Epilogue:

"Things base and vile, holding no quantity,
Love can transpose to form and dignity.
Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind,
And therefore is winged cupid painted blind."
(William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream)

Nothing could dominate the pure skies that now ruled, except the attitude of another mission nearly completed. Miroku still tugged at the fabric of his wind tunnel, angry that Naraku escaped out of their clutches yet again. His eyes also followed Sango's steady breathing, thoroughly glad that she would wake soon. Inuyasha stalked irately about the grounds, irritated by Naraku's disappearing act. Kagome tried to comfort the disconcerted hanyou but her support was rebuffed; no matter how hard she would attempt to console him. A curious Rin was now chasing Shippo, who had disappeared along with Myoga during the small adventure.

Sesshoumaru did not look upon the scene between Shippo and Rin because his eyes dwelled on Kagura's still-lying form. His silent prayers had not revived her yet, but whenever Sesshoumaru's hand felt for Kagura's pulse he heard the same faint rapping and nothing more. Kagura's breaths were long and labored, Sesshoumaru knew well the stares he received for standing at Kagura's side for so long but he failed to care. Sesshoumaru could only remember his promise he made to Kagura; the promise that she'll never walk alone.

Kagome gave up on calming Inuyasha's fiery blood and warily approached Sesshoumaru's melancholy aura.

"Is she alright? "Kagome said softly, like a dove whose wings were cut. Sesshoumaru turned to greet Kagome's face, filled with compassion and understanding. He only nodded slightly, too somber to say anything. Kagome comprehended the grief that filled the deepest coffers of Sesshoumaru's soul and knelt down next to Sesshoumaru. Her eyes traced the riveting scars on Kagura's arms; blinking tears out of her eyes she asked the demon- lord,

"I could heal her, if you like?" Sesshoumaru shook his head and stated,

"She has long since been healed of her wounds, the physical ones, yet the scars on her arms do not compare to the ones Kagura endured within herself. You can understand that, can't you Human." Kagome blushed awkwardly and nodded, knowing both she was not wanted and that Sesshoumaru knew perfectly well her name was not 'human'. She slumped down next to Miroku and said empathetically,

"Sesshoumaru really must love her, or at least care for Kagura if he's not capable of love." Miroku nodded, as well but said no more. Kagome again knew it was clear that no one sought conversation and sulked away from the campsite.

Sesshoumaru kept his eyes upon Kagura, wishing against all his power and all he knew that he would see her eyes open or a steady breath rise from her chest. Sesshoumaru's devotion kept his mind so preoccupied that he did not hear Rin approach from behind and ask,

"Sesshoumaru-sama, is the pretty-lady alive?" Sesshoumaru did not respond; his mind was too filled with the darkness of Kagura's suffering. The turmoil that kept Kagura from consciousness, as deep as the affection Sesshoumaru felt for her. In a moment he would have traded her life for his. That she might live. Again, Sesshoumaru grabbed Kagura's hand, hoping to feel warmth arrive to her skin. Caressing her hand in a massaging manner, Sesshoumaru felt something on her skin, a twinge and a shimmer of warmth. Then he felt her hand return the grip lightly and sought her face, but Sesshoumaru did not see Kagura's eyelids stir. He only noticed a twitch in her mouth, as if the land dreams were reviving Kagura.

"Kagura!" Sesshoumaru called, wishing to aid in her revival. The loose grip Kagura had on Sesshoumaru's hand was tightened and with great effort Kagura's eyes were opened.

Greeted by Sesshoumaru's jubilant face Kagura intern smiled. Their hands fit together like a puzzle while Kagura pulled herself up, using support from Sesshoumaru's grip.

"Sesshoumaru, is she alright?" Kagura asked him. Sesshoumaru smiled, but did not speak. Instead, Kagura followed his eyes to where Rin chased Shippo around. Kagura and Sesshoumaru faced each other, as equals and as affection dictated.

"Yes, and I am glad you are as well." Sesshoumaru stated with an irrepressible grin.

"Have you been waiting for my recovery the entire time?" Kagura asked, letting go of Sesshoumaru's hand finally able to support her own body. Shaking his head, Sesshoumaru said,

"Long enough to see you well again, Kagura." Kagura looked into his eyes, and the message they sent to her was unmistakable. Guilt, mixed with utmost joy, and happy with just a bit of sadness intertwined. Yet, the guilt and sadness seemed to disappear slowly with the proper application of time.

"Kagura-san." Sesshoumaru simply said. Kagura, alerted by this, looked intensely at Sesshoumaru's brilliant golden eyes. She to raised her hand toward his cheek. Settling her hand upon a blushing cheek, Kagura felt a wisp of Sesshoumaru's rich silver hair and pushed it behind his ear.

Sesshoumaru gently smiled and with his one arm drew Kagura closer. Kagura felt the loss of control with every nearing inch. Trembling, Kagura said in a ragged and course breath,

"If I loved you...this would be so much simpler." Sesshoumaru said nothing, but gratefully captured Kagura's lips. He showed no force in his gesture, just the equality he knew Kagura also shared with him, and Kagura heard Sesshoumaru murmur against her trembling jaw line,

"If I loved you...that wouldn't matter." It was far simpler than either of them perceived from the beginning; a friendship based on necessity to established equality in something like love.

THE TRUE END!

Rissi's Recourse:

Well guys, this is it...my last Kagura/Sesshoumaru entry! sob I sure am going to miss this couple! All my reviewers were great! I got 60 reviews, my best yet!

Zero27: I have loved your responses. You've always been so helpful to me with your commentary! I wish you luck on your next fiction endeavor!

Ameko no Mori: You are also a great reviewer, and I am most grateful for the doshinji you are doing based off this fiction. Update your fic too, because I really liked it!

Chibi Horsewoman: You crack me up! I'm glad this fic was that addictive though.

sesshomarufan17: Thank You and I'm sorry...but only an epilogue....no more cookies for sessie-fan17 .

HSSU: I thank you for your most kind praise. I'm glad you had faith it was going to turn out good....I sure didn't !

Kagome the Hauntress: Thank you for the compliment! I hope this chapter continues at your standards...it should...it's the final one.

Jilli-chan: Thank you! Enjoy this one too.

Migele: I wouldn't want to see that so here's your epilogue

Thanks all of you for being such great reviewers and I hoped those who didn't review my story, but read it enjoyed it too!

Departing Diligently;

Rissi-Sama