AR: Okay, so I know I said something about renewed passion for this story, and...well...I lied. -laughs- Anyway, when I started this story, I didn't have any sort of plan (or writing skill) and I just kind of threw things in without any thought for how they would turn out or fit in. With that said, it should be assumed that when I finally wrap this up, there will be a lot of plot holes that I know I won't be able to fill in, so I'm not even going to try. Along the same lines, I went back and tried to read through the story so I could remember what I wrote and not contradict myself, but that was painful, so I'm just going to wing it. I had originally intended (at least for the second half of the story) to go on for thirty chapters - a nice, pretty number. After considering rounding it out with just one final chapter, I opted to stick with the original 30, as I know that it could well be quite a long time before I manage to actually finish this. This one chapter update... at least it's something, right? I've had quite a bit of time to figure out how I'd end it over the last few months (driving for 11 hours straight every day will do that) and I think most of it will make sense, but I don't promise anything. I have not seen all of The Final Act, so if I miss something important, then I'm sorry. So, after six years of waiting, I give you another chapter of Don't Fall Away.

Honestly, this chapter will mostly consist of me setting things up for what I want to do.

*insert witty disclaimer here*

~note: I did manage to read through a little bit and noticed how horribly OOC some characters are and I will be making an effort to rectify that in this chapter. I make no promises, though. I also saw a really bad mistake on my part about who was hosting chapter 13's ball, why, and where it was. I may go back and try to smooth those out.

-o-O-o-

Keep on climbing

Though the ground might shake

Just keep on reaching

Though the limb might break

We've come this far

Don't you be scared now

'Cause you can learn to fly

On the way down

(Fly - Maddie & Tae)

-o-O-o-

Chapter Twenty-Seven Recap:

"Good. Now, follow me," she ordered. "Oh, I may have already asked, but tell me your name one more time?"

Kaori turned and started walking, then almost tripped on Aijou, who was gazing unwaveringly at the new girl.

"Oh, my name is Hikari."

Aijou hissed and scampered off.

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Misdirection

"She worries me," Kagome said nervously, some hours later. "Can it really be a coincidence? I mean, the fact that she showed up when she did...and her name-"

"Unlikely," Sesshomaru interrupted.

"Let me finish!" she yelled. "As I was saying, her name is what sets the sirens going off first, but her appearance makes me wonder if Naraku is trying to draw attention to her. She's got blond hair and green eyes, and that alone sets her apart from every other human in the entirety of Japan. Then...then, there's Aijou."

"Aijou is irrelevant."

"Wait, what? Why? She avoids the girl like she has some sort of deadly disease or something."

"Whether the cat disliked the human or not, you and I would still have been suspicious of her," he stated.

"Oh...right. That's true," Kagome muttered. With a sigh, she threw herself into a chair and crossed her arms. "So, what do we do?"

"Feign ignorance," Sesshomaru responded calmly. When Kagome opened her mouth to argue, he held his hand up and continued, "Naraku has no reason to think we would be suspicious. He will be watching her and will notice the moment she is shown any mistrust. There are no people or secrets here that could be jeopardized by a human girl."

Her temper flared and she stood quickly. "Oh, so you don't see her as a threat just because she's human?" she said accusingly. "Is your pride going to blind to a potential threat just because-"

"Be silent," Sesshomaru demanded, raising his voice slightly.

Kagome opened her mouth to yell at him for having the audacity to give her such an order, but was caught off guard by the look in his eyes. He was angry, but, even worse, she had offended him.

"Do not accuse me of underestimating a potential enemy because they have human blood," he said coldly. "I have more than enough experience to know better. Had your own pride not been hurt, you would have realized I had more to say on the matter and would not have interrupted me before I had elaborated."

"Sesshomaru, I...I'm sorry," she said quietly, her head hung in shame since she knew he was right. "I won't jump to conclusions, again. Please, tell me what you meant."

For a few moments, Sesshomaru simply looked at her with a guarded expression and she feared he wouldn't talk to her after what she'd said. Instead he stood up and stepped in front of her, offering his hand to help her up. She took it warily and found herself standing mere inches from him as he looked down at her with an expression she couldn't name.

"Since the death of my father, I harbored feelings of hatred and superiority over humans while knowing nothing about them and being too stubborn to learn," he stated, staring deeply into her eyes. "They were weak, stupid, inferior in every way to even the most lowly demon and existing only to serve."

She stared up at him, unsure where he was going with this. What she did know was that he was about to open up to her and tell her something he'd never say to anyone else. His eyes moved to his missing arm and Kagome's gaze followed.

"InuYasha, a half demon, injured me to the point where I had no choice but to take time to recover," he continued. "As I sat wounded in the forest, I was approached by a human child. Without fear of me or thought for her own well-being, that child took it upon herself to try and help a demon who was too proud to accept it. Then, during subsequent meetings with my half-brother, I witnessed the capabilities of the demon slayer and the monk, both fully capable of holding their own in any battle. Finally, there's you."

He surprised Kagome when he reached out to gently examine a lock of her hair, running his fingers through it. She drew in a breath.

"Even before this, grown so much from the scared girl standing helplessly behind InuYasha, now able to stand on her own strength and depend on her own abillities. I accept that I had been mistaken and only regret that it took this long to realize it."

"Sesshomaru..."

"No, Kagome, I do not underestimate the damage that Hikari could do simply because she is human, but because I know that there is nothing to be gained from spying on us and she would not be foolish enough to attempt to kill anyone with so many beings around who would make short work of her. The only secret we have is that we know, and that is just between you and I."

Kagome was silent, her hands folded in front of herself as she stared at the floor. She was still ashamed of herself for jumping to such conclusions, and the calm way Sesshomaru had set her straight somehow made it worse. Even still, she couldn't get over the fact that she had hurt him. After all he had done for Rin, her, and her friends, she didn't know what had come over her for that moment.

"Do not fret, Kagome," Sesshomaru murmered, gently lifting her chin. "I am not angry with you and you need not dwell on it."

"I know, but-"

Her words were lost in Sesshomaru's lips as he bent down to kiss her. She threw her arms around his shoulders, wanting nothing more in that moment than to stay that way forever. Then, as she felt his arms slowly wrap around her waist, even her thoughts were silenced.

-o-O-o-

After days of careful sureveillance, Sesshomaru and Kagome had uncovered nothing. Hikari completed her tasks as instructed and was never found snooping or hanging out anywhere she had no reason to be. There had also been no further communications from Kurayami. Aijou continued to avoid the girl, though she had stopped hissing every time she neared. The demon and the priestess were at a loss.

"I don't understand it," lamented Kagome a week later, anxiously pacing the width of Sesshomaru's study. "I sense nothing from her - no malicious intent, no powers, and certainly no jewel shards. Just...nothing. This is so frustrating!"

"Be calm, Kagome," Sesshomaru advised. "Think. Perhaps we are missing something."

"Missing something? What kind of something? She might not be here for information or to hurt anyone?"

"There are a number of possibilities."

Kagome frowned and sat down. "I don't follow."

"I am of the opinion that she may be a distraction."

"What do you mean?"

"Naraku is many things, but we know that stupid is not one of them," he elaborated. "He must know that his underlings are making efforts to work against him."

Kagome's eyes widened as she realized what he was getting at. "You mean he meant for us to be told about her so he could work on something else?"

"Precisely."

"But...why?" Kagome asked. "He's already been silent for months. Why distract us now?"

"Unfortunately, I do not believe it is us he was distracting."

-o-O-o-

The dungeon was cold and damp, reeking of mold, rotting flesh, and something else that made her stomach turn. Kurayami had long given up fighting against the thick shackles around her wrists. She laid on her side, unmoving, feeling her own blood slowly seep out of the deep gashes that criss-crossed her back - the result of her betrayal of trying to feed information to the priestess and her companions. His cruel laugh as he lashed her still rung in her ears. She could see Kagura's body from where she laid. Naraku had given the wind sorceress her heart back only to immediately take from her the life and freedom she longed for, using one of his tendrils to impale her, he also released a miasma. She did not survive long and soon succumbed to the injury. Though Naraku could have reabsorbed or disposed of her, she was certain he left her there to mess with Kurayami's mind. Hunger, dehydration, and pain paired with the stench of the room dulled her senses as she lingered between reality and the world of dreams.

A clang echoed off the chamber walls as the door opened behind her and she started, the sudden motion, though small, sending a jolt of pain through her. She heard footsteps as they approached and was sure she knew who it was.

"Everything has come together and my preparations are complete," Naraku said, his glee evident in his voice. "Had you not been so focused on the girl, you might have seen the true plan. How does it feel knowing that your efforts were wasted and there is nothing you can do to help them now?"

"Are you...really so low a creature...that you must gloat?" Kurayami said through clenched teeth.

"You are in no position to disrespect me, wench," he declared coldly, kicking her in the back. She bit back a scream. "My intention was to give you the opportunity to redeem yourself, but it is obvious you would rather die here." He aimed another kick at her wounds, then turned and walked to the door.

Just before he left, he turned his head. "It is a shame. You could have been useful," he sneered, then the door closed and he was gone.

Kurayami did not know how long she was there, nor did she know how much longer she'd survive. It was clear, now, that Naraku fully intended to let her die, starvation, dehydration, and her injuries racing each other to see which would take her first.

-o-O-o-

At a small table in the middle of a large room, Naraku sat and waited. It wasn't long before a small girl, almost ghostly in her all white appearence, came to the door.

"Ozai has arrived," Kanna announced.

A twisted smile spread across the half-demon's face.

"Perfect. Send him in," he bid her.

The lord of the Southern lands entered and lowered himself at the table across from Naraku.

"My forces are prepared to storm Sesshomaru's castle," Ozai declared, cutting straight to the point of their meeting.

"Excellent."

"What will you do with your mole?" questioned the southern lord.

"She is of no importance. With Kagura and Kurayami out of the way, punished for their treachery over a false lead, the girl has outlived her usefulness. If she dies in the siege, so be it."

"As you wish," Ozai said, nodding his head. "When will we make our move?"

"Dawn."

-o-O-o-

The afternoon was difficult for Kagome. Her training with Sesshomaru had intensified dramatically over the past weeks, and, though she could keep up with him, she was occasionally convinced he was trying to do her in. She walked into her room and fell onto the bed. A mew from Aijou caught her attention and she propped herself on her elbows to look at the tiny cat demon on the floor.

"What is it, Aijou?"

The cat mewed once more before heading towards the door, turning as if beckoning Kagome to follow her.

"Does it have to be now?" Kagome whined. Aijou's gaze didn't waver and the priestess groaned, rolling off the bed to follow the little cat.

Aijou led her outside and turned to face her. Then, in a flurry of fire, she transformed.

"You did it! Is that what you wanted to show me?"

With another flash of fire, Aijou returned to her normal size and leaped into Kagome's arms, earning a cuddle from her master.

"I knew you could," Kagome declared. Aijou gave her a mew in response. "Let's go tell Sesshoomaru."

They made their way back inside and to Sesshomaru's room. Kagome knocked gently and waited for a response.

"You may enter," Sesshomaru said from inside. With a smile, Kagome slid the door open.

"Sesshomaru, Aijou-" she started, but stopped mid-sentence. Before her stood Sesshomaru, dressed only in his pants. A blush rushed into her cheeks as her eyes were drawn to his muscled torso.

"Wh-why would you t-tell me to enter?!" she stammered as she quickly turned away to hide her embarassment. Aijou jumped to the floor and Kagome covered her face with her hands.

"I knew it was you," he stated with a raised brow. An idea occurred to him as she stood with her back to him, trying to keep him from seeing her flushed face. He walked closer to her and reached around her to close the door. "Do you not find me attractive, dear Kagome?"

"Th-that's not...that isn't the..."

Sesshomaru smirked, having succeeded in getting her even more flustered. He wrapped his arms around her and whispered in her ear, "I find you attractive."

Her face was on fire. His statement caused her to squeal in surprise and pull away, and when she rounded on him he was chuckling.

"Y-you did that on purpose!" she accused. He nodded.

"I did, and it was amusing." She wore an expression caught somewhere between shock and anger. "It was, however, not a lie. Are we not more than just friends, now?"

The question surprised her. She had to consider it. With everything that had happened and all they had been through in the past months, the kisses they had shared, she really did feel as if there was more to her relationship with the demon lord than she could have ever thought possible. When something happened, good or bad, she sought him out first. It dawned on her that she really did like him. Perhaps she even loved him. She didn't know if he felt the same, though.

"Are we?" she asked hesitantly.

"I would believe so," said Sesshomaru. "I have come to the conclusion that I would like you by my side." He stepped towards her, closing the gap between them. Suddenly, he seemed almost unsure of himself. "Kagome...I think I love you."

That's it. He said it.

Kagome couldnt stop herself. She threw her arms around his shoulders and kissed him. She fully believed him and wanted him to know that she felt the same. His arm wrapped around her waist and they stayed that way until Aijou reminded them of her presence.

Kagome blushed again. "Sorry, Aijou," she apologised.

"What had you wanted to tell me?"

"Just that Aijou finally mastered transforming. She almost dragged me outside to show me."

"That is good news," he nodded. Kagome smiled.

Kaori's voice carried through the house to call them all to dinner. Hand in hand, Kagome and Sesshomaru made their way down to the dining hall.

-o-O-o-

Later that night, once everyone had retired to their beds, Kagome lied awake and stared up at the cieling. She smiled to herself, remembering Sesshomaru telling her that he loved her. They hadn't told anyone, yet - things were already tense between some members of the household - but she hoped to be able to at least talk to Sango the next day. She was certain the slayer would be happy for her. With that thought, she drifted off to sleep.

Just a couple of hours later, however, Kagome woke. Something feels wrong, she thought, though she couldn't put her finger on exactly what. She slipped out of bed and crept down the hall to Sesshomaru's room, carefully sliding the door aside. Once inside, she closed it behind her and walked silently towards the sleeping form of the demon lord.

"Sesshomaru," she called to him. Kagome sat on the edge of his bed and gently placed her hand on his shoulder. Giving a light shake, she called to him once more, "Sesshomaru."

Slowlly, his eyelids parted to reveal the amber color of his irises. Upon seeing Kagome, he quickly sat up. "What is it?" he asked her, his expression betraying his worry. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," she assured him, "but I feel like something - I don't know what, exactly - but something is...off.

Sesshomaru was silent for a few moments, like he was trying to feel whatever she was feeling.

She saw his eyes narrow just before he stood and started to dress. Too concerned to be embarassed, Kagome asked him, "What's wrong?"

"I must investigate something. Stay here," he ordered. She stood up.

"No, Sesshomaru. Take me with you."

Sesshomaru studied her. Her jaw was set and her eyes sparked, daring him to deny her request. "Alright," he conceded. "Hurry."

With a nod, the demon priestess ran back to her own room and threw her clothes on, tying Rekuiemu to her obi, then returned to Sesshomaru. "I'm ready."

Together, they ran outside. Sesshomaru sprinted off towards the south, Kagome close behind him, his senses telling him the problem was just over the distant hill. Just a few yards from the crest, he slowed to a stop before crouching low and continuing to the top.

Kagome gasped. An army lie spread out before them, and by the looks of it, they were ready to march towards the castle. She felt Sesshomaru's hand around her wrist, pulling her away.

"Come, Kagome," he whispered urgently.

The others, she thought. We have to warn the others.

Kagome nodded to Sesshomaru and they sprinted back as quickly as their legs would carry them. They had to raise the alarm. They were under attack.

-o-O-o-

AR: So, with that I suppose Sesshomarua and Kagome are officially a thing. I realize that this is a little short, especially since I've had so long to work on it, but I did say this chapter would be more setup than any actual developments. I will try to get the next chapter out in a timely fashion. I've let this sit for far too long. Wish me luck!