InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ For the Love of a Miko ❯ Picking Up The Pieces ( Chapter 24 )

Here's a closing chapter, though there will more than likely be another one after this. I know I said there would be another one, but honestly, that's still up in the air. For these last two chapters I will be taking votes, on what fic you want me to work on next. To see what they are, read my author's note at the end of this chapter. I did say in some of my responses, that I intend to attempt every pairing at least once. I just happened to start with my Kog/Kag pairing. For those who have asked, yes, I will do an Inu/Kag fic. When?? That's entirely up to you....I'm rambling again. *Sigh* seclusion does little to mend my almost non-existant social skills. TO THE FIC!!!!

Disclaimer- me no own....you no sue

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RECAP:

Kagura and Kanna both gave a slight jump when they fealt a foreign pumping within their bodies. Kagura clutched at her chest as a tear ran down her face. This time it wasn't from pain, but utter happiness. She finally had her freedome. Kanna, allowed a small smile to grace her once stone face. A small tinge of pink to her once lifeless cheeks.

Miroku removed the beads from his once cursed hand. The wind-tunnel was gone. His first use for his now whole hand? A truely pleasurable grope of Sango's ample end; closely followed by a painful slap by said taijia. Both had smiles on their faces.

Kouga walked back to the still out-of-it hanyo. With a flurry of movement, Inuyasha was slung over Kouga's shoulder. The group was prepared to leave as soon as Kagome returned. Which, hopefully, wouldn't be too long; there was a celebration to attend after all.

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For the Love of a Miko

Chapter 24- Picking up the Pieces

Shippo looked up from his post at the edge of the cliff. He had been waiting for days. The kitsune child hardly ate, drank, or slept. His mother was missing, and he was surrounded by wolves. Shippo had not forgotten his first visit to the wolf caves. Hell, they were going to EAT him; that is, until Kagome stepped up in his defence. Shippo noticed the looks of pity he would recieve from a passing tribesman. He was a youkai, and his mother was the guardian of the Shikon-no-Tama; he needed not their pity.

The sky had darkened hours ago, but the kitsune refused to move even when a cool breeze caused him to shiver. The wind carried along a subtle scent that his little nose picked up. With a start, Shippo was up and running in the direction it had come from. The other wolves that had yet to take to the comfort of their beds gave a slight jump when the normaly morose kitsune dashed off grinning like a fool. They stopped mid-task to test the air. Kouga was near, with Kagome. Grinning like the fools they pretended to be, Hakkaku and Ginta both made for the community cave that served as a bedchamber.

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When the little group came withing smelling distance of the wolf den, Kagome was tackled by a brown ball of fluff, which closely resembled a small kitsune child she had left behind not too long ago. She gave a bright smile when said kit looked up.

"Mommy!!!! You're a wolf!!! Now you can be my realy mommy!!! What happened to Inuyasha? Are you ok? Where's Narkau!!! Why are you looking at me like that?"

Kagome looked on in amusement. Her kit no doubt had been worried sick, and she mentally kicked herself in the butt for doing that to him. She chuckled lowly in her throat when he finally stopped asking all of his questions.

"Shippo, one at a time k? But first, lets get back to the caves. I will explain everything then."

Shippo vigorously nodded his consent, content to finally be back in his mother's embrace. The group continued their treck. Sango and Miroku walked with Kirara resting on Sango's shoulder. The two were whispering conspiring together. Now that Naraku was no more, they were now free to persue each other without fear of what the next day would bring. Kagome, Shippo, and Kouga walked at the head of the little group. Inuyasha still slung over Kouga's broad shoulder. The demons heard the conversations between the houshi and taijia. Kagome smirked knowingly to herself.

'bout time they got together.' She thought.

'Now if only I was so lucky....'

She sighed inwardly as her consience remained silent. For now, all was right in the world.

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Kouga stared at the goddess before him. He longed to run his clawed fingers through her long hair, to taste her once more. The last time he had kissed her, she had been in shock, and Inuyasha had dissrupted his bliss. Now the dog-breath was slung over his shoulder dead to the world. Had it not been for that fact, and that she was now a demon and could ward off his advances, he would have already tried to claim what he longed for with all of his being. She was now a wolf. He had gotten somewhat used to that fact. She had just displayed a power far advancing all youkai he had ever come in contact with. That was something he could respect. She had a kitsune pup. Understandable, but wanted to have her bare him a few wolf heirs as well.

'Ah yes, wishful thinking. But a guy can dream right?'

Kagome could not hold back. She peared into his thoughts, and nearly gasped out loud from the intensity of his feelings. He truely did care for her, she knew all along of his devotion to her, but never knew how strongly those feelings were.

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When everyone entered the wolf den, they were greeted with the sights and sounds of excitement and celebration. Clearly news of Kagome's return had reached all ears of the demon tribe. Here, she belonged. Had she finally found her little nitch in the world? Now that she was demon, she couldn't go back to the way her life was before the jewel. Her life in the future was no more. Kagome would return to visit her family from time to time, but she could never live there anymore. Her new home would be with the wolves.

"Um, Kagome? Are you feeling alright?" Hakkaku look down at his 'sister'. The last he had seen of her, she was passed out and had been picked up by one of Naraku's minions.

"Yes, I am better."

"What happened to Naraku? Will he be coming back for you? Do we need to double the guard or something?" This time it was Ginta's turn to express his concern.

"No guys, you don't have to worry about him anymore. Naraku has been destroyed."

There was a collective sigh of reliefe from all of the inhabitants of the vast cave. When Hakkaku had first voiced his question, all talks ceased, and all ears were tuned into her answere. Once her conversation with Kouga's 'generals' ceased, the noise level picked back up to it's usual level. Sango and Miroku turned to Kagome, questions written clearly in their eyes.

"You are wandering what happened to me eh?"

"Yes, Kagome-sama. Would you please care to enlighten us as to how you became a demon, and why you dissapeared after returning from your time?" Miroku asked.

"I guess we better sit down and I'll tell you guys the story."

Each took a respective seat by a blazing fire. Miroku sat next to Sango, while Kouga sat next to Kagome after dropping Inuyasha none-too-gently on a nearby matt. Shippo took up residence on Kagome's lap, while eating some food offered him. Kagome took a steadying breath, and stared at the fire. Trying to gain strength for the tale she was about to spin.

"Well, I guess it all started after I died. I found out that I was Midoriko's reincarnation. She trained me, and everything. When I came back I was no longer Kagome, the human miko, but rather, Kagome the child of the gods. It's pretty complicated actually. I bacame more powerful and everything, but still retained my human physical strength. While I was out, I peeked into each of your minds. Sorry, but I couldn't resist. I found Inuyasha didn't really love me for me, but rather, because he believed me to be Kikyo's reincarnation. That's why I wasn't myself the last time you saw me. I went home, for some me time, but when I got there, Naraku was there. He tried to kill my family. That bastard possessed my brother, and was going to have him kill my mother, and jii-chan right in front of me. My emotions exploded though, and he got away before any real harm was done."

By this time, both Miroku and Kagome looked at Sango. This was the same scenario that Naraku had baited her with, only under slightly different circumstances. Naraku had been successful that time. A lone tear trailed it's way down Sango's face, as she thought of her brother's fate. Sango nodded her consent for Kagome to continue with her story.

"Well, in my rage, I gave a quick farewell to my family, then chased after Naraku. I ran for about two days before my body finally decided to collapse. I found myself in front of Midoriko again, but this time as a demon. She said it was my subconsious that must have activated the jewel. She then trained me how to fight as a youkai. When I came too, I was in Naraku's clutches, but I knew I had been near the wolf caves. I could smell them, then when Kouga came to rescue me, I knew it must have been because I had made it here at some point in time."

"But, Kagome-chan, why a wolf demon do you know?" The question had been nagging on her mind for quite some time since she saw her friends transformation.

"The only explanation I can give, is that it was the nearest type to my personality. Loyal, group oriented, and whatnot. That or, it was the closest race to me at the time. I honestly don't think even Riko knows. That or she's not talking."

"Riko?" Sango, Kouga, and Miroku ask.

"ehehehe, yeah. That's my nickname for Midoriko."

"I am almost afraid to ask, but what happened to Inuyasha. I know he was being controlled by Naraku, but how did he get into Inuyasha's mind?"Miroku the ever observant one asked.

"Well from what I was able to gather from Naraku's mind, It was a spell planted by Kikyo. It was one of her missions during their last attack. I believe that the spell was supposed to be a safety-net for Naraku should she fail to take Inuyasha to hell with her. Obviously she failed, and I guess Naraku fixed it to where the more Inuyasha worried for me, the tighter grasp he would have over him. He wanted to speed up the process, so he kidnapped me. It would have worked, but I don't think he expected Kouga to show up as early as he did."

Kagome spared a meaningful glance over to Kouga after that statement. His eyes were intent on the fire. Miroku and Sango exchanged knowing glances at each other. They excused themselves, and went to gather some food for themselves. Sango took a now sleeping Shippo from Kagome and placed him on a pallet for himself.

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(AN: WARNING: I AM GOING TO MAKE AN ATTEMPT TO ADD A LITTLE FLUFF HERE. IT WILL SUCK NO DOUBT!!! ^_^;;)

Kagome spared another glance at Kouga, before breaking him out of his thoughts.

"Kouga? I never did get to thank you properly for saving me."

"It was nothing Kagome. I just want you to know that I will always be there if you should ever need me again."

Kouga made an attempt to get up and leave Kagome to her own mussings, but a small delicate hand on his arm stopped him. He looked down questioningly at the goddess. His breath hitched in his throat as he noted how the light from the flames danced off her face. She had a look of exotic beauty. Kagome looked him dead in the eyes.

"I know Kouga, but still......Arigatou"

Kouga sat back down next to her, eyes never breaking contact. For some reason he got the feeling she was thanking him for more than showing up and taking care of Inuyasha for her.

"A...ri...ga..tou?" It was as if he was in a trance. She thanked him. After him getting her killed in the first place. She thanked him.

"Hai, Kouga-kun. Arigatou." Kagome leaned over and gave him a chaste peck on the cheek. The movement stunned him for a moment, but when he came out of it, she was already gone. She had left the confines of the cave, and was out in the moonlight.

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Inuyasha had woken up in time to see the 'moment' between his biggest romantic rival. His ears drooped as he realized he had truely lost her. He had been aware the whole time Naraku was in controll over his body. There was nothing he could do. Kouga had been there when he couldn't, and had aided her in battle, rather than push her aside and bark orders.

Kagome had been able to defeat Naraku, and needed no help. That in itself was a wake-up call to her true abilities. Inuyasha feared he may have lost a great ally, but would she really stop being his friend. He could somewhat bare loosing her love, but friendship as well? Inuyasha prayed that wasn't the case. He would have to talk to her.

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Inuyasha found her standing outside the cave talking to some guards. Gently he pulled her off to the side.

"Kagome?" He would never be able to get used to her change, he mussed to himself.

"What is it Inuyasha?" Her voice betrayed no emotion.

"I know I've lost you. I was just hopeing we could still be friends."

Kagome gave a small sad smile as a tear etched itself down her ivory cheek.

"Hai, Inuyasha. We are still friends."

Inuyasha gave a sigh of reliefe. Unbeknownst to them, a pair of thunderous blue eyes watched their exchange from the mouth of the cave.

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When Kouga found her minutes later, she was sitting on a cliff, staring up at the moon and stars. He padded over and sat beside her.

"You know," she started, "when I first met Midoriko, she told me to find love and be happy."

Kouga looked at her, and their eyes locked. Ever so slowly, so as to give her time to pull away, he leaned in. She did not. Kouga claimed her lips, nervously at first, but witheld passion soon surfaced. Under the light of the moon, both Kagome and Kouga found love, neverending, and eternal.

FIN

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I told you I suck at fluffiness. I don't even like romance movies, but oh well. This is my ending, but if you guys really want an epilogue or something, let me know in a review. I'd like to thank everyone who reviewed for this fic. I was suprised at the following it recieved, especially for it being my first ever. It is also my fist one ever completed. I must confess, even stories I do on my own never reach this status. I want you guys to vote on what project you want me to post next.

Justaposition: A YYHIY crossover. Don't know what I'll rate it yet, and no pairings are decided yet. Kagome has become a human Sesshomaru. Not much in the way of emotions. She returns to her time to find that her family is dead, but she can't return to the past. Perhaps the past will find her. Kuwabara is her cousin, and everyone thinks she's dead. She makes a deal with Koenma to help aid the world of an old evil, if only to see her friends and family again.

I don't have a title yet: AU. It will be mostly a Sess/Kag but will turn Inu/Kag towards the end. Kagome is a librarian trying to make it in the fast world of New York. Her quaint life is turned upside down when she meets the stoic vampire that haunts the library where she works. Now she has to fight to survive in a world of lichens (warewolves) and nosferatu (vampires). More than likely be rated R.

Remember to vote. I've kinda started on them both, but I like to have one at least halfway done before I post another story. So let me know which one to commit myself to for now k? Well what are you waiting for?

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