As Death Gives Life

Chapter 41 – The Ties that Bind


A/N: This is it folks. The ending chapter of ‘As Death Gives Life’. I have tried to cover everyone in the story, and I know that some of you are hoping for a more thorough touch on everyone’s lives, but this is it. I have come to the realization that I could keep going forever with this story by delving into the thoughts and feelings of individual characters. I’ve forced myself to step back and give you an overall picture, as you will see. I hope that you enjoy it.

Now.... On with the final chapter of the story!

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Jiyuu sat straight up and frantically inhaled a deep life-giving breath of... fog? The inuyoukia general blinked and madly looked around him, seeing nothing but the surrounding fog. The memory of blinding pain ripping through his body brought his hands up to trace his throat. He had been attacked from behind by several of the enemy all at once, while fighting two boar soldiers ahead of him. One of them had slit his throat and the pain of it was vivid in his memory.

The killing wound was gone, which left him to wonder... how? Was it the fog that drifted around his body almost as if it were a living thing? He narrowed his blue eyes and watched the thick white tendrils as they weightlessly swirled around his form, touching him and leaving the oddest sensation in its wake.

Jiyuu slowly came to his feet, now aware of the sounds around him. There were cries of horror in the distance, all ending abruptly, leaving nothing behind but an eerie silence. What was this fog? From where had it come?

He realized then, that the strange snaking tendrils of white fluff were beginning to retreat, not fade, as a normal fog would do. The long slithering wisps unwound from his body as if they were of solid form and left him feeling very alone, but perfectly well and completely healed. The air around him cleared gradually, giving him a clear sight to spot the others standing around on the battlefield.

Hundreds of soldiers stood spread about the grassy plain looking just as confused as he himself felt. He spotted Lord Buhito, still in rooster form, some distance away. The tall youkai stomped one clawed foot, then lifted it up to stand perched on one leg. He appeared to be deeply interested in something ahead. Jiyuu turned to see what had gained the complete attention of the warrior fowl.

The trails of fog danced a path toward the castle. He could now see much more clearly, as the white wall of it was almost completely gone. What he found made his eyes grow wide with wonder. It was a giant among snake youkai. A startling white hooded snake was perched high on the outer wall, and it was inhaling the fog as if it were its very own breath.

As the moment crept by the snake was revealed to be the young mistress of the West, Kebechet. A wide grin spread over the handsome face of the inu general. Lady Kebechet had found her true form, and from the looks of things the young girl had vanquished the enemies and healed the very wounds that were fast draining the life-force from his body. Amazing.

A flash of white caught his eye and he spotted the fast moving form of Lord Sesshomaru. Jiyuu then reached down and grabbed his sword from the spot where it lay. A flashback of the moment when he lost the last ounce of his strength snapped through his mind making him shudder. As he stood once more erect, he smiled broadly toward the bright blue sky. He had survived... and he would see his Rin again.

With a flick of the sword outward, Jiyuu then brought the blade to its sheath. He inhaled deeply taking a brief moment to appreciate the clean smell of the West. His homeland where he would live and raise his family. Life was good.

The dog general of the Western lands pushed off with a powerful burst of his taught muscles. He headed toward Sesshomaru with blazing speed. His arrival at the wall was greeted by first Inuyasha, who was standing together with the houshi, Miroku-sama, and his mate, the demon exterminator, Sango. He nodded to them all, and noticed the evidence of exhaustion on the humans, but saw no signs of injury to any of them.

He turned to Sesshomaru and found him embracing his daughter. Kebechet was crying and smiling all at the same time. It reminded him very much of the Lady Kagome. Her daughter sometimes portrayed the emotional character of her mother when deeply moved. Jiyuu couldn’t think of a more appropriate time to be moved than this. The sixteen year old girl had just saved the Western Lands. One look at Sesshomaru and you could see the pride radiating from him. He stood tall and stiff, with his arms wrapped around the emotional female. His golden eyes looked out over the lands of his forefathers while the fraction of a smile played on his lips.

Lord Sesshomaru had never felt such pride before. It swelled in his chest to almost painful proportions. Kebechet had proven herself today and word of her strength would travel far and wide. His daughter, in a single act of colossal proportions, had executed the enemy, healed the wounded, and redeemed the scarred name of the house of Toji. The sins of his father, for taking a human mate and birthing a hanyou son, were cleansed. Even his own act of taking Kagome, a mortal turned more, as his mate, had birthed any number of small uprisings through the years. From now on those fools would think twice before attacking the West. His family stood strong, and together they were unstoppable.

Kagome spotted Sesshomaru and Kebechet, and smiled brightly. They were both alive. She sent up a prayer of thanks to the Kami for saving them from harm. She looked over to Sakuma, her son standing by Shippo, and found them looking at them as well. Suddenly Rin screamed, almost giving her a heart attack. Kagome turned her head fast and saw what it was that set Rin off. Rin screamed Jiyuu’s name and began her pregnant version of running. Kagome caught sight of Jiyuu as he leapt from the great wall heading toward his mate. It was a miracle that he lived. It was a miracle that they all had lived.

When the strange power of her daughter first crept through the door of their hiding place, Sakuma became very frightened. Heck, she was pretty darn scared herself. They had no idea what it was. Shippo lay wounded by her side and Sakuma was pushed behind her. She was about to attempt a barrier, in an attempt to protect them from it, when the first tendril of smoke touched the tip of her toe.

The feeling of her daughter was strong, and she knew then that this was from Kebechet. Somehow, some way, Kebechet had sent this. After calming her son, they watched as it crept into the room, filling the space with fluffy drifts of white, caressing their skin like a welcome cocoon of Kebechet’s love, and then it began a retreat, leaving the same way that it had come.

When Shippo sat up and moved his head from side to side, Kagome just knew that he would be in terrible pain. What happened next amazed her almost as much as it amazed Shippo. He arched his head back, exposing his neck then smiled and said, “Now that’s handy.” He put his hands to his neck and rubbed. Kagome reached up and touched the skin where he had been wounded. It was completely healed. He was completely healed. “Kebechet,” she whispered.

Now, in the courtyard, she stood watching her hugging Sesshomaru tightly. Her stoic mate held Kebechet in his arms while still managing to look absolutely regal. Kagome inhaled deeply and squeezed her son’s hand. “Come on you guys. Let’s go join the celebration!” Together they ran toward the wall, passing Rin and Jiyuu on the way. The two of them were enjoying a deep passionate kiss. Kagome smiled in happiness, and picked up her pace. Sesshomaru looked toward her then and met her eyes. He stepped back from Kebechet, who now saw them as well. She lifted her hand and waved, while her father leaped effortlessly from the high wall to the ground below. He held out his arms and Sakuma jumped up into his embrace. Kagome ran up behind him and he pulled her in as well. The three of them hugged one another and Kagome cried breathlessly, “It’s over. Thank Kami-sama, it is over.”

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It had been three months to the day of the Southern Elimination, as his subjects had so fondly named the battle. Sesshomaru sat in his study going over a document from Lord Buhito. He looked up when he caught the scent of his new retainer, Tai. The raccoon dog was almost as annoying as Jaken had been, but he strove to do his job well so he was forced to put up with the nonsense. It was unfortunate to lose Jaken, as he had always been a loyal servant, but it could not be helped. The kappa youkai had fallen to the enemy in an act of bravery, thus dying an honorable death. Had not the Fog of Purification taken his body from this world, he could have revived Jaken using Tenseiga. Regrettably, using the sword of life was impossible without the body.

It was surprising that his mate actually cried for the imp when she discovered that Jaken was beyond their reach. He remembered a time long ago when Kagome had beaten his vassal ruthlessly to a pulp. The memory brought the hint of a smirk to his face. His Kagome could be viscous at times.

Tai knocked, and entered upon command. He went to his knees before his lord and said, “Greetings, master. I have come to announce the arrival of a messenger.” An elegant eyebrow rose and Sesshomaru replied, “Send them in.” He wondered who it might be, for he had not been expecting anyone.

In minutes a bat youkai stepped in behind Tai. He bowed before the high lord and then plucked a scroll from his sash. He handed the scroll to Tai who passed it on the Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru accepted the parchment and unrolled it.

He found that the message was concerning the un-named ruler of the Southern Lands. Since the war had taken place upon Western soil, the Lands of the South were not necessarily considered to be conquered by the West. They would, therefore fall to the next in line to the late heirs of Lord Fuskae. He had been waiting to hear who the next in line would be for some time now.

According to the letter sent by his own ambassador, the Southern Lands would have fallen to the brother of Fuskae, a fox by the name of Genken or his mate, Lady Yui. Unfortunately through investigation he discovered that Genken and his mate, Yui, were slaughtered by two elemental youkai years ago. Records indicated that the two of them had a kit, by the name of Shippo, but the young fox had gone missing soon after the death of his parents.

The implications were near staggering. He re-read the message, just to be sure. Could it be? He looked up and said, “Tai. Fetch Shippo from the dojo.” He then turned to the carrier and said, “You are dismissed for now. Report back to me one hour after nightfall tomorrow.”

When the bat was gone he leaned back and thought about the news that he had recently received. If the Shippo who had been raised by Kagome was the same Shippo whose line led to Fuskae, then things were about to take an interesting turn. As far-fetched as it seemed, the boy could actually be the next Southern Lord. It would mean great things for his own lands. He would be insured that the two lands could reside in peace. Shippo was of good character, and could be a worthy ruler with the proper guidance.

He shook his head of the thoughts when he detected the approach of his mate. Her light jasmine scent drifted to him and the magic of her aura caressed against his skin. Before Kagome could knock he said, “Enter.” He watched as she slid the door open and peeked inside. “You busy?” He beckoned her in with a slight movement of his head and she stepped inside.

She walked around the low wooden desk and kneeled down behind him. She wrapped her arms around his waist and nuzzled her face against his shoulder. He reached back and caressed her face and waited for her to proceed. Finally she pulled away with a peck on his cheek. “I came to tell you that Rin and Jiyuu have invited us all to their home to see the new baby. When would you like to go? Wait... you have to give me time to get word to Inuyasha and Kat before the big day. Rin wanted Sango and Miroku to come with them too, so it will be a couple of weeks.”

Sesshomaru sighed, while thinking of ways to avoid seeing Inuyasha. “Why should we attend, when we have seen the child every day since its birth?”

Kagome scoffed at him for being so mean. “Now, Sesshomaru. I know how you hate to be around Inuyasha, but this is a special occasion. It will be the baby’s presentation, and it’s important that we are there.” Sesshomaru fought the urge to growl, but was forced to agree with his mate. “You decide the day, and this Sesshomaru will clear that day for the festivities.”

“Great!” Kagome replied. “I can’t wait to help plan everything. Kami I’ve been bored to death around here.” Sesshomaru raised a brow in question. Bored? An evil thought swam into his mind accompanied by a few graphic images of ways to keep her busy. Sesshomaru pulled her around to his lap and enjoyed her feminine squeal of delight. He drew her flush against him and buried his face against the smooth skin of her slender neck. He kissed her there and slowly made his way upward. She melted into his touch and he felt his manhood stir when she released a tiny whimper. He licked lightly over the shell over her ear and then suckled the fleshy lobe inside of his warm mouth, playing it lightly between his fanged teeth.

Kagome could feel the rising pressure of her mates’ passion now pushing hard and swollen against her backside. She leaned into him and moaned as his hands traced over the curves of her body. His warm breath on her ear made her purr with want, and when he whispered, “I have an idea of how to fill your time,” Kagome literally shivered in delight.

“Sesshomaru-sama!”

The barking call of his servant, Tai, disrupted his plans, making the taiyoukai snarl angrily. Immediately Tai could be heard begging his lords forgiveness. The raccoon dog quickly reminded him of the reason for his return when he said, “My Lord, I have brought Shippo-sama as you requested.”

Reluctantly, Sesshomaru released Kagome to stand and attempt to arrange her clothing. He smiled a little as he watched, thinking that he should, perhaps, tell her of her failure to appear composed. She looked ravishing with her dark tresses hanging loosely rumpled. He decided against saying anything, for as soon as he was rid of the current business at hand, he had all intentions of continuing where they had just left off.

“Enter,” he called. The door slid open and in stepped Shippo and Tai. He dismissed Tai and stopped Kagome before she ducked out the door. “You will stay, Kagome.” She looked back, a little surprised, then shrugged her shoulders. “Gee, I never get to stay for this stuff. What’s up?”

Sesshomaru ignored her question and turned to the fox at her side. “Shippo, you will tell this Sesshomaru the names of your father and mother.”

Shippo was clearly surprised at the question. Why would Sesshomaru-sama want to know who his parents were? “Hai, Sesshomaru-sama. My father was called Genken, and my mother was Yui, but they have been dead for a long time. Is something wrong?”

A rumbling sound erupted from her mate and Kagome looked from Shippo back to Sesshomaru in surprise. He was... chuckling lightly? That was pretty strange for Sesshomaru. “What’s going on, Sesshomaru?”

He took the parchment in his hand and offered it to Shippo. Shippo took the scroll and unrolled it while Kagome looked over his arm. They both read over the message and their mouths fell open. Kagome was the first to speak, and she looked at Sesshomaru in shock. “Does this mean what I think it means?”

He leaned back and looked toward Shippo, who was now waiting for him to reply. “Indeed. It appears that young Shippo here, is the new Lord of the Southern Lands.

Kagome was doing a very good impersonation of a fish. She looked back to Shippo and murmured, “Lord... Shippo? Oh my GOD! LORD SHIPPO!” She jumped on Shippo and the fox grabbed her up in a strong embrace. He kept muttering.... “I can’t believe it!”

Sesshomaru stood up, thankful that his erection had finally diminished, and said, “I do believe that a celebration is in order to welcome the new ruler into his station.” A brilliant idea popped into his mind and he looked at his lovely little mate who had just recently complained of being bored. “Kagome will see to the entire event.” Her wide eyes turned to him and he continued, “See that you invite all of the reigning Lords and Ladies. It would not do to offend anyone due to oversight.”

Kagome’s head began to spin, and gears began to clink. She thought of dozens of ideas to use for the theme and a dozen more ways to make it all happen. ‘Oh man... the possibilities...’

Sesshomaru looked at his mate and watched her eyes grow wide and sparkle with light. He could almost see the wheels in her head turning with visions of fluff and flowers. Her luscious lips curved with the hint of a smile while she stared dreamily at the wall behind his head. Oh yes, his little miko would have much fun in her days ahead. It made him feel very warm inside. A feeling that he had become accustomed to in the last sixteen years. Since giving his heart into Kagome’s care, he enjoyed moments like these often. She was a never-ending fount of entertainment and delight.

Her temper was fierce, and he took great effort not to bring her wrath upon his own head. It took much to spark her anger, but when it did flare things could get dangerous. The image of an Inuyasha-shaped crater out in the courtyard, crushed completely through the stone walkway, blinked from his recent memory. Yes, it was best not to infuriate Kagome.

Kagome’s heart was so kind and trusting. She gave love so freely, to anyone around her, that it brought out his protective instincts. It almost frightened him, the extent that he was willing to go to keep her from harm. He never wanted to see her hurt in any way, emotionally, or physically. Her temper would flare, but forgiveness was always close at hand. She never stayed angry with Inuyasha, or anyone for that matter. If they were willing to have it, she always offered forgiveness. It was a trait that he, himself, lacked thereof.

Shippo’s arms fell to his sides and he found himself dizzy on his feet. HE was the Southern Lord? HE was the sole surviving heir to the Southern Lands? So that made him like a king or something? Good God.

Kagome squeaked when Shippo began to sway. Immediately Sesshomaru was by her side with a strong, steady hand grasped to the boys arm. “Shippo, are you well?” He asked curiously.

Shippo shook his head, leaving an auburn rainbow of hair to dance behind him. “Gomen, gomen,” he muttered, then stood straight and tall once again. He nodded to Kagome, who looked really worried, and he felt Sesshomaru release him. “Arigato for catching me there. I mean, Damn. This news is just... just... overwhelming.” He pulled gently from Kagome’s grasp and stepped back a little. He wasn’t feeling very calm at the moment, and he didn’t want to accidentally hurt her.

He shook his head and glared at the floor. He started pacing a short walk, reminding Kagome of when he was a young kit, bouncing back and forth nervously. Just like then, Shippo was portraying his anxiety clearly. He was mumbling as he paced, and once in awhile he would stop and say something. He barked out sentences like “This can’t be happening”, and “I have nothing to wear”, and finally Sesshomaru could take no more.

“Get a hold of yourself boy!”

Shippo went rigid and still. He looked up to Lord Sesshomaru and realized that he had been pushing the Lord’s patience. He stood and took a deep breath, then released it slowly. It would be best to get it together before Sesshomaru looses his cool. That could be very bad. “Suminasen Sesshomaru-sama, I guess I lost it for a minute there. This is a really big responsibility. I’m not sure if I can handle it.”

Sesshomaru snuffed in irritation. “You can and you will. This title is not given in choice. I will warn you however, that it can be taken from you once given. Show your self-doubt to others and they will rape your land and take your throne. From this moment on you are the Taiyoukai of the Southern Lands. I suggest you act as such.”

Kagome listened to the harsh words of her mate and felt a little sorry for Shippo. She could see how the news had effected him. It was clear that he was panicking and she knew that Sesshomaru did the best thing by snapping at him like that. The title alone would bring people seeking to overthrow the new heir to the throne. Times like this were full of political upheaval. Shippo would have to stand strong and look controlled. He could not appear weak in any way and that still would not scare off everyone.

Kagome patted Shippo on the arm. “Look at it this way Shippo-chan, there’s two sides to every coin. Bad and good. It’s not going to be an easy road, but it will be full of adventure on the way.” Her words didn’t seem to do much good. He still looked glum. Kagome thought to try again. “There will be lots of pretty girls.” He looked at her then and gave a little smile, but she could still see the worry leaking through his big emerald eyes. If this one didn’t do it, then she would give up. “You can make people cook whatever you want to eat every single day.”

Shippo smiled broadly. “Ramen everyday.” Kagome laughed at him and he chuckled lightly. Kagome grabbed her stomach when she started laughing harder. She finally managed to say, “You’ll never get rid of Inuyasha!”

Sesshomaru then turned from the laughing duo and said, “I shudder at the thought.”

Kagome and Shippo broke into another bought of hysterical laughter.


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A loud, clearly male voice echoed over the light music and bustle of the packed banquet room. “Announcing the Lord and Lady of the Northern Lands, Buhito and Chika Teriyaki, as well as the young lords Bunka, Bungo and Bunmei!”

Kagome looked up from her conversation with Sango, Kat, and Rin, to smile and wave toward the newest arrivals. Her wrist flashed with a mass of shimmering diamonds and rubies, the latest gift from her affectionate mate. The sparkle was bright and quick to catch the eye of Lady Chika. She quickly shed herself of Buhito, who had just greeted Sesshomaru-sama.

Sesshomaru nodded his greetings to her mate, then Chika, before looking over the crowd and spotting his lovely mate waving and smiling. She was looking very beautiful tonight in an elaborate kimono of red and white. She fluttered her fan in her free hand like the picture perfect princess. He would have to remember to compliment her acting skills.

Lady Chika was obviously eager to join his mate and her friends, and Buhito promptly excused her to do such. Sesshomaru noticed that Inuyasha’s mate and the slayer was standing with Kagome, but he couldn’t spot Kebechet with them. He briefly looked around the room, searching for signs of his daughter and instead spotted Inuyasha and the monk making pigs of themselves at the table serving hors d’oeuvres. Not surprising.

A little further inspection and he spotted very familiar long white hair. Kebechet was standing by Anubis, who had recently arrived in his usual barrage of flash and glamour. It was positively tedious to watch the InuGod soak up the ‘ooh’s and ah’s’ of the crowd. Nothing unusual there either.

His gaze next turned to the one Kebechet and Anubis were talking to. Lord Shippo of the Southern Lands. He stood a few steps down from his throne and seemed thoroughly engrossed in the conversation between himself and Kebechet.

Sesshomaru looked away to glance around the room. Kagome had outdone herself with this affair. He was normally not one to notice such trivialities, but this particular event had consumed his mate’s attention every minute of every day for the last two months. She jumped into that well on dozens of trips to the future in order to purchase vast quantities of frilly decorations and strange exotic foods. The inauguration of the lord to his throne was transformed by his mate into the gala event of the year.

The great hall of the Southern Lands was filled to near spilling over with those eager to finally get a glimpse of the new lord. It did not escape his notice that Shippo had inherited his own mass of female admirers. No doubt they were all eager to gain the attention of the bachelor lord.

“Hey you.”

Sesshomaru turned and found his miko looking up at him with her big blue eyes. Her smile brightened her face almost as much as it brightened his life.

“Kagome,” he greeted. Before she could utter another word he pulled her flush to him, ignoring the shocked looks from those around him, taking possession of her sweet mouth. By the Gods he would never grow tired of that nectar of the heavens.

When he pulled back he enjoyed her release of breath and nuzzled his face against her neck. “You are my most prized possession Kagome.”

At first she was startled that he chose to kiss her so thoroughly in the middle of such a large crowd, but her embarrassment wavered with the continued melding of their lips. When he pulled away she felt a bulk of worry and stress pour from her body, leaving a peaceful happiness behind. He leaned in close and whispered the strength of his love, and Kagome could only smile and blush.

He demon lover. Her powerful taiyoukai. Sesshomaru ruled with an iron fist and loved with raw passion. The road for them had been long, and riddled with obstacles, but in the end it was all well worth it. Without the trials and pain there would be no comfort and joy.

When Sesshomaru released her, only to slither a long arm around her tiny waist, Kagome came back to her mind and looked around. All around her she saw faces of people they knew. People who shared a piece of their life in some way.

She spotted her children, Kebechet and Sakuma. It appeared that Sesshomaru’s kiss had given them both a bright red face. Those two found these public displays of affection high reason to blush. Off to the side Kagome saw the silver hair of Inuyasha standing next to his mate, the pastel beauty, Kat. To look at her it was hard to believe that she had just given birth a month ago. Kat’s figure was just as slender and perfect now as it was the first time she ever laid eyes on her.

She caught sight of Sango heading Miroku away from two young maidens standing near the hors d’oeuvres table. The monk had a habit of slipping into his old routine when faced with very large crowds. Sango took it in stride and only occasionally was she forced to knock some sense into her husband. Kagome giggled lightly and continued her survey.

Ayame was here with Kouga and their litter. Kouga was the proud father of six boys and Kagome was never more glad that she did not end up mating Kouga. Ginta and Hakaku were in attendance along with their mates. The two of them were just as sweet as ever and constantly on Kouga’s heels. Jiyuu and Rin were on the dance floor trailing through the other dancers with grace. The two of them were so wrapped up in each other’s eyes that she was sure they had blocked out the rest of the world.

Kagome glanced to the right and spotted Anubis. She thought a moment of lost love and how things might have been different. Hindsight is 20/20, they say in future, but in his case it was still 0/0. If she had a chance to do it all again, she would do it the same way. Anubis brought her Kebechet and Sesshomaru, and without him, she would not have them. For that she would always be grateful. Besides, he was looking pretty hot tonight.

Kagome noticed that Anubis was watching Kebechet, who was now giggling at Shippo while flitting her white fan. A fan that was of custom design, made to coordinate with her daughter’s love of the Egyptian styles. She had to admit that it complimented her divine beauty perfectly.

Lord Buhito drew her attention from her daughter when he said, “Congratulations Lady Kagome. You have now accomplished the task of making the inauguration event a rousing success.”

Kagome nodded with a smile. “Doomo Arigato, Buhito-sama. I thought it may kill me at times, but I finally managed to get it all together. I think things are going quite well.”

“The young Lord Shippo has a great struggle ahead of him,” Buhito said, drawing out a grunt of agreement from Sesshomaru.

Kagome couldn’t argue that, and she felt very sure it was inevitable that Shippo would find the first few years of his leadership tested by those wishing to take over his lands. It was something that scared her more than she wanted to admit. Shippo was like a son to her, and she couldn’t help but to worry for his happiness and safety.

There really wasn’t much that she could do to save Shippo from hard times, but she held confidence and hope in her heart for the future. Kagome smiled broadly to Lord Buhito and told him why she felt that way. “There’s always going to be tough times, Lord Buhito, but Shippo has a force more powerful than anything in this world to stand by his side. He has us. His friends, and we will always be there for him.”

Buhito nodded and Chika patted her arm with affection. Kagome smiled at them and then looked up to her lover.

Sesshomaru had not one hint of emotion on his handsome face at that moment, but she could see the fire in his golden eyes. Kagome knew that she could happily dissolve in those molten depths. They captivated her leaving her mesmerized by their unique beauty. How long ago was it now, since the two of them met as enemies? It seemed an eternity ago. An eternity since they came together in battle instead of passion. She inhaled deeply and watched him do the same. Even the smell of him sent her blood racing through her veins. The years had done nothing to douse the flame between them and she knew that nothing ever would.


Fin~


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A/N: Sniffle-Sniff-Sniff.... It’s over. I hope that you all enjoyed ‘As Death Gives Life’. It has been a wonderful part of my life for the past ten months, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I hope that you did as well. Thanks to all of you for your faithful following, for all the reviews and all the praise. Thanks for the nominations and support from each and every one of you and I mean that from the bottom of my heart.

**I have a request, and would appreciate your input on this. I considered doing a story about Shippo and Kebechet. Basically a continuation of this fic, but based on the two of them being pushed together through an arranged marriage by Sesshomaru. The old characters would be there, popping in and out, but it would basically be focused on their relationship and some of the struggles Shippo would face in his first years of being Lord of the Southern Lands. I was wondering what you thought about it. When you review, please let me know if you would be interested in such a tale. If so, I’ll begin to consider it more seriously. If not I’ll file it away with the other lost causes. Thanks.