The Snow Angel by SunsetMiko

The Scent

Chapter 128 - The Scent *Sunlight* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

The tension in the air was palpable as everyone waited for the miko that meant so much to them to wake. With each second that ticked by, Inuyasha grew angrier. He would never have allowed her to drink it, but then he sometimes found it difficult to trust his own friends. Strangers, enemies at that, could never gain his trust. It was simply impossible. He silently prayed for Kagome to open her eyes. If she didn't, he would do more than throttle Sesshoumaru. He would string him up by the claws of his toes and beat him to death, and he didn't think the taiyoukai would put up much of a fight.

Finally, after what felt like hours, a small moan echoed in the silence. Sesshoumaru gently pushed Kagome's bangs out of her eyes and nuzzled her cheek. "Kagome?" he called her name softly. "Kagome, wake up. Open your eyes, please." Everyone gathered around, except Inuyasha, who kept his eyes on the witch while listening closely.

It felt like her brain was spinning inside her skull, but slowly the strange sensation faded, and she felt like she could focus once more. Kagome carefully peeked her eyes open, finding a very relieved Sesshoumaru. He kissed her, an exchange filled with his love and relief, and she kissed him back, knowing he needed reassurance. When their lips finally parted, she smiled softly.

"I'm okay. I promise."

Sesshoumaru immediately buried his nose in her hair, breathing in her scent deeply. Shippo leapt onto her shoulder and did the same while Kirara let out an irritated mew, as there was no room for her to join in. Shippo pulled back first, his eyes wide, and Sesshoumaru followed, the taiyoukai's face showing pure and utter happiness.

Kagome looked at them both in question. "What? Do I smell funny?"

"The hint of death and decay that all humans carry is gone," the taiyoukai told her.

The miko smiled. "So, what does that mean?"

"It means you have stopped aging. It worked, and you will stay with me until the end of time."

The happy couple turned their attention to the witch who stood stalk still, awaiting their judgment. "Thank you," Kagome whispered.

"It was my pleasure to serve you, the new Lady of the West," she said honestly.

"I will hear no hint of you, or your magic again," Sesshoumaru demanded. "You will remain in the West where I can watch you, and I may call on you again." His mind had immediately gone to Rin. If this could be done for Kagome, then it could be done for his human pup as well. Perhaps even Kagome's human companions, if they wished it.

"I am here to serve you, My Lord," Migotoyami replied. She had never been so relieved in all her years. Her life was spared, and as a bonus, he did not banish her from his lands. She had been in the West for centuries, and she had not been looking forward to finding a new home.

Without another word, Sesshoumaru turned, Kagome still in his arms, and headed back the way they had come. Everyone followed behind, Inuyasha at the back, walking backwards to ensure that they weren't followed or caught off guard. When they finally reached the end of the tunnel and stepped out into the sunlight, everyone relaxed.

"Never thought I would miss the sun so much," Sango said.

"Can we go now?" Inuyasha muttered. "I want to put as much distance between us and that witch as possible."

-

As soon as she sensed that the last one of them had left her home completely, Migotoyami fell to her knees, breathing heavily. That had to have been the most stressful time of her life, waiting to learn her fate. She vowed at that very moment that she would never aid another in their endeavors to conspire against someone, be they human, demon, or hanyou, Lord or peasant. It wasn't worth the risk.