Disclaimer: I do not own anything or anyone recognizable, including the actors/actresses who portray the characters used throughout the storyline. I do, however, own this plot and my own imagination. Thank you!

"The Pathway of Fate"

Chapter 1: Prologue

Main Pairing: Kagome Higurashi/Daryl Dixon

Author's Note: Rated M for Mature for a reason. Don't like, don't read. No flames!

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Fate was a funny thing.

Fickle, too, if one were being completely honest.

Kagome Higurashi would know everything about Fate and her mysterious, and sometimes, cruel ways. She had to deal with it since she was fifteen-years-old and fell down the Bone Eater's Well, thus beginning her journey five-hundred years into the Warring States Era.

In the scheme of things, she supposed she'd lived a good life. Not many teenagers back then could say they traveled all over Japan, when it was still wild and free, still untouched and clean. Still filled with bloodthirsty beings, or ones hungry for power and prestige. Ones who were never going to be satisfied with what they did manage to gain.

Back then, no one her age would have been chased by demons on a daily basis nor almost killed by all manner of creatures, whether they walked on two legs or a multitude of them.

But none of her friends could experience the things she did, the people she'd met, the places she'd seen.

Shippo had been the son she hadn't known she'd always wanted. The fox kit had been full of energy and endless tricks and pranks. His favorite target had been their inu hanyou friend even though he would always receive a fist to his head afterwards. Kagome had also loved his drawings and overall artistic ability. She'd kept every single picture he'd ever made her, framing them, and considering them her precious treasures.

Kaede had been like a grandmother to Kagome. Old and wise, the village priestess had been warm and kind, though she also had a spine of steel. She was always on the frontlines when a demon attacked the village, and in many ways, she was also the group's advisor. Whenever they couldn't reach a decision, Kaede would listen and give counsel. Kagome had also never come across another who was as knowledgeable about medicinal herbs, except maybe Jinenji.

Miroku had been the most contradictory human being she'd ever met. Living the life of a monk, yet a pervert whenever it came to pretty women, Kagome hadn't known what to do with him at first. She'd found him charming and smooth, but she had never once taken him seriously, except for the time when he asked her to bear him a son. Back then, Naraku had been a constant dark cloud in the back of his mind. After hearing his story, Kagome hadn't been surprised that he was determined to birth an heir with just about any beautiful woman that caught his attention. Miroku was also a thief and a liar, but his heart was made of gold. And he was also one of the most spiritually powerful beings she had ever come across. It was no surprise he'd become her mentor when she'd needed help with controlling and harnessing her miko abilities.

Sango had been the older sister Kagome had always wanted. Strong, beautiful, and independent, the demon slayer was a force to be reckoned with. She always faced a challenge head-on and never backed down from a fight. But aside from being tough, she had her moments of vulnerability. She would do anything for her younger brother – and had. Kagome had also seen Sango be unexpectedly girly and shy about certain things, like her romantic feelings for Miroku. Kirara, the faithful and loyal two-tailed fire cat, was always by her mistress's side, too. Individually, the two were strong and dangerous, but together they were the ultimate demon slaying duo.

Lastly, Inuyasha. He had been the first person Kagome had met after falling down her family's well. When she'd seen him pinned to the Tree of Ages, sleeping, she had never thought she'd see a more astonishing sight. He'd been wildly beautiful, in that moment, in that peaceful setting.

And that had been the initial meeting that changed everything…

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Age: 18

In the Chemistry lab at Tokyo University, Kagome peered through the microscope at the specimen she was examining. Twisting the knob back and forth, she brought the current image into sharp focus until she found what she was looking for. Softly humming, she used her free hand to make notes without looking away.

After her adventures in the Feudal Era, the Bone Eater's Well had sealed, and Kagome had been thrust back into the modern world. It had happened right after the final battle with Naraku, and she'd only had time to say a quick goodbye to her second family before disappearing, never to see them again.

Bleeding from various wounds, heart in pieces, the time-traveling miko had been distraught for a long time. However, spending time with family and drowning herself in homework and her studies, Kagome had found a new path to travel.

Science had been an unexpected – but appreciative – salvation. Being able to travel through time back and forth, fighting demons, and being exposed to magic had instilled an appreciation to the otherworldly, but Kagome had found something equally wonderful in logic, in hard facts, in figuring out the science behind everything and anything.

Science had also given her things the hunt for the Shikon no Tama had not. Shard hunting had been a gamble. She never knew when things would work out, especially when Naraku or his incarnations were involved. When the adventure ended, she also never knew where she would end up. But science… science only gave out facts, whether one wanted to see it or not. When something worked, it worked, and vice versa.

Finally moving back from the microscope, Kagome looked at the computer monitor set up beside her. On the screen, she saw the strand of swirling DNA and all of the components, the atoms, and list of elements that made it.

"You know, with a brain like yours, you might be the key to figuring out a cure for cancer."

Kagome smiled even as she rolled her eyes. Glancing over her shoulder, she replied, "I doubt I could do that, but thanks for the vote of confidence, Doctor."

Doctor Jin Kurosaki was a professor at the University, and had taken Kagome under his wing when she had shown an avid interest and natural aptitude for science during a high school field trip of the campus. He was in his thirties, but looked no older than twenty-seven, with dark hair and equally dark eyes. His facial features were handsome, smile engaging, and he had a swimmer's leanly muscled body.

He was also considered one of the top scientists in his field. He'd written and published several papers, but had never wanted any real attention or the spotlight. Doctor Kurosaki wanted to teach, to pass on his knowledge to students who were interested or just curious. He'd found the perfect student when he'd met Kagome Higurashi. And the perfect lover.

"Well, whatever you decide, I know it'll be great." Jin leaned down, closer, as he talked, until his lips brushed the shell of Kagome's ear. A small smirk stretched his lips as she gave a delicate shiver. "I know something else you're great at."

"Oh? And what's that, Doctor?" She grinned. Suddenly, she found herself seated on the desk, notes scattered, and arms wrapped around his neck. Her knees easily parted, skirt hiking up, and his warmth settled against her front.

Jin brushed her bangs out of her eyes. "You know you don't have to call me that when we're alone," he murmured, lips feathering across hers in affection. They had been lovers for almost a year, since Kagome had graduated high school and turned eighteen. Thanks to early admission, however, they had known each other for a little over two years.

"Professor, then?" she laughed, fingers tangling in the short hairs at the back of his neck. Her eyes sparkled with amusement.

"I'll give you something to laugh about…"

She was abruptly flat on her back, arms pinned above her head with one of Jin's hands, while the other worked on tugging her panties down to her knees. The sound of his belt being undone, zipper pulled down, filled the otherwise silent lab. Then, he was thrusting into her warm, wet heat.

Kagome arched her back, gasping in pleasure, and her ankles instantly locked together, bringing him closer and holding him there.

"Jin… Oh, Kami-sama…"

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Age: 21

Kagome sighed, massaging her eyes as she leaned back in her chair. She'd been examining and studying this particular sting of code for almost two months and still couldn't make heads or tails of it.

Currently, she was in her last year of college, but had landed a job at one of Tokyo's most prestigious science labs in the country. It was a level below the Center of Disease Control, but she enjoyed the work. Once she got her degree, she'd be able to do more higher-level lab assessments, and get started towards her PhD.

Staring at the ceiling, the raven haired beauty let her thoughts blank for a moment. Sometimes, the answer came easier when she let her brain rest and reassess the situation. She was sure she could figure out what she needed to.

But the string of code was… baffling. It had been passed around the lab, department-to-department, and no one could fathom what it was supposed to be. Previous reports weren't exactly helpful either – No one could identify every single component that made it or no one was willing to confirm what others had found. All they could do was guess and speculate.

Kagome was part of a small team made up of other students at the top of their graduating class from across Japan. Out of the team, she was the fourth to examine it, one-on-one. And she wasn't getting any further than her predecessors.

"So, did you figure out anything new?" a playful voice inquired. Kagome's vision was then invaded by unruly, dyed-red hair and golden-brown eyes. "Hello, beautiful," the voice continued, flashing a bright grin.

Kagome's eyes narrowed in mock-irritation. "Oh, it's you," she said, aggravation in her own tone. "I thought you left for the day, Rio."

Rio Toshiro was a member of the same team as Kagome. With his shoulder-length, dyed-red hair, tanned skin, playful golden-brown eyes, and laid back attitude, not many would suspect how brilliant he actually was. Aside from his love of science and medicine, he enjoyed surfing and the beach, which explained his constant tan complexion.

Lately, the raven haired beauty had been noticing how Rio had been slowly coaxing her into his bed. She was experienced enough to know the signs and aware enough to know that he'd make an excellent lover. However, she was also at that age in life where a quick romp between the sheets could sidetrack her from her goals.

And there was the issue of one Doctor Jin Kurosaki… Kagome had no idea where their relationship stood – or if they even had one to begin with. They were never official, not even after all the time they'd spent together.

Rio's voice caught her attention as he spoke. "I couldn't possibly leave, not when I knew you were still here." His eyes trailed up and down her body, not at all shy about it. "I thought we could get something to eat. Unless… you wanna do something else?" His proceeding smirk was sexy and charming, a lethal combination for any young woman within viewing distance.

Kagome shook her head, amused. In many ways, Rio reminded her of Miroku. It made her wish she could see her second family again or at least know what happened to them.

"I wanted to log in some more hours on this before finally calling it a night. Thanks, though."

His expression suddenly turned serious, eyes focused and sharp. "Were you able to figure out anything new?" He glanced at the computer monitor set up, all playfulness wiped. "I was wondering about this one string of code that was bugging me. It just didn't seem… right."

"I looked at your notes and everyone else's," she said, back to business as well. "I examined it, too, and yeah… There's definitely something there. But what?"

Golden-brown eyes narrowed in concentration. "I guess that's the million dollar question." Looking over Kagome's notes, he hummed thoughtfully. "Well, it's definitely some sort of virus – we've known that from the start. But no one is sure what kind, how it spreads, what caused it – nothing."

"Does anyone know where it even came from?"

"No," Rio answered, mouth a thin line. "And that's what's really concerning."

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Age: 22

He pounded into her from behind, his hands tightly gripping her hips, and all Kagome could do was grip the silk bedding as she held on for the ride. Her eyes were squeezed shut, focusing on the pleasure, on the sensations her lover was introducing to her. It had never felt quite like this, but she figured the alcohol running through her system had something to do with that.

After the mysterious specimen had left for a lab in America, still with more questions than answers, Kagome had been busy with other reports, experiments, and finishing school to go onto her PhD. One good thing that came with being involved with the team, however, was being able to attend conferences that were based around said specimen or anything related to it. Conferences were good for networking and to meet other scientists within their same field, especially when one wanted to travel to the different labs around the world.

It was at one of these conferences where Kagome met her current bed partner. They were seated at the same table for the duration of the conference, and she couldn't honestly remember what they talked about the whole day. All she could remember was liking his smile and flirty manner. It was more subtle than Rio, yet full of wicked delight that made her feel like sinning. Badly.

Kagome bit her lip to keep from moaning out loud. She didn't want this to end too soon. Using all of her strength, she started dragging herself forward, closer to the headboard. She nearly whimpered when his cock slipped out of her, his hands trailing from her hips to her buttocks, to caress her thighs.

He chuckled a little darkly, and the sound did something sinful to the spot between her legs. Kagome peeked over a shoulder, wanting to see what he'd do to her now. Her pale skin was shiny with sweat, the air smelled of sex, and she wanted more. It wasn't fun when her lover wouldn't play with her, too.

"And where do you think you're going, my dear?" he asked, his voice a rough rasp that sent shivers down her spine. "We're not nearly close to done yet."

When his hands closed around her legs, he flipped her onto her back, dragging her to him. Kagome released a delighted laugh until he thrust back into her warm, wet heat. Soon, only the sounds of moans of pleasure and the bed squeaking could be heard in the hotel room.

Who needs that baka, Jin, anyway, was Kagome's last coherent thought.

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Age: 23

Accepting the job at the CDC based in Atlanta had been the career move Kagome had been waiting for. She had worked hard, and had studied even harder, wanting to beat out all of the other candidates. It hadn't been easy, but she'd done it – and it was finally paying off.

"Are you sure about this, Kagome?" Nodoka Higurashi asked, standing in the doorway to her daughter's bedroom. Watching Kagome fall apart after the well closed had been the most heartbreaking thing Nodoka had experienced, but she'd known her daughter would push through and bounce back. During the years that followed, she'd seen her grow into an impressive young woman with a blooming career. And now her baby girl was going to America to work at the Center of Disease Control. She was going to make a difference in the world, Nodoka just knew it – had always known it.

Kagome smiled, closing the storage box she was planning to take with her. "Yes, Mama," she answered. "I'm sure. This is what I've been working towards. Besides, America will be an interesting challenge, especially after everything I did here."

Nodoka nodded, dark eyes shining with understanding. "Okay, dear. You know I'll always support whatever decision you make. Right?"

"Of course I know that. I'll miss you, grandpa, and Souta."

Tears gathered in the older woman's eyes, but she forced a trembling smile onto her face. "We'll miss you too, Kagome. Be sure to email every chance you get – and I'll be waiting for your weekly phone call. Don't you dare forget." At the end, she shook a playful finger for emphasis.

Kagome laughed. "I won't, I promise." Looking around the bedroom, a nostalgic feeling overcame her. "I'm gonna miss this place. It's seen so much…" Her eyes traveled along the walls. They were filled with framed pictures, mostly of crayon drawings Shippo had made for her and pictures she'd managed to take with her camera of her Feudal Era family.

Nodoka followed her gaze. She smiled tenderly. "Aren't you going to take them with you?" she gently asked.

After a moment of silence, the younger woman shook her head. The smile that appeared was soft, loving, yet resigned.

"No. They'll stay here. This is where home is." She gave her mother a bright smile. "They wouldn't want me to miss them forever. I'm going on a new journey, one that I have to do on my own. I think they'll understand that I have to do this alone."

Kagome's eyes trailed back to the framed photos and pictures. Her smile stretched even wider. "Yes," she murmured, mostly to herself. "This is definitely where home is."

And she was ready to start the next chapter of her life.

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Age: 24

When she first walked into the rowdy, biker-filled bar, his attention had been immediately snagged. He wouldn't call it 'love at first sight,' but it was definitely lust. His plans to grab a couple of beers, talk shop with some of the other guys, then head home to listen to his older brother – once again – bang some random chick, took a nosedive down the drain. Because his plans now included her. He was definitely taking her back to his place. Or hers. Whichever was closest and the most convenient.

She was Asian, he was sure, with pale, creamy skin he wanted to touch and mark with love bites. Her facial features were borderline angelic, with pink, plump lips, a cute nose, and a stubborn jaw line. Her eyes were a mesmerizing amethyst, a color he'd never seen before, but knew had to be real. Contacts had a certain gleam that he just didn't see when he looked at her. Raven hair fell in silky waves down a slim back, ending at her waist, showcasing a petite frame. Her legs were mile-long, toned, as were her arms. Vaguely, he wondered how she kept in such good shape, but then his eyes traveled back up her form and were caught by the perky C-cup breasts he hoped were real.

Currently, his object of obsession – and he was positive he wasn't the only one – was wearing a sinful black dress that ended several inches above her knees. It was strapless with a sweetheart neckline, and hugged her curves like a jealous lover. On her feet, she wore strappy heels that matched the clutch she carried. Lastly, for jewelry, she only wore a necklace that had a pink sphere charm that dangled between her collarbones.

Yeah, he was definitely taking her home with him. No matter what.

From his spot at the bar, he watched as she and her small group of friends – all female, thankfully – talked briefly before finding a table to sit down. They didn't look like the types who actually frequented biker bars, but he wasn't about to overlook his good fortune that she happened to step into this particular one, at this particular time.

He continued to observe her, watching as she ordered from the waitress, before turning her attention back to her friends. From what he could tell, they were also coworkers based on body language and what sounded like 'office' gossip. Years of hunting and tracking gave him decently sharp hearing, and he liked the sound of her voice from what little he could hear. It was soothing and warm. It washed over him in a way he wasn't familiar with, but it was a sensation he wouldn't mind being repeated.

"Can I get you anything else, handsome?" the same waitress asked, her tone clearly suggesting something illicit. Her eyes raked over his body, and he had to fight down the urge to roll his eyes. This particular waitress, Tammy – because God forbid, she didn't try to flash him her overly large breasts, showing her name tag, dozens of times before – had been trying to get him into bed with her – or onto any other flat surface, for that matter, for a while now.

There was only one problem: He wasn't interested, had never been interested, and wasn't planning on being interested, ever. Tammy was pretty, of course, but he wasn't into loose women. He respected his body enough to know he never wanted to even chance getting an STD from a one-night mistake. He could thank his older brother for that life lesson.

But that brought him back to his obsession with the beautiful Asian woman. His eyes tracked back to her and her friends.

Tilting his head in their direction, he casually asked, "What's up with them?"

Tammy's mouth thinned in obvious displeasure, eyes flashing. "Oh, you wouldn't be interested in them, honey," she off-handedly commented, waving a dismissive hand. "They're nothing but a bunch of science geeks or whatever. Total bores, not to mention too uptight and high maintenance. I don't even know why they came in here."

"Definitely don't see that every day," he agreed. His eyes suddenly narrowed when one biker approached them, hackles rising as he sensed trouble brewing.

However, there was nothing for him to worry about. The raven haired beauty handled the situation with class and in such a way the biker didn't even appear angry at being soundly rejected. Surprised, his eyebrow rose as he watched the other man walk away. The young women at the table, meanwhile, went back to talking like nothing happened.

There was definitely more than meets the eye when it came to that woman.

For the next couple of hours, he continued to sit at the bar, silently watching the table with the fascinating Asian woman. In that amount of time, a countless number of bikers approached, only to be sent away with a smile and a few spoken words too soft for him to hear. He was also rather impressed with the sheer amount of alcohol that the women were able to consume before the first one showed signs of being tipsy.

Finally, he saw his opportunity arise when she stood and steadily made her way to the bar. He didn't straighten his hair or fix his clothes, but he did sit up and acted like he hadn't been staring like a creep the entire time she was present.

"Hey, can we get another round of beers?" she requested, voice pleasant and almost musical. Her cheeks also had the faintest flush, no doubt from all of the alcohol she'd been steadily drinking. It just made her more attractive, in his eyes.

Behind the bar counter, Tammy huffed but went to fetch a new case from the back. With a waspish, "Wait here," she left.

Blinking in confusion, the raven haired beauty muttered, "Was it something I said?"

"Naw, she's just pissed at me," he answered, seeing his opening. Sure, it was far from the best one, but he'd take it. When her amazing amethyst gaze landed on him curiously, he casually shrugged. "I wouldn't take it personally."

She hummed in understanding. Sympathetically, she guessed, "Ex-girlfriend?"

Bluntly, he corrected, "More like, I wouldn't fuck her."

For a second, he thought he'd been too crass, but his response elicited a laugh from her. His shoulders relaxed at the sound. In the back of his mind, he wondered why she affected him so much. No other woman had done this to him before, had never caught his attention so completely. It made him wonder and question what made her so different.

When her amusement died down, her eyes still sparkling, she then asked, "Not your type?"

"Not even close."

The way her eyes trailed down his body, the way she softly bit her bottom lip in unconscious invitation, had a slow burn building within him. He definitely liked the way she looked at him.

"So… what is your type, then?"

He smirked. "How 'bout you let me buy you a drink and I'll tell you?"

She looked over her shoulder, checking on her friends, before turning her attention back onto him. There was lust in her gaze and curiosity.

"Okay," she finally agreed. Taking the available seat next to him, she held out a hand to shake. "My name's Kagome, by the way. Kagome Higurashi."

He took the offered appendage and squeezed it meaningfully, his crystal blue eyes never wavering. "Daryl Dixon."

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Kagome moaned as she was slammed into the wall, her lips attached to Daryl's. Her fingers danced over his chest and down his abdomen, wishing she was touching bare skin. When she reached the hem of his shirt, she pulled it up and over his head, their mouths separating long enough to complete the action before once again attaching together.

Daryl's hands weren't idle either. One was smoothing up her back, trying to locate the zipper for her dress, while the other roughly gripped her thigh, lifting her leg to wrap around his waist. Pressing closer to her, he ground his hips against hers, making his intentions perfectly clear.

Kagome tore her mouth away, panting, eyes glazed with lust, and cheeks flushed with arousal. When Daryl leaned forward to kiss her again, she softly chuckled. She liked how eager he was; heck, she felt the same way. She was burning up from the inside, out.

"Hold on a second," she murmured lustily.

"You're askin' for a 'lil too much," he muttered back, voice husky and gravelly. But he did as she asked, even as a part of him died at having to pull away from her. God, it was never like this before, had never been this hot, this urgent. There was just something about Kagome that drew him in, like a moth to a flame. He couldn't explain it and didn't want to.

She grinned cheekily. "Trust me, it'll be worth it." When he released her leg, she was able to maneuver enough to snag the dress's zipper and pull it down. A quick shimmy and she was naked, except for a matching strapless bra and panty set, her heels, and the necklace with the pink sphere bauble. "See? I told you."

His eyes were too busy drinking in the sight she created to respond. He did grumble something that vaguely sounded like, "Fuckin' gorgeous," before practically pouncing onto her again. His lips captured hers in a harsh kiss as his hands greedily explored the newly exposed skin and more intimate places.

It wasn't long before her bra was unclasped and thrown somewhere to join his discarded shirt. Her panties were ripped until it was a scrap of lace and dropped to the floor. Daryl trailed his lips down from hers, to her neck, to her collarbones, and then down further to give needed attention to her aching breasts. Kagome bit her bottom lip when he sucked a nipple into his mouth.

"Enough," she softly pleaded, "I need you. Right now, Daryl."

He didn't need to be told twice. He instantly straightened. "Where's your bedroom?" he gruffly asked.

Her hands tore at his belt. "Next time. I want you right here, right now, damn it."

"Fuck," he mumbled under his breath, becoming just as impatient as she. Nudging her frantic hands away, he undid the button and zipper of his jeans. Before his pants could fall all the way down, he yanked his wallet out to retrieve the condom he'd stashed there a while ago just in case. At the moment, he was glad for his foresight.

Tossing the wallet carelessly over his shoulder, he tore the wrapper open quickly then rolled the condom on.

"You ready?"

Kagome nodded eagerly, licking her lips in anticipation. She had been ready since she'd laid eyes on him at the biker bar. "Hurry."

He gripped both of her legs, easily lifting her petite frame, so that her legs could wrap securely around his waist. Her heels lightly dug into his skin, but the slight pain of discomfort added a pleasant edge to their otherwise rushed coupling. With her arms wrapped around his neck, she brought him into another scorching kiss as her fingers tangled in his short hair.

Daryl groaned as he swiftly found the entrance he desperately wanted to enter. With a nip of his teeth to her bottom lip, he thrust forward roughly, seating himself deeply within the warm, wet haven.

As he set a hard, fast pace, Kagome tipped her head back, moaning loudly, as she let the pleasure consume her. Her arms and legs tightened around his leanly muscled form, making sure he didn't try to stop or pull away.

TPoF*TPoF*TPoF

She softly laughed as Daryl lightly tossed her onto the bed, bouncing a couple of times before settling in the middle. Her sparkling amethyst gaze was fixed on her lover, amusement and lust warring for supremacy.

"Don't tell me you're finished already," she teased.

Daryl smirked, naked as the day he was born and not the least self-conscious. He also sported a new condom, having raided her bedside table after discarding the used one in the trash.

"Haven't even started. Spread your legs."

She did, without protest. And when he climbed between them, pressing his body into hers intimately, she wrapped her limbs around him to keep him close. When his cock slid inside her for the second time that night, Kagome purred approvingly as she held on for the ride.

TPoF*TPoF*TPoF

Daryl took a drag from his cigarette, exhaling the smoke a few seconds later. His other arm was occupied as he used it to pillow his head, helping to prop him up a little. Around his hips, the silk sheets were tangled, especially around the petite body of the raven haired beauty cuddled up to his side. Normally, he wasn't the type to stick around after a sexual interlude, but there was something… sweet about the way Kagome used his chest as her pillow and the way one of her legs intertwined with his. It felt… right.

"I better not find any ash on my bed," she softly muttered, eyes closed but nose lightly twitching every so often. The smell was acrid and she was sure the mattress would never be the same. But she wasn't all that upset. The sex more than made up for it.

"Got an ash tray?" His voice was slightly muffled due to the stick of tobacco between his lips. His crystal blue eyes, however, searched to make sure he hadn't dropped anything, anywhere.

Kagome lazily opened her eyes before propping herself up. Absently, her fingertips drew random shapes on his abdomen. "I should have one in the bathroom."

He didn't want to leave the warm nest they'd created, but he rolled out of her bed with an easy grace that seemed vaguely feline. Kagome watched, amused, as he walked, completely nude, to where he guessed was the bathroom based on what he'd seen of the apartment so far.

He was back within moments, a crystal ash tray in one hand, the other holding his cigarette as he took another pull. "Found it," he unnecessarily announced.

In response, she hummed to acknowledge his words, then rolled onto her back. Her eyes trailed down his body, surprised she felt heat starting to pool in her lower belly again. They had literally been intimately connected for a few hours now, yet she wanted more. She didn't know what made Daryl Dixon different, but she definitely wanted to find out. She hadn't felt such a strong connection – one this hot, this intense – in a long time, if ever.

Daryl raised an eyebrow, noticing how her eyes darkened to an almost violet color. Lust was definitely behind the look, and a smirk twitched at his mouth. He'd never met a woman so uninhibited, so confident in the bedroom (without coming off as a walking STD, anyway), as Kagome.

"See somethin' you like?"

She threw the sheets off, exposing her creamy skin, as her only answer. The wicked smile that slowly curved her plump lips was an obvious invitation.

One he eagerly responded to as he placed the ash tray and cigarette down on the bedside table, and dug out another condom.

TPoF*TPoF*TPoF

2 Weeks Later

"So, tell me why we're doing this again?" Kagome inquired, curious, as she watched Daryl set up the targets. Currently, they were in his backyard, near the wooded area. After their wild night, the two had kept in contact, although neither would say they were 'dating,' per se. During the weeks of their acquaintance, they had only met up for sex, meaningless conversation, and more sex.

However, that changed a couple of nights ago when Kagome admitted to being an archer. Daryl had immediately wanted to see how good she was, also admitting that he hunted and tracked game regularly with his brother, Merle. The only difference was that he preferred the crossbow, and she the long bow.

Daryl flicked one target that was hanging from a tree branch to make sure it was secure. Almost absently, he answered, "I wanna see how good you are with that bow of yours."

Kagome rolled her eyes before a smirk curved her lips. "Worried I'll be better than you?"

He glared at her, though she could see the gleam of amusement he held. "Wanna wager on that?" he returned smartly.

"What did you have in mind?" There was always the chance he was the better shot, but she figured he'd never had to learn by being chased by countless demons, where every shot could mean life or death. In that sense, she had the upper hand.

His gaze raked her form from top to bottom. "I'm sure we'll think of somethin'." His tone took on a husky quality, making his intentions clear.

"Maybe I want something different?" Her own voice was soft, uncertain. It surprised Daryl; he'd never heard Kagome be nothing but confident and self-assured. In the bedroom, she'd always been assertive and not afraid of demanding what she wanted, needed. This new side of her threw him, but he also found it just as stimulating as the rest of her.

"Well, what do you want, then?" he lightly demanded. He wasn't used to dealing with, well, feelings, but he would. For her. But only her.

The raven haired beauty fiddled with the bow she held in her dainty hands. Suddenly, she was shy. She didn't know what came over her, but wanting a real relationship with him didn't sound like such a bad idea. She liked Daryl – in some cases, really liked him. He was rough around the edges, but she could tell he had a good heart. In that way, he reminded her of Inuyasha, but Kagome would never compare the two to each other. She knew from experience how hurtful that can be. Daryl was Daryl, and Inuyasha would always be just Inuyasha.

When she started nibbling on her bottom lip, obviously nervous, Daryl sighed. Approaching her quickly, he gently tipped her chin up with a finger until their eyes locked, crystal blue to amethyst.

Just as gently, he gave her a short, sweet kiss. When their mouths parted, he mock-resignedly said, "Alright. I'll take you to a diner I like. Loser pays." Although, regardless of who won their little competition, he was going to. He would never let a woman pay for the meal.

The way her entire expression brightened and her smile glowed was worth any amount of discomfort Daryl might feel. He didn't date, not exclusively and never seriously, in any way, shape, or form. But for her… Apparently, he was willing to do a lot for her. The question remained: Why?

"Deal," she said, grinning. Then, turning the focus back to the targets, she nodded in their direction. "So, how do you want to do this?"

Daryl walked a little away to grab his crossbow. Shouldering it, he gruffly explained, "The old fashioned way. One shooter at a time, five targets. Sound good?"

Kagome fingered one arrow from the quiver slung over her shoulder. "Sounds good. Who's first?"

"Ladies first."

With a wicked glint in her eyes – one that Daryl missed – she swiftly drew an arrow and pulled back the string. In less than a second, she aimed and fired. It released a light, whistling noise before lodging itself into the first target, dead center.

It was silent, not even the wind stirring the trees. Then:

"Ah, fuck." And Daryl lit a cigarette. There was no way he would be able to handle this without a little 'medicinal' help…

In response, Kagome just beamed innocently.

TPoF*TPoF*TPoF

3 Months Later

Dating wasn't so bad.

Well, having an exclusive relationship with Kagome wasn't bad, anyway. She was more than easy on the eyes, she was intelligent, and a damned good shot with a bow and arrow. Her hand-to-hand combat skills were even impressive, and she had a wicked sense of humor that Daryl enjoyed. But she was also compassionate and kind, and sometimes showed a more vulnerable side when they were alone. Over the months since their initial meeting, he'd learned a lot about her, and vice versa.

And what he had learned, he really liked. Really, really liked. He even liked it when she got mad at him. He wasn't a masochist, but there was something alluring and sexy about the way her eyes would flash murderous intent, the way her breathing became labored as she tried to control herself, and the flush that colored her cheeks. Added together and it just did it for him. Sometimes, he purposefully got her angry too.

At the moment, they were seated in Kagome's living room, watching television. She was cuddled into his side, and one of his arms was slung around her slim shoulders while the other held a beer bottle he'd lift to his mouth for a sip every few minutes.

Suddenly, his cell phone vibrated.

Daryl narrowed his eyes. He could only think of a couple of people who would call him at this time of night, and he was currently sitting next to one of them. That left…

He sighed, "Merle."

"I'll get you another beer," Kagome softly offered, knowing he'd rather be alone to deal with his older brother. Their relationship was a little complicated, but she knew they had each other's backs no matter what. The one (and only) time she'd met the older Dixon, she'd read his aura. Merle genuinely loved Daryl, would do anything for him. Knowing this, Kagome could forgive his racist comments, misogynistic views, and overall rude and offensive personality.

Daryl nodded, grateful. It was times like these that he was eternally glad that she understood him so completely. On even rarer occasions, he believed it was Fate's doing when Kagome had walked into the biker bar that night months ago.

"Thanks," he quietly replied. He waited until Kagome disappeared into the kitchen to answer his phone. "What, Merle?"

As he listened to his older brother, his brows furrowed even deeper, and a scowl worked its way across his features, becoming darker and darker as Merle talked.

"Right now?" he demanded to know, tensing. "Geezus, Merle, what the hell did ya do?" Merle continued to talk, his voice raised and almost audible. Daryl scowled, but closed his eyes in resignation. "Fine, whatever. I'll leave in a few. Just wait for me at the house." Without waiting for a response, he snapped his phone closed.

Kagome cocked a hip, standing a few feet away. In one hand, she held a new bottle of beer. "Everything okay?" she asked, concerned.

"No," he answered, exasperated and resigned. He was going to hate himself for this, but he knew it needed to be done. "I gotta leave town, Kags."

"What?" she questioned in shock, the glass bottle almost slipping from her suddenly numb fingers. Daryl quickly caught it and set it down on the living room table. She didn't seem to notice as she continued to stare at him. "What – Why? Why do you have to leave, Daryl?" Leaving the apartment, she could understand, but the city? What was going on?

Standing, he wrapped his arms around her waist, bringing her close. Laying his forehead against hers for a second, he simply breathed in her sweet scent, then pulled away to gaze into her eyes. He didn't want to leave either, but he had to. His brother needed him. Kagome would understand – he knew she would.

"Merle fucked the wrong woman – literally," he began, wry amusement laced with his voice. "He met her at some bar, and, well, shit – long story short, she's married to a biker, and that biker is part of a motorcycle gang. Merle wants to leave for a while, at least until the heat dies down."

He could practically see the calculations whizzing around in that giant brain of hers. She took a deep breath before releasing it slowly.

"Okay," she said, fighting for a sense of calm she didn't inwardly feel. Although not the Sengoku Era of Japan, she'd watched enough TV and movies to know motorcycle gangs weren't something to toy with. They could be dangerous, especially if they carried guns, and she didn't like having Daryl getting mixed up with them. If push came to shove, she knew he'd fight back. "How long will you be gone for?"

At the question, Daryl hesitated. "Could take somewhere between a few weeks…" he trailed off.

"To a few months," she finished, releasing another sigh at the end. "Are you sure we can't just shove him into an underground bunker and keep him there for a while?"

Daryl raised an eyebrow. "You gonna be the one to make sure he don't go crazy? Let alone keep him down there, like a good ol' boy?"

She wrinkled her nose at the thought. If Merle wanted to do something or go somewhere, he'd find a way to do it. "Okay, okay," she acquiesced, "bad idea. But at least I'm trying to find a way to keep you here, with me, rather than just letting you leave the city."

He leaned down to kiss her, cupping the back of her head to keep her in place. By the time he slipped his tongue passed her lips, her knees felt like jelly and she was heavily leaning against him.

Finally, after a few breathless moments, he pulled back. He stared into her glazed eyes, knowing his probably weren't any better.

"I'll be back before you know it," he promised.

"You better, Daryl, or I'll hunt you down and make you sorry."

In response, he smirked before leaning in once more for another kiss. Abruptly, he gripped her thighs and lifted her until her legs easily wrapped around his waist. By the time he turned and laid them both onto the couch, Kagome was moaning and Daryl was busy unbuttoning her blouse and tugging up her skirt.

Merle could wait a few more minutes than planned.

TPoF*TPoF*TPoF

32 Days Later

"Mama, everything is going fine," Kagome assured, holding her cell phone between her ear and shoulder as she rushed around her apartment, gathering everything she'd need. Due to the time difference, she'd had to either talk to her mother early in the morning or in the evening. However, tonight was a different case. While conversing with the older woman, Kagome had received an urgent email from work, requesting that she return to the CDC as soon as possible. "I just have to return to work for something. It sounds important."

"I'll trust your judgment, dear. I'm just worried it's something serious – it is the Center for Disease Control, after all."

She rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at her lips. "In my current position, I do mostly research. There's nothing to worry about. And I only wear a hazmat suit when the two main scientists aren't present for whatever reason – which is rarely." The two doctor Jenners were brilliant, and Kagome was glad to work beneath them. She also found it cute how they were married.

"Alright, alright. Maybe I'm just worrying for nothing," her mother allowed. She continued, saying, "Tell me a few details about your boyfriend before you have to hang up."

Her cheeks flushed an alarming shade of red in a matter of seconds, and she sputtered for several moments. In previous conversations, she hadn't brought up Daryl very often, but her mother probably caught onto how serious they were possibly getting from those instances.

"What-What is there to say, really?" she finally managed to say, then mentally slapped herself on the forehead. Like that hadn't been suspicious? Good one, Kagome, she reprimanded herself.

Her mother chuckled. "For starters, how is it going so far? It's been a while since you mentioned him."

"Uh, well… He actually went away on a trip a little over a month ago."

"Oh really? For what?"

"Business…" She wasn't exactly lying. Daryl had left for business, per se, with Merle to avoid a motorcycle gang from possibly killing them (more like the older Dixon brother, but still). The raven haired beauty was just glad to hear from her boyfriend almost every night. Last she heard, Daryl was headed towards Florida.

Her mother's voice caught her attention. "Next time you come down to visit, you should bring him with you. I'd like to meet the man who's dating my daughter."

Kagome sputtered again. "Mama!" she almost whined, embarrassed. As she listened to the older Higurashi woman laugh at her expense, she grumbled unintelligibly. Then, checking the time, she said, "I have to go now, Mama. I'll call you next week, like usual."

"Okay, dear. Don't work too hard, and be sure to eat something. You know how you get when you get caught up with work."

A fond smile appeared on her lips. Even thousands of miles away and her mother could still make her feel like a kid again.

"I will, don't worry." Suddenly, she blurted out, "I love you, Mama. And Souta and grandpa, too."

"We love you too, Kagome, so much."

After hanging up, Kagome stared at the blank screen of her phone. The exchanged endearments were normal, but this time something felt… different.

Almost like she'd never get the chance to say them ever again.

TPoF*TPoF*TPoF

Unknown Amount of Time Later

Fate was a funny thing.

Fickle, too, if one were being completely honest.

Kagome Higurashi would know everything about Fate and her mysterious, and sometimes, cruel ways. She had to deal with it since she was fifteen-years-old and fell down the Bone Eater's Well, thus beginning her journey five-hundred years into the Warring States Era.

But this… this she hadn't foreseen.

Kagome watched, hand covering her mouth in sorrow and horror, as Doctor Edwin Jenner raised the gun and shot his wife in the head. Her struggles immediately stopped and her milky, clouded gaze closed for the last – and absolute final – time.

Tears clogged her throat. Not only had the field of science lost one of its' greatest minds, but a husband would never see his beloved ever again. Kagome couldn't imagine the pain he was going through, but she could relate on several levels.

The virus had struck quick and vicious, leaving no one untouched. No one was sure where it started or why. No one could explain what was happening accurately enough, fast enough. The public was in chaos in a matter of weeks, and the CDC had no answers, no explanations, no anything. They didn't even have a name for the sudden plague that decimated most of humanity.

All Kagome knew were a few things, and only after close observation and some scientific experimentation.

One, she could sense them. She didn't know what to call them, besides the living dead. She'd faced foes like them before, when the shard hunting group had been battling Inu no Taisho's third sword, So'unga, and Takemaru. The problem, however, was that she had to really concentrate in order to sense a few. In theory, she would be able to sense them better if they traveled in large packs or herds.

Second, she could purify them like any demon. Of course, she didn't expose her special abilities to anyone, but she needed to be prepared for anything. If she used her powers, it didn't matter where she hit them and she could take out multiple corpses at once, but she'd deplete what energy she did have. Recovery was slower, because she had to constantly stay on-guard and the supplies weren't as plentiful as before. Aiming for the head just kept things simple.

Third, her healing abilities were questionable at best. She could heal the usual scrapes and aches and so forth, but a bite? She wasn't willing to find out. It was too risky. And a part of her may be too afraid of failure. What if she got someone's hopes of a cure up and it didn't work? She'd feel horrible and would never be able to forgive herself.

Lastly, and the most important, perhaps, she was learning how to survive in this new and dangerous world. When things had first started going to hell, she'd called her family to warn them, but hadn't gotten through. Cell towers were already down in too many places for a long-distance phone call to go through. Her next call to Daryl had been a little better, but she'd only managed a few sentences before they were cut off. She hadn't been able to connect with him again.

Having fought a seemingly endless war before, she'd prepared herself and she'd planned. The first moment she and a few others had left the CDC, she'd immediately gone back to her apartment to grab her bow and quiver of arrows. Filling her trusty yellow backpack, Kagome made sure to grab clothes that could be worn year-around, and provisions that had a long shelf-life. With a few other necessities, she was gone without a backwards glance.

Her next stop had been the nearest Sports Authority. People were already ransacking the place, the front windows broken, and the displays demolished. Moving swiftly through the madness, she'd picked up a compound bow that could fold into a more portable size, along with quivers of arrows that went with it. A couple of hunting knives were picked up as well. When she spotted arrows for a crossbow, she picked up an extra one just in case she saw Daryl again. In this seemingly impossible situation, she believed they would cross paths again. She'd make sure of it.

On her way out, she detoured to the shoe section. There, she picked up thick socks for the colder season, and a new pair of hiking boots and tennis shoes. They would definitely last longer than anything else that came from her closet. In the clothes section, she grabbed handfuls of sports bras and athletic tank tops and shirts, along with work-out shorts and sweats. She would have preferred heavy duty jeans, but she couldn't manage a trip to the nearest department store too. Not this time, anyway. Lastly, she snatched as many energy bars and trail mixes as she could carry before finally leaving before someone decided to try to mug her and steal her supplies.

Ever since that first chaotic day, Kagome had been careful and kept a low profile. There weren't that many scientists left within the CDC building, most having left to be with their families. The ones that remained moved into the underground apartments, but Kagome could tell it would also act as their tombs. Most were too afraid to venture outside, while others just didn't see the point anymore. The government was taking over; they had seen the soldiers, the guns, the tanks. If the scientists didn't listen, they were shot and disposed of.

Yes, Kagome silently reflected as she watched Doctor Jenner break down over his wife's body, Fate was a funny thing.

Fickle, too, if one were being completely honest.

She would know everything about Fate and her mysterious, and sometimes, cruel ways. She'd had to deal with it since she turned fifteen-years-old and fell down the Bone Eater's Well, thus beginning her journey five-hundred years into the Warring States Era.

But she had never, in her wildest dreams, had ever imagined anything this cruel, like this world humanity was suddenly thrust into.

If this were to be her new pathway of Fate, then she will face it, head on…

And win.

I'm trying something new :P What did you guys think? Please, no flames, but constructive criticism is welcome (:

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