Lamentations by vampyrosa

Lamentations

Lamentations by Vampyrosa

My Immortal

IMMORTAL

I'm So Tired Of Being Here

Suppressed By All Of My Childish Fears

And If You Have To Leave

I Wish That You Would Just Leave

Because Your Presence Still Lingers Here

And It Won't Leave Me Alone

Kagome stood by the well looking inside. Perhaps, this time would be the last time. She had no overwhelming backpack or bulky books. However, she carried a heavy heart. She swung her legs over the ledge and jumped. The sweet smell of earth and roots greeted her.

She climbed out and sat down. Kagome wasn't sure she could do it. She looked at her hand and the pink jewel she held. It had been nearly six months since they got rid of Naraku but only to be forced to deal with more demons. As each battle progressed, the more useless she felt. The idea of a monster magnet came to mind. As of late, Inuyasha has been hinting about the Shikon no Tama's fate. It was time to decide.

The sudden chill in the air startled her. The formidable presence behind already hinting at who it was. "Oh, Lord Sesshoumaru, how nice to see you," Kagome said.

She got up and quickly wiped the back of her skirt to remove the dirt. After all, it was the Lord of the Western lands and she couldn't go around looking less then perfect in front of him. The demon lord stood beside her without saying a word. However, he made no move to harm her in anyway. He simply stood nearby, aware yet comfortably distant.

"It's a beautiful day," Kagome said off handedly. Sesshoumaru looked down at her for a brief moment and then looked ahead. He was content to be neutral on the subject matter. Kagome sighed at his perpetualant attitude. An idea came to her and then she gave him a side smile. "Your it!" She tapped his shoulder, and then sprinted away.

Kagome didn't need to look back to know the Demon was on her tail. Oddly enough, over the months, Sesshoumaru and she developed an exceptionally secretive friendship. The friendship came after a long-standing odium but eventually they had come to terms discreetly. She really had to stress the point that it was secret to him. For both party's dignity and her safety were on the line. From then on, they left it at that.

She knew he could at any moment he could catch her, and that was the exciting thing. Of course he rarely 'tagged' her, as that would make him a participant in this 'pathetically moronic game'. Although he wouldn't say it out loud, she knew he liked the chase. Finally tiring, she stopped by a lake. Like the breeze she felt the pointed tap on her shoulder. She laughed and leaned against a tree to catch her breath.

"You almost look beautiful when you laugh." Sesshoumaru said in a cold voice. Unlike his words his demeanor was nothing short of menacing. Always arrogant and always rigid. How he managed to turn a compliment into an ill-fated sentence, she would never know.

"Whatever..." Kagome said and waved off the compliment. "How is Rin? I'm surprised she's not here with you. I wanted to see her," She paused and hesitantly pulled a doll from her purse. "I wanted to give her this."

Sesshoumaru took the doll without question. He didn't even bother to look at it. His golden eyes were set upon the moving waters. Quiet and unmoved like a statue.

"What's wrong? Your more silent then usual," Kagome laid a tentative hand on his arm. Sesshoumaru looked down and for a long while didn't look at her.

"After this, you're going to leave." He looked at her and away. "I don't want you to leave." He said it so low Kagome could barely hear him. In the air lingered the implied command. Underlying that was a small and yet unyielding challenge. She gave him a steady look before looking away as well.

"Yeah, all good things do come to an end eventually." Kagome bit her lower lip. "Lord Sesshoumaru, this is not my time. I- I can't stay here no matter how much I love it." With that said, she pulled a flower from the ground handed it him. It was a small token for him to understand. "I can't stay."

They didn't say anything as they parted, although Kagome felt like she needed to say something to placate the poignant look in the mighty Lord's eyes. Instead she concentrated on keeping one foot in front of the other.

In retrospect, Kagome wasn't sure when their friendship began. Perhaps it was the time he kidnapped her. No, that wasn't it. Maybe it was that time she accidentally cast an amnesic spell on him. That wasn't it either. There was no point of reference to say when they became civil and even cordial towards each other. She was so glad, the whole I'm-going-to-kill-you thing was over; it was getting on her nerves.

Kagome slowed her pace and stuffed her hands into her pockets. It was late fall and soon winter would take over the land. Every thing seemed to have a slight frost. The ground was hard and brittle. Her new boots crunched the dirt much to her enjoyment. The fall leaves skittering along the path in a weightless dancing swirl.

She remembered that one time they had escaped into the future. As usual Inuyasha was being an ass and Kagome just needed a break from demon slaying. Sesshoumaru had unintentionally tagged along. It was fun to watch the great lord of the western land look positively stunned. It was the Fall there as well. They spent only a day there together, visiting various stores, the museum and the carnival. She remember the way he ate cotton candy, gently lapping at it, then nipping and then swallowing the whole thing in one gulp. She giggled to herself at the sight of a hyped-up caffeine freak youkai. It had to be the first time she ever seen him look so alive with curiosity. In a way, he almost looked happy.

She also remembered the time she first met Rin. At first the little girl was rather shy and detached towards her. Kagome concluded that maybe Rin considered her a threat for Sesshoumaru's affection, which wasn't true. Rin was always foremost when it came to him. Gradually the sweet little girl warmed up to her. On occasion Sesshoumaru would bring Rin so that they may play together. After all, he considered her worthy enough and she represented no threat of corrupting the little girl. In turn Kagome liked the little girl very much. She was an ideal child, well mannered, gentle and full of mischief. It was Rin who devised the tag game. Her heart panged when she knew she would not be able to see that toothy grin any more.

Kagome rounded her shoulders and put up a brave front. She couldn't do this to herself, it would make leaving all that much harder and not to mention unbearable. She simply looked a head and saw the village come into view.

~*~*~*~

These Wounds Won't Seem To Heal

This Pain Is Just Too Real

There's Just Too Much That Time Cannot Erase

A leaf blew in front of her and she immediately thought of Sesshoumaru again. The memory of how he saved her once still fresh in her mind. She felt cold inside as to why it led up to that. That day she had seen Inuyasha and Kikyo together alone amid a field of flowers. She had seen the two together many times before, so why did that occasion irritate her so much? The two were walking in the meadow, Kikyo with a pale violet umbrella; the two had their arms looped all the while Inuyasha spoke continuously in a happy tone. Her jealousy was fueled not on the fact that Kikyo was taking her potential boyfriend, but the fact that corpse was taking away her best friend.

Slowly, day by day she could feel him slip away from her. It still hurt, but his happiness was all she was concerned about. That's why she willing let Kikyou cipher a little more of her soul so she didn't need to devour more from the innocent dead. It was a hard choice. Just knowing that if she did it, she had sealed her fate with Inuyasha. It was a bitter pill to swallow but she did it with no regrets, or at least she hoped as much.

Kagome knew at that moment. Could she be able to break them up? After all this turmoil and suffering the two lovers were reunited. Was she willing to be a villain and steal Inuyasha away from the walking dead girl? Maybe but she didn't think so. In fact, she felt like she had no right to interfere. Besides, she thought to her self, 'This is not my time or place'. She wandered away disconsolate, filled with stormy thoughts. It was her resolve to get over the feelings of affection for the Hanyou.

She had walked into a groove where the trees served as a useful canopy for the hot summer rays. The birds were chirping, locusts were screeching in the distance, and all life seemed to be up in a flurry. However Kagome felt lost, abandon, yet totally free. She rested her head on her knees. Kagome understood she was worth something and that someday someone worthy of her would eventually come. As she was thinking these thoughts, a figure fleeted above her. Actually two figures.

A second later, a broken body slammed into a tree, thus shattering it into splinters. Kagome was wide eyed. She must have stumbled into a fight. Instinctively she ran and hid under a rock crevice. There was more fighting and sporadic spray of blood. Kagome could barely see anything aside from a flash of clothing and fur. Demons her spirit told her. More reinforcements came as the previous fighters fell.

It was until an errant severed hand fell into her lap. She clapped a hand over her mouth to keep from screaming. With a frantic swipe, she knocked the offending appendage off her lap. As a result this attracted the other's attention. Oh crap! She thought as more came to surround her. She couldn't tell what kind of demons they were. They were all furry, smelly, hunched over with burly arms and yellowing fangs. To her horror she had no means of protection. Inuyasha was in the valley below. She had one shot and it was a risky one. To cry for help!

"Inuyasha! Anyone, HEEEEEEEEEEELP!" Once said she bolted down hill. They were on hot pursuit. She really had no other choices and her chance of survival was ebbing away. That was until a flash of white grabbed her by the waist and whisked her high into the trees. She knew who it was, but believing it was a whole other thing.

She swallowed hard and kept her eyes closed. Sesshoumaru let go unceremoniously and Kagome fell back. With a look of disgust, he reprimanded her. "Idiot girl, wandering around with no protector or weapons, one would think you wanted to get hurt!" Although his words were harsh, she looked up at him with admiration. This caught the great lord off guard. A low growled escaped him. "It's rude to stare, even for you."

"You saved me," Kagome said numbly. She stood up and bowed. "Thank you!" She ran off incase he realize his mistake and changed his mind. A second later she bumped into her savior. She had even taken two steps!

"I didn't save your life because I wanted to," He sneered.

"For whatever the reason, I am grateful!" She bowed again. She darted around him. Once more he stood before her.

"Um... can I go? I really don't want to be- LOOK OUT!" She shouted as three of the demons tried to attack from behind. Sesshoumaru didn't bother to turn around. With an overhead swing of his other sword he easily decapitated them. They stood in a shower of blood and hair. Most of it falling on her and miraculously had missed him.

"Eeeeeeeew!" Kagome groaned aloud. She stood stock still not wanting to move since she was covered in gore. "You know, I hate you."

Sesshoumaru didn't seem to care or hear as more came up from behind Kagome. With a quick flick and another bloody shower they were alone. "I really hate you."

He continued to stay silent. He gave Toukijin a firm shake to rid it of the blood. With care he wiped it with silk and returned it to its scabbard. They walked away from the slaughter and soon found themselves by a stream. Without her consent he picked her up and tossed her into the frigid water. "Aye! Co-o-o-ld!" Kagome trembled uncontrollably. She stood up to yelled at him. "You crazy self righteous meanie, why the hell did you do that!" She fumed.

Sesshoumaru looked at her and with the oddest look in his eyes. For the moment, she forgot her anger as she tried to figure out why he was staring so intently on her. She looked down at herself and gasped. She plunged back into the water when she realized that she was wearing a white cotton summer dress. Needless to say, the dress became transparent and didn't hide her features. Her body was flushed with shock and embarrassment. They stared at each other from a distance, one with indifference and the other with utter fury. Kagome remembered clearly the leaves falling gracefully all around them. It was the only sanest event that had happen all day.

"The water must be awfully cold." Sesshoumaru said with a slight snickering tone.

"Go away!"

"Are you telling Sesshoumaru, the Lord of the Western lands what to do little girl?" He said in another tone that suggested mischief. That in turn scared Kagome to no end. Since when did he have a sense of humor? That's just so unnatural! He started to advance towards her but stopped. Sesshoumaru gave her a small smirk and disappeared. Several minutes had pass when Inuyasha arrived at the scene.

"Kagome!" He came running up to her. He skidded to a halt, probably noticing all the blood and who knows what else that covered her.

"Where were you? You missed all the action," Kagome said slowly as she slinked toward him like a soggy kitten. "I'm okay, so don't worry."

"What happen?" He said, then pulled off his hidori and cloaked her with it. "Why are you covered in Demon slime?"

Kagome looked at him and wasn't sure to tell him that his half-brother saved her. Those two bristled at the mention of either one's name. "I was going to tell you lunch was ready when I had 'unintentionally' stumbled upon a fight." Inuyasha's amber eyes grew big with concern.

He sniffed the air and frowned. "They're all dead. So how did you escape?"

Kagome gave him a meek grin, "An angel saved me."

He grunted, "Since when do Angel's smell like my ass-hole brother?"

"That was him?!" Kagome said startled and moved closer to Inuyasha. She clung close to his chest and a deep red flush colored his cheeks. To Kagome's relief he fell for the little impromptu act. "B-but why would he do that?"

"I don't know..." Inuyasha said as he looked over the horizon. "Come on let's get back before you catch a cold." Kagome nodded numbly.

~*~*~*~

Kagome grinned inwardly at her little act. It was very rare that she had to out right lie to Inuyasha. She didn't feel too bad about it. If she had been truthful, it would open a can of worms between them. He would probably stick unbearably close. That and question her loyalty to him. Men, she scoffed, So paranoid and protective.

She could smell the evening fire that hinted at meals to be cooked. As she neared, her mouth began to water at the aroma of roasted sweet potatoes. So simple yet very satisfying to the senses. Even though the people were quite busy they all hailed her arrival. Gosh, Kagome thought, I've only been gone a few weeks!

Shippou caught wind of her arrival bound up towards her. "Kagome!" He sang out with joy. He hopped up into the waiting arms. "Bring me anything?" Kagome shook her head in amusement. "Don't I get a hug first?" Instantly the little fox child gave her the biggest hug he could muster. For his efforts he received a bag of jellybeans.

"So where is everyone?" Kagome questioned. The little demon grin seemed to falter.

"Well, Sango took her brother home and Miroku went with her."

Kagome nodded in consternation. "How about Inuyasha?" Again the kitsune hesitated.

"Oh... I see." Kagome could feel her heart tighten up. He was probably with Kikyo again.

"How did your exam go?" Shippou said in an attempt to lighten the mood.

She smiled; at least someone cares. "It went really well. I'll graduate with the top of my class, isn't that cool?" "Yeah!" Shippo exclaimed. Kagome looked down at him and just knew that he had no idea what they were talking about.

"Welcome back Lady Kagome!" An older woman called from her hut.

"Our blessed Miko has returned!" Someone in the field shouted.

Kagome grinned and nodded to everyone that greeted her. Even with Shippou and the crowd's joyous attention, Kagome felt consequently alone. Damn you Inuyasha, where are you?

All she could think about was Inuyasha's arrogant smile and his customary nod. As she neared Keade's hut a heart cleaving emotions erupted in her. She missed him so much. That's why she came back so soon. She had came to see him but he was no where to be found. She kissed Shippou's forehead to distract her from the heat of the tears that threaten to fall at any given moment.

After all this time, she just couldn't hold to her resolution. With each day that passed, the more her wayward heart drifted toward the Hanyou. The unrequited love was her strength and also her greatest weakness. If only...

"Kagome, what's wrong?" Shippou asked without looking up at her. "Is it Inuyasha again?"

"Hmm... Something like that," Kagome murmured.

"He's a butt-sniffer, forget him," Shippou said heatedly.

Kagome chuckled at his repartee of names for the hybrid. They entered the hut in silence. Kaede had a big meal fixed up even though it was just the three of them. They spoke late into the night about everything of importance. At last, fatigue took the group. Kagome help clean up and set up the bedding. Even as she lay there, she stared at the ceiling with a longing. Inuyasha...

When You Cried I'd Wipe Away All Of Your Tears

When You'd Scream I'd Fight Away All Of Your Fears

And I've Held Your Hand Through All Of These Years

But You Still Have All Of Me

~*~*~*~

Kagome floated over a vast plane of shadows. A single red ribbon bound her. She knew she could not get loose if she tried. Below her, the horrors of her past seem to flicker to her torment. All the times she had been afraid, angry and sad. Those she hurt or does she let down, they're faces twisted into grotesques grimaces. They threaten to devour her. She cried aloud as a hand reached out from the vision for her.

Hearing in the distance of a soft laughter, Kagome turned her head to see Sango, Miroku and Shippou laughing as they departed. Inuyasha was there too, and he looked uncertain to leave. Kagome shouted to him to stay but no matter how hard she cried out, it was only a buzz. Inuyasha also had a ribbon wrapped around him and it was Kikyo that held power of him. Although he wanted to stay Kikyo pulled mercilessly on ribbon, leading him away.

Kagome cried out again for them to stay. She pulled on the ribbon until finally it gave way. However the group was long gone and she sat amid her bitter memories in the dark dreamscape. Soundlessly she felt a pair of arms encircle her shoulders. He stood behind her so his face was unseen. In the dreamscape she saw a wisp of white hair blow in the breeze. "Inuyasha?"

A ruthless laugh echoed, "no."

"Sesshoumaru-san?" Kagome squeaked out.

Again the same answer.

"What's happening, why can't I go with them?"

"It's time to go home."

Where they stood, the shadows dissolve to that of hard pavement. The barrage of sound of people talking and noise of modern day machines hurt her ears. She stood alone among her own. A single tear seemed to escape her eyes as she sank down to her knees. "I'm... all alone."

You Used To Captivate Me

By Your Resonating Light

But Now I'm Bound By The Life You Left Behind

Your Face It Haunts My Once Pleasant Dreams

Your Voice It Chased Away All The Sanity In Me

~*~*~*~

Kagome pushed the hot blanket off of her. It was still late at night but she didn't care. She wandered around the big hut looking for the water pitcher. Much to her dismay she found it empty. "Great," she mumbled. She grabbed the empty jug and walked over to a nearby stream. She shivered under the twilight soothing graces. For the past few weeks she had been having the same dreams. Although she could never really remember them, they always left behind a feeling of foreboding.

Kagome let the sigh of melancholy escape her lips. She rested her head on her knees. Her heart felt like lead on that lonely night. She plucked a flower and tucked it behind her ear. Only in these moments did she wish she never met Inuyasha. As forbidden the thought was she relished the perverse nature of her wish. She didn't want to hurt any more. She hated being the second choice. As much as she loved him there remained a tactual resentment for his unrelenting hold over her heart.

Frustrated, she grabbed the pitcher and strainer. She filled it to the brim. Before she got up to leave she happen to get a glimpse of herself in the water's surface. Kagome touched her face. Her simplicity was fading as she glimpsed a woman looking back at her. Was she really all that ugly? She stared at her large thickly fringe brown eyes and the way her full lips seem to pout. Her hand moved over her black onyx hair. It was wavy from sleep but still relatively smooth.

Kagome chuckled, "He's right, I am vain."

"Who said you were?"

Kagome fell backwards from her haunches. "Oy! Inuyasha you scared me!" Kagome ran and threw her arms around his stiff shoulders. Kagome was surprised when Inuyasha pulled away from her touch. She let go, "I'm sorry, bad habit." She bit her lower lip and nervously dug her toes into the frozen dirt. She looked up at him from the curtain of her curly lashes. "So how have you been?"

"I've been busy," Inuyasha didn't seem to want to socialize. "It's late, we'll talk tomorrow." He picked up the pitcher and started walking back to the settlement. Kagome ran to catch up with his long strides.

Kagome felt her insides tighten up. She realized then that he didn't want to be near her. "Okay sure. Tomorrow then," Kagome sighed. She gave him a side-glance and saw that there was something not right about him. He walked on with his head high but there wasn't any emotion about him. It was like walking with a zombie. Kagome shuddered and unintentionally walked a little farther away then necessary. He was acting a little like Kikyou.

They stopped outside Kaede's hut. Wordlessly Inuyasha handed Kagome the pitcher. Kagome quickly moved her hands to catch it before it shattered. She watched as his back was turned to her. She could feel the lump in her throat. "Good night Inuyasha," she tried to say around the constricting vocal cords. He said nothing as he disappeared into the woods.

These Wounds Won't Seem To Heal

This Pain Is Just Too Real

There's Just Too Much That Time Cannot Erase

Kagome awoke to the chipper sounds of the birds. It was still very early as the sun still needed to peek over the horizon. She laid there, with Shippou in the bend of her arm snoring lightly. A light sheen of sweat covered her body. For the life of her, she could not comprehend her unreasonable fear. Her hand rested on the sacred jewel of four souls. She watched as the sun's long arms reached within the hut. She closed her eyes and tried to concentrate on breathing normally.

"Kagome, thou art up early. Did ye have a good sleep?" Kaede said when she entered into the hut. Kagome crawled out of the sleeping bag. Shippou grumbled when his source of warmth left him. Kagome resisted the urge to his kiss his cherubic face. After all, she didn't want to disturb his serene sleep.

"Good morning Kaede-baba." Kagome said instead of answering her question. She moved and grabbed the heavy load of wood from Kaede. The old woman didn't protest as Kagome started the fire. She sat down wearily, her somnolent bones creaking.

"Aye such a beautiful morning. How thee wish thy eyes could see its brilliance. Child, enjoy ye youth whilst it lasts." Kaede said soberly. Being said in part in truth and in wisdom. Over the years her eyes became a bit cloudy. Even when Kagome brought medicine from her time, it seemed only to delay the evident. Kagome nodded her head. She looked out the doorway, her eyes trained to the spot where Inuyasha usually sat at dawn. It seemed so wrong that he wasn't in his tree. Again, Kagome could feel her heart bleed a little more as she could not let go of her hope.

It wasn't until that afternoon that Inuyasha came. Kagome's joy was short lived once she saw the unmistakable shadow of Kikyo. What is she doing here? Unbeknownst to her, she had grabbed her bow and arrows. Kagome moved away from the comfort of the fire to greet them. They stood about several yards apart. Kagome shivered and wondered if it was the cold climate or just the cold hostility in the air. She tried to smile despite the pain in her soul. She knew Kikyo would not come in any closer then necessary. Inuyasha apparently wasn't going to leave her side as well.

"I've come for the Shikon no Tama," Inuyasha said softly. His clear amber eyes revealed nothing as to why he was behaving so peculiar.

Kagome sighed. She looked up at the two and held out the jewel but not in the manner to hand it over. "I have to know your plans."

Inuyasha glared at her, "Stupid wench, haven't I said it enough?" Kagome flinched unused to the insult.

Kagome recovered and glared in return, "So, you still insist on using the Jewel to become a full demon?"

"Maybe, so what? Give it to me!" He took a step forward. Kagome took a step back. Inuyasha looked pained, "Please Kagome."

She held the Jewel in her hands, its light a brilliant pink. At that very moment she understood why he wanted the accursed artifact. Of course, she chooses to ignore her greatest fear. She didn't want to acknowledge it.

"I did not trample all over Feudal Japan so you could become a Demon," Kagome said it so low it was barely audible. She backed up slowly.

"Kagome, please, give me the Jewel!" He growled.

Kagome did the most selfish thing in the world. She denied his request. Like a shotgun, she sprinted away from the pair. She ran as fast as she could to the well. In the distance she could see it come up closer and closer.

"No you don't!" A clawed hand ripped into her parka making her come to a screeching halt. She could hear faintly the sound of Shippou's ear-piercing call for her. After all this time, she wondered if Inuyasha was really going to kill her. It had been some time that she stopped using her trump card.

She pulled far enough a way to use her command. "Sit!" She shouted but to her stunned amazement, Inuyasha did not go flying face first into the dirt. Kagome went wide eyed with terror. Kikyou stood in the foreground holding the prayer beads. She held it up to show that it was no longer around Inuyasha's neck. She smiled a smile that was unearthly. Kagome could feel the anger rise. What did she do to Inuyasha!

Standing face to face with her one time friend, companion and savior, Kagome clung tightly to herself. Kagome did nothing to guard her tears as Inuyasha came forward. She shivered in her fear, the anxiety eating away at her common sense.

Shippou saw what was happening and flew into action. He bit his tiny fangs into Inuyasha's leg. In a rage the lunatic hanyou ripped the kitsune off and threw him into a tree with brutal force. "Shippou!" Kagome screamed as she ran to the child youkai's side. She picked up the unconscious cub and looked vehemently at Inuyasha. "You don't need the Jewel, you're already a monster!"

That was the last straw as Inuyasha began to transform. Kagome shielded Shippou like a cornered mother. The tears didn't cease to stop flowing. Kikyo was laughing, and it reminded Kagome so much of Naraku. Could it be? Has he taken Kikyo's form?

She had no other choice; she laid Shippou down with reverence and then prepared her weapon. She trained the arrow at Inuyasha. He laughed at her stupidity.

"After all we been through, you above all should no I can not be killed," He mocked.

"Your right," Kagome said as she let the arrow go in the direction of Kikyo. The same tactic he had once used on the thunder brothers, Hiten. Her manner was like that of a true warrior. Her face was devoid of any regret. Inuyasha shriek as he bound toward his fallen love.

~*~

When You Cried I'd Wipe Away All Of Your Tears

When You'd Scream I'd Fight Away All Of Your Fears

And I've Held Your Hand Through All Of These Years

But You Still Have All Of Me

~*~

"Kagome..." Her name was spoken with utter disgust. The clay fragments decayed and slipped through his fingers. "Kagome!"

As he looked at her with absolute hatred, Kagome lost her will to fight. She let the bow's weight carry her arms down. Inuyasha took that chance to attack. Kagome watched wide eyed in morbid curiosity as to what manner that she would die. He came charging with the Tetsusaiga drawn. However, before she could feel the impact the sword stopped and flew out of his grasp. Inuyasha stared as the sword struck the earth in front of Kagome, as if it were protecting her.

"So it's true. You are not worthy and the Fang has acknowledge that now," Sesshoumaru said. He was standing under a nearby tree. Kagome didn't know how long he had been standing there. He walked into the clearing where they stood. Inuyasha was growling and made several attempts to slash his half-brother to bits but it was easy to dodge them. Sesshoumaru stood before the crestfallen miko, separating the enraged Inuyasha and her. "Take the cub and leave. I will handle this."

"Sesshoumaru-sama..." Kagome questioned. The demon Lord closed his eyes and gazed at her with such gentle intensity. "Please don't kill him, okay?" For a moment, she thought the great lord was going to question her plea, but he didn't. His promise was unspoken as he turned back to his half-brother.

"You must leave." He commanded. His hair and his elegant white kimono shifting with the breeze.

Kagome nodded and rushed over to Shippou. She ran up to the well where Rin and Jaken were standing by. She saw the look of fright in the liquid brown eyes. "Kagome-san are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm okay." She kissed the top of the girl's head. "What are you doing here?" Kagome asked softly. She resisted the urge to look back at the carnage.

Rin turned her head away from the fighting pair too and look her in the eye. "I want to say thank you for the gift and to say Good Bye." Rin said with teary eyes.

Kagome couldn't resist the urge to hug the girl. "Don't cry okay? You'll make me cry too."

"Will I see you again?" Rin asked with hope.

"I'm sorry sweetie but I don't think that's possible."

Rin nodded her head wisely. "You better go."

Kagome nodded and sat at the lip of the well. She wondered if it was wise taking the Kitsune with her. She looked at the village one last time and knew he would never forgive her if she left him. He was young and would readily adapt to life in modern Japan. Rin gave her one last hug before Kagome could jump into the well.

Once on the other side, Kagome slumped to her knees and wept bitterly. She held Shippou close to her heart. She climbed out of the well and walked down to her home. Inuyasha... Sesshoumaru... Sango... Miroku... Rin... Kaede... they're faces drifted through her thoughts.

I've Tried So Hard To Tell Myself That You're Gone

And Though You're Still With Me

I've Been Alone All Along

~~~

Later that night Kagome watched as several men pour cement into the well. Her grandfather and several other priests stood all around chanting a seal. This time around, she reminded her grandfather to make one that protected against Youkais and Hanyous.

~~~

A year past from that day and Kagome stood by her window looking out over the city. She was in college now. The rooms where still filled with unopened boxes. Shippou was in the background digging through his belongs and setting up his room.

"Mom! Where are my pajamas?" He called out.

Kagome smiled at her new title. "It's still in the trunk, where you put it," she said. She looked up at the moon and felt so alone. She touched the cursed jewel that hung around her neck. It served as a constant reminder of all that she lost. She moved away from the window. It only seemed to depress her. Supper needed to be fixed so she went into the kitchen. She was just about done with everything when she heard the doorbell ring.

She ran over to the opened it with a jolly hello. Once she saw the lush flow of white hair and golden eyes, Kagome wasn't sure whether to scream or cry. Shippou walked out of his room and stared as well.

"Sesshoumaru..." Kagome said shakily. He did not age much over the centuries and it was strange seeing him in modern clothes.

"Hello Kagome," He smiled. Kagome was stunned that he actually smiled. "Can I come in?" What really got to her was the serenity he emanated, as if he can come to peace with himself. She wondered what had changed him and who to thank.

A bit unsure Kagome gave in to the curiosity. "Of course, please come in," she said in awe. She closed the door dumbfounded but deep down Kagome felt a little better. Life was not over and she had to go on. I guess, finally seeing him smile like that, miracles do come true, she thought. They all sat down, Sesshoumaru with his natural grace and the strange tranquility that radiated off him calmed Kagome's turbulent questions.

"I came here today to give you this," Sesshoumaru said quietly. He popped open a case, inside shimmered the Tetsusaiga, sheath and all. Kagome could feel the tears well up as she touched the battered fang. He broke her trace with his calm but very solemn words. "He is not dead; however, he wants you to keep it until he regains his honor. He would have given it to you in person but he's still very ashamed of what he done." At the end of his speech there was a flash of darkness and anger. They both remembered what Inuyasha had attempted to do.

"I don't understand... how... why are you letting me keep it?" Kagome asked.

Again the mighty Lord smiled. It was filled with a silent creed and integrity. This was enough for Kagome. She received the gift without any protest. "Thank you." She took it and bowed. This meant she had a chance to see Inuyasha again and her heart swelled. What he did was horrible but she was willing to forgive. Yes, she would keep it. Although this meant he was defenseless out there and that there was a chance he could go berserk. Sesshoumaru got her look of worry and smiled again to reassure.

"It was for the best he reasoned," he said with the same authority of a king. So Inuyasha had entrusted her with his most prized possession, even at the risk of himself and that was the moment she knew with out a doubt that she could forgive him. This must have been very hard for him.

She looked at Sesshoumaru with new admiration. He had coveted the sword too. Yet he was willing to let her take it. No words could describe her feelings at the moment. It was all so much.

The dog demon got up to leave but Kagome found herself reaching out and holding his hand. He looked down at her hand and then at her. For a moment Kagome was afraid that he would snap at her but instead was greeted with a puzzled expression.

"Please stay for dinner," Kagome said tenderly.

"You do not mind having a Demon in your midst?" Sesshoumaru said wryly.

"Hey! What's that suppose to mean?" Shippou said crossly. He was almost forgotten. Kagome laughed at the both of them. Shippou did not like the melodrama or the fleeting glances between the two. He could do nothing but roll his eyes at the pair. "Grown ups are weird."

Kagome purposely didn't acknowledge that last remark. Instead she bowed low, "It would be my greatest pleasure to serve a modest meal to the Lord of the Western land, Sesshoumaru-sama." Sesshoumaru conceded to the request. The three walked into the dinning room. He hardly touched his food but Kagome took no offense. Having his familiar presence near was enough. The night went quite well. For the first time in a long time, Kagome felt whole even though she was still alone. But what did that matter? She was surrounded with friends and loved ones. That night she was truly happy.

When You Cried I'd Wipe Away All Of Your Tears

When You'd Scream I'd Fight Away All Of Your Fears

And I've Held Your Hand Through All Of These Years

But You Still Have All Of Me

The End!