Hello…I've updated, and I hope you all enjoy, if it's possible.

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Chapter Sixteen.

Escape from Pain.

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The den was musty, humid, and dark, not even the freshly cool outside breeze could penetrate it. Everything was silent, Kouga could only hear the rustling of the many leaves outside the den, but even that had an eerie silence to it.

No matter how far Kouga buried his head into the mounds of his hay formed bed, he couldn't escape reality. Like a wilting fallen leaf balancing over a thin branch, he felt and smelled her life tumble away. It was hanging by a thread one moment, and then the next it was gone with the night breeze. Kagome was gone; she wasn't coming back. After knowing that, nothing seemed to faze him anymore; the sharp blades of hay impaling his flesh, and itching the nerve-endings on his skin, paled in comparison to the anguish his heart was experiencing. Kouga didn't even know he had a heart until now. A solitary tear slid from the corner of his eye, although he tried to hide the pain behind a mask of bravado -- he failed miserably.

It was strange. In the beginning, Kouga felt nothing for Kagome; she was only a means to an end. Truth was Kouga only wanted her for her power to see the jewel shards. However, as time passed he began to perceive her differently, Kouga saw passed Kagome's special powers to her heart. Kagome was, not only, courageous she was just, and kind-hearted: always seeing a bright light within every darkness she happened upon. Kouga was nothing like her. He could never add up, which tended to worsen the situation of her death. Someone as her was too good for death.

Lying amongst the haystack on his side, Kouga felt himself shed another unbidden tear. Two tears in one day, Kouga thought, something is definitely wrong with me. Kouga had never known himself capable of crying, or even that he had tears to call his own, but when he found out about Kagome being ill, he had learned a lot about himself that he had no previous knowledge of.

Smiling warmly, Kouga sat up and leaned against the stone wall, hugging his knees close to his chest. "Kagome, I'll have you know that you've managed to make me weak. However, surprisingly I am happy about it. I am happy you broke me." He stated blithely, and then tilted his head back, laughing hysterically, but he couldn't understand why. What brought him to such madness?

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Watching from afar, behind a large boulder, Ginta and Hakaku stared at their leader sorrowfully, and then vexingly at each other. "I think he's finally lost it." Ginta whispered.

Hakaku nodded in agreement. "I have never seen him act this way," He explained. "What should we do?"

What could they do, they barely understood what was going on. Ginta had only heard bits in pieces of what was happening, and as fare as he could tell his leaders sudden change in attitude had something to do with that strange girl Kagome, who they considered one of their most trusted sisters. Whatever it was had completely devastated Kouga, and Ginta was pretty sure that any attempt they made to cheer him up would ultimately fail in the end.

Ginta shook his head, standing, and headed for the exit of the den. Poor Kouga, I am sorry dear friend...truly. "There's nothing we can do, but wait, and let him heal."

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The deep warmth of the open flame melted the chill away that once consumed Sango's petite body. No longer cold, she uncrossed her arms, and threw another log of wood onto the fire for good measure. She didn't want to risk it dying away while she slept. The flames quickly snatched up the firewood, flecks of its hard flesh sprung into the air, burning with the life of the fire.

Sango stared deep within the soul of flames, getting lost within their depths. There was so much to take in; she didn't know where to begin. So much had been tossed into her lap without warning, and Sango didn't know how to deal with it all. Death. She had seen too much of it, first her own kin, and now Kagome. If she didn't have Miroku by her side still, comforting her then surely she would've lost it by now.

Sango glanced sideways at the Miroku who was thoughtfully gazing into the flames as she had once done, and gave him a short grateful smile, and whispered to him, her thanks. Sango wasn't sure if he could hear her, but she was sure the calm breeze would carry to him her message either way.

"Sango?"

She almost jumped at the abruptness of his tone. "Yes?"

Using his staff as a crutch, Miroku pushed himself up from the ground. "I am going to go see Kagome." He explained. "Would you like to join me?"

"Of course I would." Sango muttered, standing as well.

Miroku nodded. "All right then, lets go."

Gazing into the fire once more, Sango smothered the flames in dirt, until they no longer burned. When that was down, she scampered along, trying to catch up with Miroku, who was already heading towards the hill Outsu's temple stood upon.

"I hope she is doing well." Sango whispered to herself.

"I sure she is," Miroku mumbled his reply, and then whispered to himself. "One can only hope." He tried to hide those words from her, but he failed.

"Maybe when we get there, we can all do something together. Nothing the exerts energy, but something that passes the time." Sango mused, she had no idea what she was heading for; the words just seemed to unconsciously escape her lips.

Miroku laughed mirthlessly. "Like what?"

"I don't know, but maybe something that will take our minds from our current situation."

"Maybe."

From where she stood, Sango could see the large widespread temple just a few miles away. The sunlight was dancing of the stone gargoyles, and dragons, almost blinding her. Sango smiled, they were almost there. I am coming Kagome; I hope your doing well, she thought.

"Come on Miroku!" Sango yelled. "Lets hurry!" As she shouted, her legs took it upon themselves to speed up. The wind tore passed her, and she felt her hair pulling free from its delicate binding. Normally she would pull it as tight as possible, but her will seemed to have been greatly sapped, until barely anything remained.

"Wait from me Sango!" Miroku called after her, taking off at full speed as well.

Sango took no time in pulling the shoji doors open, and entering the temple; she didn't want to wait for someone to answer. It took her a few moments, as she stood in the temple halls, for her eyes to grow accustom to the dim lighting. Just as before when she had visited, there were columns of candles, but oddly now, most of them had snuffed out. In the pit of her stomach she had a strange feeling that all was not well. Her heart climbed up her throat.

"Outsu?" She called. "Outsu, Kagome? Anyone?"

With cautious movements she walked down the halls, passing a few shoji doors, before stopping in front of a familiar one -- Kagome's room. Sprawling her fingers out gently over the door, she stared at it indecisively for a brief moment, before prying the door open.

"Kagome?" She cried. Hey eyes widened, as she gazed into an empty room. The bedroll, and wool blankets were strung wildly about the room, and Kagome was nowhere to be seen. "What! Where is she?"

"Sango what's the matter, I heard you scream?" Miroku asked in frantic concern, and when he saw what Sango had, he gasped. "What happened?"

Sango's jaw quivered to speak, as she fell upon her knees, propping herself from the ground with her hands. Where did you go Kagome? Her breathing became unstable, as she tried to speak. "I…I don't know, it was…it was like this when I got here…Miroku, where's Kagome?" Her voice was hoarse, as she forced the words out into the open.

Miroku shook his head. "I don't know, but I am going to find some answers." He assured. "I am going to go find Outsu!" He said tearing out of the room, into the halls.

As much as Sango wanted to lie down and cry, she knew she couldn't. Miroku was right they needed to find Outsu. He was the only one who could tell them what happened. She just hoped what her heart was telling her was wrong. Prying herself from the ground, she took off down the halls, spotting Miroku a few paces ahead of her.

"Miroku!" She cried, letting him know she was with him.

At the end of the halls was a room, different from the rest, for it led into the dojo. Miroku opened the door, and quietly slid in, followed by Sango. On the inside, it was relatively dark save for a small fire lit in the center, the flames danced, casting shadows upon the floor, and walls. In one corner of the room, Sango spied Outsu, but he seemed off. He was curled into a ball, leaning up against the wall, his eyes were bloodshot, and there were dried tears on his cheeks.

"Outsu?" Miroku whispered.

The old man didn't move, causing concern to surge through Sango's veins.

"Outsu, are you okay?" Miroku asked, taking a few steps towards him.

This time he gazed up at them, dejection swallowing his features, but they quickly reformed as he smiled, although it held no warmth. "I am sorry, can I help you?"

Sango nodded, walking to Miroku's side. "Yes, can you tell us what happened?"

His brows narrowed until they connected, he was purely baffled. "What do you mean?"

"What happened to Kagome, Tell us!" She cried, clarifying.

Miroku put his hand on her shoulder. "Calm down will you, he's completely trembling, just give him some time to process what you are asking." He said, and then gazed at Outsu. "Please, can you tell us what happened to Kagome? Did you move her to another part of the temple." He asked wistfully.

Snuffing the air, Outsu gripped his knees. The light from the fire illuminated his countenance making him appear older than he already looked. He laid his head back. "I let her go…she is no longer here, because I let her go." He mumbled, making little sense.

Gripping her fists, Sango took a harsh step forward. "What do you mean? Where'd she go?" She shouted.

"Sango." Miroku said. "I told you to calm down." He walked up to Outsu, and kneeled before him, with a tender smile. "Now, do you think you can better clarify what happened? Why did you let Kagome go, and do you know where she went?"

Outsu looked entrancingly at the wall, and then across the room into the fire. "I didn't want to let her go, but she wanted to, and I couldn't deny…just like Alyiah, I couldn't deny her." He paused, letting out a small sob, and then continued. "She went to die I think, because when she asked to leave she implied it. She said that she didn't want to die in my gloomy temple; she wanted to die where she felt safest, and I could hardly blame her. I told him that, and he went to save her. I know I made a mistake, but maybe he can save her." He shook his head. "Regardless of she tells me, I believe Kagome will survive, she has to…still I do feel sometimes I am wrong." He muttered restlessly.

Miroku placed his hands out in front of him, and narrowed him eyes. "Who did you tell, who went after Kagome?"

The old man looked up at Miroku with a frown. "He's such a sweet boy, that Inuyasha…he'll find away…he went after her, he's going to stop her from dying." He said trying to convince himself more than the two of them. "You see, because it can't happen again…mine was different, but the reality of it is the same, there's no justification. I won't believe her, when she says Kagome is dead."

There was something definitely wrong with Outsu; he seemed to have changed, as though he had lost his mind. What was wrong with him, what made him lose it, Sango wondered?

Miroku shot up from the ground. "Inuyasha went after her!" He cried, and gazed firmly into Sango's eyes, with a nod. "We need to go find them." Leaning back down to Outsu, he placed a comforting hand onto his shoulder. "Everything is going to be okay, don't worry."

"Lets go Miroku." Sango said, with a nod, and few seconds later they left.

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A cold breeze caused him to shiver until he was awake. Inuyasha yawned; his eyes slowly opened, taking in a little of his bosky surroundings. Where am I? He wondered, but as he saw Goshinbouku, the pinkish blue petals and what lay next him; he knew. Inuyasha remembered everything.

Kagome...

Leaning closer to her, Inuyasha brushed the thin amount of raven hair from her face. Her face was placid, and her nails were a dark blue; no smell of life breathed in her anymore, only the rancid aroma of death lingered. He then knew that the happenings of yesterday were not a nightmare, and it scared him.

Sitting away from Kagome, he sat there hugging his knees, staring nonplussed at her. What was he to do, or say? He found himself frozen, and in able to think for himself. Seconds passed, and all he could do was gawk at her in wonder of what went wrong, and what happened. After a moment, Inuyasha found his jaw quivering as he let out a bellowing cry, and then proceeded to pound his fists into the ground along with his head in rhythmic synchrony. Inuyasha didn't know what else to do, and once more it was all he felt like doing.

Tears poured from his eyes, shimmering off his face like raindrops, as they thudded their way onto the ground; he was a hysterical wreck. It was all his fault; he could practically feel Kagome's blood running through his hands, staining them with the blame. He was her killer, by giving up, he sentenced her to her doom, and Inuyasha would not let himself get away with it.

Rocks bore there way into his forehead, as he pounded his head to the ground; he could feel the warmth of his own blood seeping from his skin, and trickling down his face, although he hardly noticed. He could barely feel the burning sting of pain that came with each meeting with the ground, the only pain he felt was Kagome's death eating through his half mortal soul. It was undeniable in his eyes; it was what he deserved, although it would never be enough. Nothing would ever be enough.

Why was he such a failure when it came to protecting those most close to him? He couldn't protect his mom, and he couldn't protect Kikyou, maybe it was curse. A curse from being a half-breed, no one could love him or care, and he wasn't allowed to love or care. It would only mean death and destruction for both sides.

Sobbing he looked up into the sky. "Kagome I pray you never forgive me for this." Inuyasha whispered to himself, then shouted. "I don't deserve it!" Kagome was a kind, and understanding person. Just in case she got it in her thick head -- wherever you go when you die -- to forgive him, he wanted her to know he would never accept it. Inuyasha would never forgive himself.

Inuyasha's ears twittered, as he heard light footsteps coming up behind him. Sniffing the air, he felt his heart grow cold; it was like an icy hand had come out of nowhere, tearing it out and stomping on it until it was no more. He didn't know what was coming over him in that moment, all he knew was he couldn't stop it, and more so he didn't want to. Standing up from the ground, Inuyasha scooped Kagome up in his arms, and held her close. They would not touch her.

"Inuyasha?" A soft male voice called out.

"Ssh!" Inuyasha hissed, bitterly. "What do you want, traitors?"

Ignoring the comment, Sango asked. "Is that--"?

"Kagome?" Inuyasha cut in, as he turned around to face them. "What do you think?"

There was a deep rooted horror in their eyes, but Inuyasha was unable to discern which was more horrifying to them: the fact that their supposed best friend was dead, or that his face was covered in blood, and small chunks of rock.

Inuyasha laughed sadistically, and without mirth. "Surprised?" He questioned. "I wouldn't think you would be...this is, what you wanted wasn't it? For Kagome to die in my arms, with the cherry blossoms blooming around us?"

No reply came, they seemed frozen in grief.

Inuyasha shook his head. "It happened the exact way you wanted it to, so aren't you happy now?" He couldn't stop the tears from freeing themselves from his eyes.

Miroku snapped out of his grief, narrowing his eyes, but Sango couldn't seem to overcome it. "Inuyasha! That is not what me and Sango wanted."-- his voice was hoarse, and sorrowful, but firm -- "You mis--"

Inuyasha laughed. "Don't try to toy with me. I know better." He took another step back. "Finally, both of your true colors show. You both wanted Kagome dead, so you could take her jewel shards for your own selfish ambitions." He paused for a moment; letting his words settle before continuing. "I knew you could never be trusted, but Kagome wouldn't believe me!"

"Shut up...shut up!" Sango cried, breaking free from her paralyzed state. "Be quiet Inuyasha, you know nothing of what you say! I care for Kagome, she is my best friend, and more, and I would never wish her dead." Sango sniveled; a tear slid from her eye. "I didn't want her dead, Miroku didn't want her dead." She explained, extending a hand out for Kagome's face.

Vehemently, Inuyasha smacked her hand away. "Don't touch her! No one will touch her, I will not allow it!" He cried. "You've betrayed her, someone like that doesn't even deserve to look upon her." Inuyasha turned his back on them, and began to walk away.

"Inuyasha wait, please!" Miroku begged.

Stopping in midstep, Inuyasha looked over his shoulder. "You don't understand me, you never did, but know this...she was what kept me going, without her I am nothing but a monster...you should fear my wrath." He didn't know what he was saying, but couldn't seem to stop himself. The words wanted free, and he couldn't seem to deny them. With that he disappeared into the forest; there was one more place he had to visit, before all was said and done.

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Inuyasha sounded cold, and heartless, as he did in his full-youkai form, as though he could kill at any second. His words left behind a bone-chilling sensation within the pit of Miroku's stomach. Inuyasha was no longer himself, he was no longer sane, Kagome's death left him in shambles, and who he blamed for it would feel his mighty claws through their flesh. It made him shutter just thinking about it. How could Inuyasha, perceive this all so wrong...everything is wrong; none of this should be...why did this have to happen?

"Miroku?" Sango said, sobbingly as she choked on his name.

Snapping out of the trance, Miroku walked up to Sango, placing a hand on her shoulder for comfort. "Don't worry Sango...he just...he just needs some time to heal. Although I warn you not to take his threats too lightly, Inuyasha is not himself, I don't think he will harm us, but I cannot be sure."

Sango shook her head. "I don't care...some how I feel this is my fault." She informed, and then elaborated. "Maybe we were wrong to tell Inuyasha to spend the day with her, knowing that it could possibly be her last. Maybe if we'd let him search...maybe Kagome would still be alive!" She cried, and the turned to embrace him, sobbing into his monk's rob.

Miroku smiled, lightheartedly, reciprocating the embrace, squeezing her tightly. "Sango, we didn't mean any harm, we were only looking out for Inuyasha because he is our friend, and although he does not see that now, in a few years he will come to understand. We may not have been right, but you do not know for certain that Inuyasha would've found a way in time. He should be thankful that he got a chance to say goodbye, for we are not that fortunate."

Sango sniveled. "Still, I feel horrible...and if Inuyasha thinks it is my fault, then I will gladly feel his wrath." She informed.

That was enough, Miroku couldn't stand seeing her sad. He couldn't bear seeing her cry anymore, and there was only way to change how she was feeling, but it might not have been the wisest choice, Miroku could make. Sliding his hands down, her back, he gave her posterior a good rubdown.

A few seconds later she squealed, backed away from him, and smacked him hard with the flat of her palm. "You pervert! I knew you were just biding your time that's why you haven't groped me in a while." She paused looking away from him towards the ground. "And you insensitive jerk, how could you think to grope me in a time like this?" She shouted, irefully.

Rubbing the side of his face, Miroku stood up, and smiled halfheartedly at her. "Because I'd rather see you angry at me, than sad for something you had no control over." He rationalized, "And I will not apologize." Miroku had finished, and though he was successful in taking her mind away from what happened, his was very much there, and Miroku wanted to be alone. His smile curved into a frown as he walked away, leaving her to collect herself, just as he needed to do.

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Waterfalls rushed down upon his head, gnawing away at his skull, but in a more soothing way. Miroku sighed, looking up into the water, allowing it to consume his face. What he hoped to accomplish, by sitting on a rock underneath the water was beyond him, but perhaps he hoped to gain some closure of sorts. Maybe he was just seeking away to deal with the pain. Either way, it wasn't working out.

Miroku pulled away from the falling water, his feet clashing harshly with the rivers body; water flew in all directions, shimmering as it thrashed back down. Slowly, he walked back to solid dry ground, wiping his face of the liquid crystal drops he had stolen away from falls.

Gazing up at the sun, Miroku watched as it began to take its rest, switching shifts with the moon. He could feel his jaw start to quiver insatiably, and then found himself letting out a sorrowful bellowing cry. Never had he thought he would feel such pain after the loss of his father, but now he knew he was wrong. It was like he was losing a sister. Kagome was his family, so he had come to learn. Miroku had so little family left; to finally gain some, only to lose them, it was too much.

The picture he saw of Kagome's lifeless body in Inuyasha's arms was forever burned into his mind; it would never leave, even if he wished it to. Miroku counted them -- five scalding tear coursed down his face, breaking away to meet with the dirt ground. He dropped his head from the sky, and gazed dejectedly at the ground. What was he to say, what was he to do; Miroku didn't know? But he should do something, shouldn't he? Miroku's legs buckled beneath him, his knees crashing brutally into the dirt.

"What should I do?" He wondered aloud. "I have to tell them don't I? But Shippo, what about him, I don't think he could handle it?" Knowing he would never get an answer to his questions, Miroku violently pounded his fist into the ground, and came to a full stand.

Wiping the tears from his eyes with the sleeve of his white kimono, Miroku drifted into the woods. There was one more problem they would all have to face, and there was no guarantee it would be successful. Inuyasha was gone from them; Kagome's death seemed to have made him snap. He was now a danger to them all, but mostly to himself, and they needed to help him comeback. Lately, everything has been misunderstood, Miroku shook his head, and it's tearing us all apart. There had too be someway to fix this all, as Miroku was sure, Kagome wouldn't want Inuyasha to turn spiteful and vengeful over her death. Miroku was sure she would want Inuyasha to be happy.

Miroku paused in middle of the woods, noticing that his nails were practically piercing through his palms. Gasping, he lightened his grip, and then smiled coldly. Inuyasha don't you realize what you are doing? Don't turn your back on us, and runaway, Shippo needs you, Kagome was like his mother, and without her, what is left for him. His smile deepened, Kagome was the glue that kept this group together, without her, what do we have left? What are we? Miroku laughed; it was empty, were nothing.

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Sango's legs felt as though they were filled with mounds of sand, and she didn't know how much longer she could keep walking. Luckily, she had made it to the village, but as she did the weight seemed to increase. Gazing listlessly at the tatami mat leading into Kaede's hut, Sango cleared her eyes of the tears she had been weeping the whole way. I have to be strong when I go in, but I don't know if I have it in me.

"So you had the same idea as I had." A cold yet recognizable voice spoke; his voice sent chills up her spin, breaking her away from her thoughts.

Startled, she looked over her shoulder at a sorrowed Miroku in white robes. His bangs were sucking to his forehead, as though he had recently gone out for a swim. Lightly she nodded. "They have to know…someone is going to have to tell them, otherwise they'll never know Kagome is…" she stopped unable to finish it, as tears once again broke free. Carrying with him solace, Miroku brought Sango into his arms, and she gladly welcomed him. "My clan, Kohaku, and now this…I don't think I can take anymore."

"Be strong Sango," Miroku said. "We'll all get through this somehow." He tried to assure her, but it was more like he was trying to convince himself.

"What's the matter, Sango? Why are you crying?"

Gasping lightly, Sango pulled away from Miroku, gazing down at the little kitsune who had spoken, standing next to Kaede. The old miko was carrying a fresh basket of bread, and herbs. Her stomach burned, becoming unsettled. She didn't know what to do; now was the time to speak, to tell them everything that had occurred, but nothing escaped her lips only noiseless air. Concern lingered unquenched in both their eyes, and Sango wasn't sure she wanted to be the one to satisfy their hunger. Luckily for her, Miroku had taken it upon himself to make the first move.

"We have some bad news," he paused, and then gave a small suggestion. A good one. "I think we should sit down in the hut before, I tell you."

Kaede and Shippo nodded in unison, and everyone quietly walked through the mat into the hut, taking a seat upon the wood flooring.

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All was enveloped in an eerie silence; even the wind bared no voice. Sesshoumaru glimpsed thoughtfully, from a high cliff overshadowing the forest below. The sunset in the sky was an unnatural red, almost blood ridden; a deep blue sorrow swirling through its smooth body. It enthralled him, but only for a moment, as unbidden thoughts ran rampant through his mind. And there was only one question that seemed to linger, unwavering. Why wouldn't it stop? Why wouldn't it leave him alone, why wouldn't the wenches death quit bothering him? Sesshoumaru didn't care, she had nothing to do with him, and yet he couldn't seem to get the subject off his mind.

Sesshoumaru felt nothing. No sorrow, or compassion for his brother, or the girl. It wasn't as if he was forcing himself to chug down the urge to go revive her; it wasn't as if he felt guilty for turning down his lowly half-brother. Then what was it? He couldn't seem to find an answer, no matter how hard he thought on it.

Inconspicuously, Sesshoumaru shifted his gaze slightly to the sleeping ones around him. Jaken was nearby, lying against the trunk of the mountain, hugging his staff as if for comfort; he was a strange toad, but Jaken was the closet thing Sesshoumaru had to a friend, and so he didn't mind it -- most of the time. The two-headed dragon lay coiled up a few feet away from the large stone Sesshoumaru sat upon, cautiously sleeping. And upon their stomach laid a small raven-haired girl, who was also deep in sleep, in an ignorant bliss.

Quietly and almost unaware of himself, Sesshoumaru closely watched her. He watched attentively as her chest rose quickly and then gradually fell. He did that often when she slept, but never understood why? Sometimes though, he feared -- if that was possible -- that she would quit breathing. Humans are so fragile; their lives are like a thread hanging over an open flame, just waiting to be burned into dust.

Rin was such a hard girl to figure out, and still was. Sesshoumaru had barely begun to unravel the mystery that was Rin. It was the only reason he kept her around, or so he constantly told himself, but now that excuse had begun to grow old. Truthfully, she fascinated him, though it never showed in his features. Now though, as days passed, he had begun to wonder, the real reason he kept her around. The answer was being kept from him, locked away in one of the many unopened corridors in his mind.

Before Sesshoumaru could eradicate the train his thoughts had embarked upon, Inuyasha's words passed through his mind. "If are situations were reversed, I wouldn't of spared a second thought in helping you."Growling, Sesshoumaru shoved the memory away, though he couldn't keep it at bay for long, as his eyes once again fell upon Rin. After a few more minutes of studying Rin's sleeping form, he allowed himself to further ponder Inuyasha's words.

A few minutes later, he frowned, coming to a decision. "If are situations were in reverse, how could you help me? There is nothing you could do, little brother." It was true, Inuyasha had no means for bringing Rin back to life, and so what use would he be? Now that was settled, Sesshoumaru began to feel at ease. The guilt -- if that was what you would call it -- ceased in poisoning his mind, allowing satisfaction to linger in its wake. The girl's death wasn't his problem, and he would never need Inuyasha's help. Still, though, he couldn't help but wonder…before he could finish that thought, he was rudely interrupted.

Something small like a pebble thudded against his back. Sesshoumaru automatically cleared his mind, as a deadly scent was recognized. He stood slowly from the large boulder, and turned around to face the intruder.

"Sesshoumaru…" It whispered; it was almost sadistic sounding.

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A loud sorrowful cry shook the earth surrounding the small hut in the center of the village. The unwanted words were out, the wind would carry them to the ends of the earth, and even after that -- they would never settle. Neither, Miroku nor Sango could've foreseen the impact the truth would carry, but they did have some idea. It wasn't pretty, and Sango could feel her heart burn, as Shippo tore out of the hut.

"You're lying, you're all liars!" Shippo cried, running towards the forest of Inuyasha. "Kagome isn't dead; she didn't say goodbye, and besides that she would never leave me!"

"Shippo wait!" Sango shouted, chasing after him, but was immediately held back by Miroku, as he wrapped his arms around her stomach. She gazed over her shoulder at him pensively; tears coursing uncontrollably down her cheeks. "What are you doing? I have to go after him!"

In commiseration, Miroku held her close, and whispered into her ear. "Let him go, he needs time to think, and to process this whole situation." He explained. "Besides, we need to tell Outsu what happened as well, I think he would want to know."

She had almost forgotten about him. She swallowed, they had told him everything would be all right, and so how could they tell him otherwise? Leaning her head back onto Miroku's shoulder, Sango nodded. "Yes, you're right."

"I will tell him!" Kaede informed barely above a whisper, as she stood feebly from the ground. The old miko hadn't said one word since they had explained Kagome's death, nor had she shown any emotion; she remained completely aloof.

"Are you sure?" Sango asked, turning to face her.

Kaede nodded. "I think, he would want to hear it from me…" she smiled weakly. "Besides, I've known him the longest of anyone here."

It was true; they had only met him a few days ago, and probably wouldn't know the best way to break the news to him. That and it would do Outsu some good to see a familiar face. Sango nodded. "All right…do you want us to accompany you?"

With a banal smile, Kaede shook her head. "No. It's best if I go alone…you wouldn't understand." With those questionable words, Kaede almost in a trance left the hut heading towards Outsu's temple.

Sango looked up at Miroku. "What was that all about?"

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Dazed, Shippo looked down the well. Miroku was wrong, and soon Kagome would come out of the well, and greet him with a smile. It must've been a misconception, Shippo wistfully smiled, they didn't find her dead, she was just sleeping, and Inuyasha is taking her home so she can rest up, and then she would be back -- even better than ever, he assured himself.

His smile contorted into a despondent frown; he had been waiting for hours already, but nothing happened. When was she going to be back -- she would be back right? Objectively, he shook his head; of course she would be back!

"Of course she will be." He convinced himself aloud.

A few moments later Shippo felt hot tears trickling down his cheeks, he wiped them away with a trembling hand. "There's no need to cry," He assured once more. "Nothing bad happened, everything is cheerio." He smiled, but it was forced.

Ever since the death of his father, Shippo had been alone in the world. Stricken by grief, and vulnerability, he never thought it would be okay again. Shippo was forced to fend for himself in a world he knew very little about -- only what he was taught by his father. Until he ran into Kagome and Inuyasha. Although he tried to steal the jewel from them, Kagome forgave him, and even took him in. They protected him from his own mistakes, and even helped him get revenge, so that his father could rest in peace. She was the only one who ever cared, besides Shippo's parents. He couldn't lose her too, and he wouldn't because nothing happened.

A sob escaped him. "Kagome comeback," He called down the well. "You've got to tell me it's all right!" He buried his head into his hands, and leaned up against the face of the well. The truth was staring him pointblank in the face, but he couldn't accept it. Kagome wasn't going to return, was she?

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The path to Outsu's was tedious, but Kaede forced herself to stand strong. With everything that had happened, Outsu would need her, just like all those years ago. She would be there once more to comfort him. Not far ahead she spied a widespread foundation -- the temple. It didn't seem so dark a gloomy with the sun setting; the lights reflected magically off the temple, creating a mystifying aura of color. Kaede's stomach became hollow as she approached his house, and her knees grew weak; weaker than normal. How was she to go about telling him this? She thought back to the death of his daughter, and the words quickly came to her.

Walking passed the stone gargoyles and dragons; Kaede came upon the temples entrance. Before she could knock, she heard Outsu's hoarse voice call to her. "Kaede it that you?"

Kaede turned around with a disheartened smile. "Aye," She replied. "And to get down to the point, I have some bad news for ye, which ye aren't going to like."

Outsu frowned. "What is it?"

"Lets go inside, and sit down, before I tell ye anything." Kaede said; he really needed to sit down for this, as he might faint from sheer shock.

The inside of the temple was dark as always, but this time, there were no candles to give off a remote amount of light. Outsu followed Kaede, as she lead him into Outsu's bedroom, she remembered it from her last visit. The room was empty, as every one of them was, only baring a bedroll. Moving towards the center of the room, they both took a seat, facing each other head on.

"Now what is it that you have to tell me that's so terrible?" Outsu questioned.

Kaede frowned, gazing off to the side. How do I go about this again? She pondered, and the felt the relief as it came to her. "I am terribly sorrybut Kagome passed on last night. Don't worry dear Outsu I am sure she is in a better place."

The old man nodded, his eyes grew narrow with sorrow as he stared into his lap. "I know…I had a feeling…although he said it would be all right." He mumbled, and then whispered to himself. "She was right."

"What do you mean? Who told you Kagome was dead?" She asked perplexed, knowing that the only girl who knew of Kagome's death was Sango, and she had never visited Outsu with the news.

Outsu's eyes snapped up from his lap, and met sharply with hers. He smiled, although it appeared forced. "I am sorry, I was just mumbling to myself, it meant nothing." He frowned, and though he tried to fight it, he began to slightly cry. "I've known she was dead since before it occurred, although I didn't want to believe it." He clarified. "You see Kagome told me, she knew she was going to pass on, and so I let her go. She told me she didn't want to die in the temple, and I couldn't argue with her." He said, and then whispered to himself once more. "Alyiah."

This was harder than Kaede thought it would be. She felt a tear slip free from her eye, and then another. Putting a hand onto his shoulder, she brought his head to rest upon her chest. "It's all right. Ye will be fine, in time thy pain will ebb, although I know ye don't want it too, know that keeping her memory alive is not the same as baring the pain of her death." She rationalized, recalling the words, from years ago.

He laughed mirthlessly, and then choked on a sob. "Kagome and Alyiah weren't much different, and though I only knew the girl for two days, it felt like an eternity. It's like I've lost my daughter all over again."

She hushed him, patting his back. "All will be fine." She convinced him, but more like herself, for she knew it wouldn't be. Kagome was dead.

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Author's note: All right this chapter was kind of pointless, don't you think? But it had to be done. Originally, I was going to skip the aftermath, and go to a few days later, but then I decided I had to show the aftermath, for the rest of the story to take effect. Anyway, before you say anything, I know Inuyasha sounds insane, and OOC, you don't have to tell me that because I already know. But don't think him that way, until you read the next chapter, and so on. All right, now I'll leave you in peace, and stop yammering on!