Tran snarled, glaring at her former guardian. You didn't!

Actually, Luna gave her the ability to transform.

Serenity was never supposed to become Sailor Moon! Moving towards the battle, We'll discuss this later. I have a score to settle!

Tranquility was furious. How dare her mother allow Serenity become Sailor Moon? She had chosen her path as a warrior to spare others of the same fate. It was her sacrifice and a burden she chose to bare. The last of Naraku's dark influence left her body, but she was no less furious than if he had been in control of her mind.

It still hurt, but she could still sense the calming presence of Artemis and Sesshomaru, the two demons joining her against the half demon. They each had their reasons for wanting him dead, and she wasn't about to deny them.

Artemis...

You're still in a lot of trouble, he snapped, already knowing what she was going to ask.

Why is Kagome fighting?

Kagome was firing arrow after arrow, a blue light burning Naraku's body. "She's a Miko Priestess," Koga said.

I remember... she whispered. My past wasn't all painful, but I can see why it was so difficult to remember the good parts. So much death... I want it to stop!

Artemis was taken aback by her sudden determination, but laughed. This was the Tranquility he remembered, always prepared to fight for her friends. She was a warrior of Solaria, unlike Serenity who hated violence. Naraku is not my friend! She snarled.

Shifting back, she stood her full height, offering her hand to Serenity. A silver light flashed, separating from Serenity and shattering into thousands of little dust specks. It floated to Tranquility, giving back the power that had once been a part of her. "What happened?" Serenity asked. She felt different, stronger without the crystal.

"There was never originally a silver crystal. After I died, the part of me that wished to protect the nine planets was given to your mother. The silver crystal was powerful, but it drained the life energy from those that used it. Serenity, you power came from the heart, not as Sailor Moon."

"I know. It never seemed to emerge until I was backed into a corner."

Shouting alerted the five of them that a battle still waged. Naraku had been severely wounded, but he was still powerful. Miroku was on the ground, blood dripping from his mouth. Tranquility growled.

"Tran?" Artemis, with the last of his strength, produced a sword. "Your father wanted you to have it."

To hold the legendary sword of Solaria meant that her father had died, probably during the silver millennium. It felt warm in her hand and flared to life as she raised it. Nodding, she turned to face her enemy, but before she could charge, an arm grabbed her waist and yanked her back.

"After this is over; we're going to talk," Sesshomaru growled. Tranquility nodded, offering him a smile before he let her go. Together they attacked, fighting as one.

Artemis had fallen asleep, Serenity holding him close. Koga rested beside them, unable to finish the fight. He had given his jewel shards to Kagome to complete the Jewel of Four Souls.

"Impossible!" Naraku roared. "No matter! I had you once; I'll have you again!"

"Never!" Tranquility spat. "I don't belong to you and neither does the Jewel of Four Souls."

Spider Webs raced towards her, but she quickly dodged, slicing through them with her sword. "Back Lash Wave!" InuYasha shouted.

"Dragon Strike!" Tenseiga and Tetsusaiga combined attacks, striking Naraku full force. He screamed, but another power strengthened the attack, a fire engulfing the large spider.

"No!" All that remained were ashes and Kagome reached down and picked up the jewel.

"I can't believe it's finally over."

The Jewel began to pulse, rising into the air. With a flash, all of them were staring at the first protector of the Jewel, her eyes settling on Kagome. "I will finally be able to rest, never again to be used for such hatred. Only with the joining of the demon and human race, could I finally be free to move on. As long as people struggled to use me for evil, I would constantly re-surface throughout time."

"Who are you?"

"I am Midriko, Kagome, and you are my re-incarnation." She smiled at her startled expression. "No, you were never Kikyo in another life. She was tainted with evil, easily tempted by Naraku."

"What will happen now?"

"The wish was already made, by the only one in your group who one, never had a desire for the Jewel, and two who finally realized the truth. He's not even aware that he made it, but know that it is necessary to make things the way they were meant to be. Time must not be changed, but true happiness will be obtained by everyone here. For now, all that I ask, is that the Demons be patient and wait for what they truly desire awhile longer.

"Humans and Demons must co-exist if you are to survive the turning of the new millennium. Miroku and Sango will be the bridge between the two worlds, their courage and sacrifices not unnoticed. In time you will understand the true gift I have granted.

"InuYasha, you will finally be granted the respect in the demon world, and do not fear the youkai rage that was at odds with your human nature. I have another, but that will have to wait. Your soul mate will be allowed to die with you."

Finally her gaze fell on Tranquility, her eyes compassionate. "You have suffered what no demon or human should have been forced to endure. Sesshomaru has a gift, one that he will reveal to you upon the return to your era."

"But..." She protested.

"Sesshomaru knows what must be done. It was he who made the wish. His desire was for everything to be set the way they were meant to be, for the hate to stop and for you to be truly happy. You're wish is for everyone to be safe and loved, to never know the loneliness that you felt in two lifetimes."

The Jewel shattered, lifting Kagome, Rei, Serenity, Artemis and Tranquility into the air. In a flash, they were gone, leaving the group that remained staring at the empty spot sadly. InuYasha didn't know how to respond. He thought he would have a chance to at least say good-bye first.

"Sorrow is unnecessary," Sesshomaru told them, already heading home. Rin was standing at the edge of the clearing, confused to why a Large Phoenix had brought her here. Without a word, Sesshomaru picked her up, further confusing the child. "Five Hundred years is but a short time for humans."

"But..." Miroku said.

Sesshomaru silenced him with a glance. "You still do not understand the true meaning of the wish she granted. Sango and yourself are now immortal, to live the same life span of a demon while remaining human. You will see them again Monk. And know that if you had touched her, I would have killed you in that cave."

Miroku paled, moving behind Sango. Koga and InuYasha laughed. The wolf demon glanced at the Hanyou, smelling something different. "What?" InuYasha snarled. "It's not like you haven't seen me before!"

"You're different."

"He is no longer a half-demon, but fully into our world." These were Sesshomaru's last words before he vanished, taking Rin home. He needed time to think, to prepare for the future Midriko spoke of. Tranquility would always be his, and nothing anyone said would change that fact. It just took him a while to understand that he could never make her happy in a world where hate still existed.

Sesshomaru didn't have to turn to know that InuYasha followed, and for once he didn't have an objection. "May I return with you?"

"Do as you will," The Western Lord said. "Isn't there something you need to get first? The human was rather fond of that fox demon."

"We will see them again?" There was fear in InuYasha's voice, a seldom emotion he revealed to his older brother.

"Kagome will be in the future, but not the same. You will understand when the time comes."

Sango gently wrapped Miroku's arm, still needing to clean his face. He didn't seem to mind, a sad smile on his face. "You miss her."

"Hai, but we'll meet again. Perhaps it's best that I don't see her for awhile. It'll give me the time to cope with what the humans did to her."

"Miroku?" Gently, Miroku lifted her chin, seeing the doubt in her eyes. "You said we could talk after..."

"It depends if you're ready for the conversation," he teased, his other hand stroking her face. Miroku spotted blood on her shoulder, immediately moving behind to see the nasty cut Naraku had given her. "We should take care of this. Remember the last time."

Sango blushed, almost moving away. Miroku waited; the demon slayer would make her choice. Half way on her feet, Sango decided to trust the monk and relaxed. He smirked, already ripping at her favorite uniform. "Miroku!"

"Did you want to take it off?" Sango could only open and close her mouth, unable to respond. She had taken them to an isolated valley, stopping at a small lake. "Not that I wouldn't have done it eventually anyway."

"You..." Miroku was lightning fast, his arms wrapped around her middle. To keep her from using her legs, he circled them with his thighs, watching the red seep down past her collar.

"Is this not what you wanted?" he teased. "With no curse, there should be no reason for me to pursue you as a wife. Is that not what you were thinking, Sango?"

She felt his fingers tug at her silky shirt, pulling it free of her pants. Sango strained to break loose, but Miroku was tired of allowing the demon slayer to deny her feelings and him. She tried to turn her head and look at him, but the Monk pulled her closer and started a trail of kisses down the side of her neck.

Sango tried to find a reason to yell at him, but nothing she said would have convinced Miroku that she didn't want this. He knew otherwise, and Sango would be lying to herself again. Shouldn't she wait for marriage; wasn't that the proper way?

His nimble fingers managed to work their way beneath her shirt, stroking her sensitive skin. Sango felt the heat in her face, spreading to her stomach and lower. She didn't understand what was happening and started to struggle. "Stop," he gently told her. "Am I hurting you?" He taunted, knowing her slayer pride.

He allowed her arms to break free, amused at her hand flying to his fingers. His hands continued to move upwards, diving beneath the restrictive cloth that denied what he wanted. With an impatient growl, he tore it free, oblivious to her weak protest.

"Those clothes were expensive," she tried to argue.

"Sango, you're starting to sound like Tran! Stop it, or I'll give you the same lesson I gave her!"

She glared at him, her temper quickly getting the better of her. Miroku soon had her beneath him, her arms trapped by his iron grip. Sango could only stare at him in open mouth shock. "You're so use to the softer side of my nature, Sango. I think you would prefer if I dropped the act and reveal my true strength and self."

Miroku lifted her arms higher, joining them together to hold in one hand. She tugged at them, surprised that she couldn't pull free. "Sango, were you about to hit me again?"

She didn't know how to respond, turning her head away, Miroku having other ideas. He forced her to meet his gaze, his eyes dark and trembling with emotion. Sango gasped. "Miroku..."

"You have a nasty temper, Sango," he whispered. "When will I get through that I love you more than life itself, that I want you to return it."

Sango knew the look that appeared on his face, struggling to get away. Miroku tightened his grip, settling on her stomach as he held her down. He barely had to touch her side, but it was all it took to have her jerking and laughing. "Damn it Miroku! Stop!"

"I think we need to work on this temper of yours." Miroku increased the pressure, totally breaking through her defenses.

"You win!" The monk paused, ready to attack again if she tried anything. Miroku released her arms, resting his hands on the ground. She stared up at him shyly, no longer denying how she felt. "Did you mean it?"

"Do you think it was because of the wind tunnel that I wanted you?"

"How could I have thought differently?"

"I haven't changed, Sango. I've only directed it towards one instead of several."

He liked seeing the red on her cheeks. His hands moved to her stomach, continuing with what he had started sooner. "Should I show you how perverted I can get?"

"Miroku!"

Stopping at the point where he had torn the piece of cloth, he gave her a glance, a promise in his dark gaze. She squirmed, crying out when his calloused fingers stroked the swell of her breasts. Miroku wanted more, tearing at the remainder of her clothes.

Thankfully she had more in her bag. Miroku leaned forward, capturing a nipple between his teeth and tongue. He watched her every move, encouraged by the thrusting of her hips and her soft cries of pleasure. Sango was no longer fighting him.

Miroku had been with several women, but this would be the first time he had actually made love to one. Switching to the other, he worked his hands to her pants, slowly pealing them away. He didn't want her to be aware of what he was doing. Sango was truly free when she didn't think about her next actions, and that was the way Miroku wanted her.

He kissed down her stomach, nipping at her small belly button before he continued. Sango was slowly coming back to reality, but before she could think about what he was doing, he dove between her legs and stroked her with his tongue. Her reaction was instant, ringing a ear shattering scream from Sango. Miroku inserted a finger, stretching her, intrigued by the clenching of her muscles.

He added a second, quickly followed by a third. Miroku could feel the barrier to her innocence. "Say it Sango," he encouraged. "Tell me what you want?"

Sango didn't have the capacity to form a coherent thought, sent over the edge again and again by Miroku. Another wave slammed into her. "Miroku, please." She wanted something, but didn't know what it was.

Miroku had all the time to teach her the things that would drive her crazy. Right now this was for her. He started a path back up her body, claiming her mouth. "Tell me what you want, Sango. This choice will be yours to make."

Her arms slowly wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer so she could kiss his mouth. "I know that I was miserable while you were gone the past six months."

She lifted her hips, watching the pure desire blaze brighter in his eyes. Miroku was straining to be gentle with her, but they both knew that's not what she wanted. Sango was a demon slayer, and needed, no wanted his dominant side just as desperately. Sango was shocked that she liked this side of him, wanting him to claim her the way a man would claim a woman.

"I want... Miroku I don't want you to leave. I love you."

Three simple words, that was all he needed as he drove into her with a single thrust. Sango tensed, and he gave her enough time to adjust and relax before he took her the way she needed. Her legs wrapped around his waist, allowing him to go deeper and harder.

Miroku was in heaven, not believing how one act could feel so perfect. He never wanted to stop, would never get enough her. She had buried her face against his shoulder, crying out with each thrust. He wrapped an arm under her hips, lifting her slightly off the ground. Sango exploded in a world of pleasure, but Miroku didn't stop. He kept the pressure building until everything came together in a final climax that left her unconscious. He smirked, brushing a silky strand of black hair from her face.

"I had no intentions of letting you leave, Sango," he whispered. Slowly, he eased from her warmth, curling close and stroking her flushed skin. She was beautiful, despite the scars left by her brother. "I swear to you, after we find Kohaku, we'll live at my monastery and help him recover from Naraku's control. I'll never make you regret loving me."

To tell the truth, Miroku wanted her again, but chose to wait until she recovered enough to wake. He had so much to teach her, smiling in excitement. Miroku couldn't wait. He laid awake, keeping his promise as he took Sango in another wave of passion. For two days he made love to the beautiful demon slayer, finally allowing her to get up and search for Kohaku. Riding behind her, both were truly happy as they traveled through the sky.

Rin rested her head against Sesshomaru's shoulder, wanting to ask him a million questions but was afraid he would make her walk. Sesshomaru had traveled through the night, carrying her silently. "What is it Rin?"

She hid her face against his soft shirt, still unable to tell him her thoughts. Sesshomaru stopped, gazing down at the shy girl. "Rin, this Sesshomaru wonders why you tremble?"

"You're not sending me away, are you?"

"Why would you think such thoughts?"

"People are always really nice when they're about to leave me behind," she whispered.

Sesshomaru gently set her down, kneeling to her level. Her eyes widened, unsure of how to respond to his usual behavior. "Who were your parents, Rin?"

He saw her immediate withdraw, the girl he had found so long ago. "Rin," he gently called, his voice calming. The coldness everyone was familiar with had vanished. He seemed more regal to Rin, happy almost. Sesshomaru didn't smile, but he didn't have to. Rin knew something had changed him.

"I don't remember much," she finally answered. "From time to time a traveler would care for me, but they always left in the end. After I was three, I was alone, learning to find food and water on my own."

"Is that why you never spoke?"

She nodded, moving beside Sesshomaru as they sat. He didn't push her away, instead holding her close as she told him of her life. "I never learned how. One day I was wandering a field of corn, finding you badly hurt. I didn't know what to think at first. You looked so sad."

"I could have killed you," he growled.

Rin smiled, her eyes growing heavy with sleep. "I felt safe with you. After I bandaged your arm, I started to wander off, but you came for me."

"We will talk again," Sesshomaru said, letting her rest. Gently he moved aside her long bangs, surprised he had never paid much attention in the past. Sitting right in front of him, the one thing that would have immediately told him who she was, was a black crescent moon.

He smirked, apparently Rin would take after her father, becoming a dog demon when the time came. In the mean time, he would raise her as an heir of the Western Realms should be raised, her clothes unsuitable. Shifting, he gently rested the sleeping child onto his back and began to run, enjoying the feel of the wind against his fur.

What was another five hundred years when he would finally have everything he wanted? Humans had taken everything away, but it was these humans that had given it back. Sesshomaru knew then that he owed a great deal to the human monk, Miroku having been the final key into breaking Naraku's dark control.