, remember?" Noted Sango.
"And you came here to see us even when there should be no way to do that." Said InuYasha.
"If you believe you can get us home, then we'll trust you to do just that- even if you don't know how you can, we know you can." Said Sango.
Kagome hugged the both of them once again, smiling. 'Thank you both, my friends- I truly believe.. that we belong together, with all of our friends, back home.. that's why we'll get there..' Thought Kagome, as she felt the feelings of all of her friends on the living side pulling her back, bringing INuYasha and Sango with her, as the void around them became unoccupied again.
#
Kagome felt herself become heavy, the hold of someone else keeping her up; she smiled. "Koga." She whispered as she lifted her head, and pressed her lips to his. Miroku looked at her with confusion, as she blinked- seeing who it was.
Tsukiko laughed as she removed the seal from Koga- it was soon a miniature war between Koga and Miroku, while Kagome sobbed on the floor, cursing her life momentarily- her muttering quite dramatic. "Oh god, I kissed Miroku.. I'm a ruined woman.. "
"Hey now, that's a little harsh!" Said Miroku.
"You got nuthin' to say, Monk- you practically have the scent of a woman, as many as you seek out!" Said Koga with a growl.
Tsukiko laughed again at the events unfolding, as she moved back to the bed, touching InuYasha's ear. "Welcome back." She whispered, leaning down and kissing his forehead, like a mother would.
InuYasha stirred only a bit at his ear being played with, though clearly it was accompanied by pain from trying to move a broken body.
Sango groaned as well beside him, as the two merely slept- their hands remaining together still. It'd be a long while before they could get out of bed, or even sleep together properly, but just knowing the other was there, being able to feel the other's touch still- that was enough.. for now.