(The Final Act: Part V)

Inside a cave, Naraku sat as he looked at the Shikon jewel, thinking of Onigumo, who desired Kikyo's heart, and the jewel. A prisoner in his own body, the bandit fed it to demons who merged and became Naraku.

Looking on from the mouth of the cave, Byakuya noticed that the jewel had been completely defiled by Naraku to the point where there was barely room for Magatsuhi, forcing him to reside within an unconscious Rin.

Naraku thought about the fact that as Inuyasha, Kenshiro, Koga and the others fought him, he channeled their hatred and transformed it into the darkness filling the jewel.

Once the battle ended, they would be consumed by the very darkness they helped to create.

(Scene Change)

Kagome learned some fantastic news back in the present: She would be graduating and going to highschool with Eri, Yuka, Ayumi, Kai, Arashi, Raidou, and most importantly… Kenshiro.

The graduation ceremony went off without a hitch… Aside from Hojo trying to ask her out for the 118th time.

Yeah, that's right. Kenshiro was keeping track.

(Scene Change)

"You're leaving already?" asked Ichigo

Kenshiro nodded "We've got a big fight on our hands. We don't have any time to waste." he looked at Kagome talking to her friends, and back to Ichigo and the others "Guys, do you mind? I want a moment alone with Kagome."

They had no complaints, and went inside the house.

Kenshiro looked at the sacred tree "This is where it all started… Where we first met…"

Kagome nodded, recalling the events.

Kenshiro's parents had been good friends with Kagome's, and were visiting them in Tokyo. The two met underneath the sacred tree, when Kenshiro was recalling the ancient Kamikaze code, told by his ancestors from the Feudal Era. How ironic.

Kenshiro looked at the tree, and back to the woman he loved "Kagome, there's something I have to tell you… For the longest time, I've-"

"Guys, let's go!" Kazuma shouted from the well house.

Both face-faulted and went after him.

"Did I interrupt something?" asked Kazuma as he noticed the sour look on Kenpachi's face.

"Go **** yourself." was all he said.

(Scene Change)

Back in the Feudal Era, Naraku glared at the jewel until his reflection in it vanished. It halfway sank into his palm, releasing purple gas. His baboon pelt tore away, revealing that he was nothing more than a head and hand the entire time. The jewel healed his injuries from his last battle with Kenshiro and the others, as his body sprouted extra limbs. Byakuya watched the entire time, intrigued.

Naraku continued to grow larger, swallowing Rin into his body as a miasma was released from the cave, reducing all the animals to bone and killing the vegetation in the immediate area. The miasma flew into the sky, where it created a powerful storm, as demons began flying towards it one-by-one.

(Scene Change)

Miroku and Sango watched this from afar.

"The demons are on the move." Miroku observed

Sango nodded "It's strange. It's almost as if they're being drawn to something."

(Scene Change)

"Look!" Hakkaku shouted "A demonic presence!"

Kaede nodded "It's a massive demonic energy."

"Inuyasha, Koga, did Naraku use the jewel?" asked Ginta

Koga nodded "He did."

Inuyasha looked at Kohaku 'Naraku, the light from Kikyo which you feared has become Kohaku's life now. Kikyo is no longer able to fight against you. That's why we must defeat you ourselves. Wolf, it's time."

Koga nodded "Get ready mutt. It's time to avenge the deaths of my comrades."

"Hey guys!" a voice called out as Kenshiro and the others arrived "Sorry we're late. You guys ready?"

Koga nodded "Let's go."

But first, Kenshiro knocked Shippo out with a chop to the neck, and turned to Kohaku, handing him 2 Ryu scales "Give one to Shippo, and place one in your weapon. Shippo's just a kid. He's not ready for this. If anything happens to us, and we don't end up coming back, it'll be up to you, Shippo, Jaken, Hakkaku and Ginta to stop Naraku. I especially don't want you following us. Your life is a gift from lady Kikyo. Don't waste it."

Kohaku slowly nodded.

With that out of the way, Kenshiro and the others took off.

(Scene Change)

When Shippo woke up a little while later, he was absolutely livid.

He tried to go after them, but realized he was too late.

(Scene Change)

"Poor Shippo." Kagome muttered "It must've been hard for him to have been left behind."

Kenshiro nodded "I know. But he's not ready for something like this. Besides, he would've refused to stay behind if I hadn't knocked him out. Sometimes, a little tough love is in order."

Kagome nodded "This is still going to be dangerous. My spiritual power is still sealed by Magatsuhi, and who knows when it'll come back."

"When Sesshomaru guts the bastard." Koga stated flatly

Flying through the clouds, they saw that Naraku had transformed once more, and had taken on the appearance of a huge spider. He sent out corrosive threads, capturing the demons.

(Scene Change)

Sesshomaru glared down at him "You've transformed Naraku. But you're still just a spider to be stepped on. Dragon Burst!" and he used the Dragon Burst to exterminate the demons that were attempting to attack him.

"I must admit, that new sword of yours is really something." said a voice

"Byakuya of the Dreams." Sesshomaru growled

Byakuya grinned from on top of one of the demon "One swing in a demon's direction leaves a crumbling corpse. And if that corpse is reabsorbed by the main body, it too will crumble. Naraku won't have a chance, even in his new form. So by all means, swing away. Or are you worried about your little companion? As you may have guessed, she's there, inside Naraku."

Suddenly, Naraku's belly opened, acting as an invitation inside.

He then saw Kenshiro and the others approaching.

Kenshiro took Kagome into his arms as the demon they were riding dissolved from Naraku's spider webs, coated in miasma, before they landed in front of the mouth.

Noticing Sesshomaru entering, Kenshiro and Kagome went in after him, with Inuyasha, Koga and Kazuma following.

"My, he didn't even hesitate to go in after the little girl." Byakuya muttered "Brings tears to my eyes."

Miroku and Sango were about to follow, when Byakuya flew beside them "You two are going as well? You realize you might end up getting eaten if you do?" He backed off when he saw Miroku holding up the hand with his Wind tunnel "Going to use your Wind tunnel on me?"

"No. That would accomplish nothing." Miroku stated flatly 'Though I gladly would if my Wind Tunnel weren't at its limit. It may hold for one or two more uses, but after that, it will almost certainly tear open, and I will be sucked in and destroyed. In order to survive, I must kill Naraku and break the curse of the Wind Tunnel forever.'

Sango's voice dragged him from his thoughts "Miroku, let's defeat Naraku."

Miroku smiled and nodded "Yes. And Sango, once this is all over, let's get married."

Sango's eyes widened, but she smiled and nodded as they entered Naraku's body.

"Those fools." Byakuya muttered "If it were me, I'd much rather sacrifice the human girl and destroy Naraku from out here."

(Scene Change)

"Naraku's body is a lot bigger than it looks from the outside." Kagome muttered

Kenshiro nodded.

Then they saw Naraku emerge from his flesh in his humanoid form.

Almost immediately, Kenshiro summoned the naginata form of the Ryuuga and used the Dragon Cyclone from both blades, doubling the Wind power, and ripping Naraku to shreds, dissipating the cloud of miasma released.

The remains of Naraku's head smirked "You've finally made it inside. I've been waiting for you." And it evaporated.

Then Koga and the others joined up with them.

"Will you destroy me from the inside?" Naraku's voice echoed "Start where you like. Everything around you is me."

This was proven when Naraku's head appeared on one of the walls of flesh, which Sango quickly decapitated with the Hiraikotsu, releasing a pool of miasma.

Another of Naraku's wall face smirked "Don't tell me you didn't notice. The fact is you and your companions have been exposed to my miasma ever since you entered my body. Yet curiously, none of you have died. Do you know why? It is because the Shikon jewel desires your souls! It's because of your hatred towards me! All of the rage and despair you feel!"

Koga snorted "Is that what you think? Shut up already! It's time to settle this for good, Naraku! I will kill you and avenge my comrades!"

Naraku's face smirked "It matters not what you do. You cannot change the fate of the Shikon jewel, which has endured for hundreds of years."

Suddenly, an armored copy of Naraku rose from the flesh, and charged at them.

(Scene Change)

From the outside, Byakuya watched as Naraku closed his stomach, and locked the appendages serving as the "door" to his insides in place with his legs, curling into a ball, now bearing an ominous similarity to the Shikon jewel, his very source of power now "Wow. It looks just like the Shikon jewel."

(Scene Change)

The armored copy of Naraku charged, and Kenshiro brought both blades of the naginata down on it simultaneously, but they couldn't break through the armor.

Naraku's wall face smirked "Now, fight me Kenshiro. We have nothing but time. You have an eternity and more to fight me in here.

The armored copy charged, and Kenshiro brought the blade into its head, but was met with its fist to his face.

Koga then attacked with the Raiso, taking its head clean off, but a small cloud of miasma formed, creating a new head as the head of the first one formed a second body.

Koga then attacked with his Steel Hurricane, shredding them and I bedding shards of steel into the walls of flesh, which then unleashed several of Naraku's tentacles.

Kenshiro then decided to go for plan M.C: A.K.A, Meido-claws.

But then they saw a vision of Rin.

Not willing to take the chance of whether or not it was an illusion, Kenshiro was forced onto the defensive.

"Damn! How do we stop these things?" Koga growled

"This Shikon jewel." explained Kagome "If we find and destroy it, Naraku will die."

"But didn't Naraku absorb the jewel already?" asked Kenshiro

Kagome shook her head "Maybe not. I sense a strong presence from deep within Naraku's body, which means the jewel is probably still in its original form."

She was cut off when one of the tentacles pierced the flesh beneath them, quickly sealing it behind them, but not before Koga jumped in after them.

Inuyasha and Kazuma were then sucked into another hole, leaving Miroku and Sango alone.

(Scene Change)

"Damnit! Kagome, where's the jewel?" asked Kenshiro

Kagome focused for a moment, and pointed "That way."

Then Koga fell through, and landed on top of Kenshiro "You two okay?"

Kenshiro then stopped suddenly "Koga...Kagome… Get… Away…"

Koga motioned for Kagome to get behind him, and watched as Kenshiro transformed, his eyes turning black, his nails growing longer, and fangs growing in his mouth.

Kenshiro's demon senses had been awakened by Naraku's demonic presence.

"Don't look so surprised." Naraku's voice echoed "Surely you must realize what it would mean to approach the Shikon jewel after I defiled it. Kenshiro is merely human. It seems his spirit has been consumed by the jewel's poison."

"Kenshiro! Snap out of it!" Kagome pleaded, but her cries fell on deaf ears as Kenshiro charged at her, but Koga took the hit for her, receiving a deep gash in his shoulder.

"What's wrong Kagome?" Naraku's voice taunted "All you need to do is calm him down and purify him. But you can't, can you? Not as long as your spiritual power remains sealed by Magatsuhi."

Kagome ran as the injured Koga tried to fight off the possessed Kenshiro.

But the only problem was that Kenshiro's demon senses doubled his power.

"You cannot escape." Naraku spat "The demon form of Kenshiro will not rest until he's ripped your body to shreds."

Kagome continued running as Kenshiro advanced on her, until she reached a cliff.

"I shall give you a present." Naraku hissed as an arrow appeared in front of her "An arrow that's been completely covered in my miasma. If you use it on Kenshiro, your life will be spared."

Kagome was absolutely livid "Do you think I'm that stupid Naraku?! You could never get me to hurt Kenshiro! And he would never hurt me!"

"You think he's not capable of it?" Naraku retorted "You'll soon understand. History will repeat itself, Kagome. Like Kikyo and Inuyasha, you too will be slain by the one you love."

Kenshiro charged at Kagome, and ended up using his Dragon Shockwave to push her over the edge, a maniacal smirk plastered across his face the entire time, before turning his attention to Koga.

(Scene Change)

Kazuma was trying to fight off Inuyasha, after he had been possessed his demon blood, thanks to Naraku's influence.

(Scene Change)

"I wonder where we are now?" Asked Sango

Miroku shook his head "I'm not sure, but Kagome said the Shikon jewel is deep within Naraku's body."

Sango heard the sound of Miroku's Wind Tunnel.

They noticed a mist appearing around them, meaning that Naraku was setting up an illusion.

Miroku and Sango noticed that they were at the temple where Miroku's teacher, Mushin, resided. A man similar to Miroku was bidding goodbye to Mushin and a boy who looked like Miroku.

Miroku's mind was racing 'Naraku, what do you intend to show us? Do you believe that one of your illusions will be able to distract me at this point?' He looked at the man "My father."

Then came the thing that haunted Miroku his entire life.

His father's death by his Wind tunnel.

The illusion ended, and Sango broke down crying "How awful. Was that really how your father perished?"

Miroku nodded "Sango, listen. It was an illusion. You mustn't let it get to you."

"How terrible." she whispered "It was such a terrible death."

Miroku's eyes hardened with fury 'Of course. Naraku was after Sango, not me!'

Then they were attacked by Naraku's tentacles, which prevented Kilala from flying, knocking them to the ground and focusing his attacks on Sango.

Despite Sango's protests, Miroku was forced to open his Wind Tunnel.

Miroku realized that when his hand finally tore open, Sango would be at risk too.

Miroku bid Sango farewell, and ran off to die alone.

Sango tried to follow on Kilala but could not find him.

(Scene Change)

Kazuma continued trying to reach Inuyasha, after his demon blood had been awakened, and he was corrupted by Naraku's demonic presence "Inuyasha! Snap out of it! Don't let Naraku get to you a second time! Think about Kikyo! Think about what she means to you! Think about Kikyo!"

Inuyasha's eyes widened, as they returned to normal "Sorry. Thanks, Kazuma."

(Scene Change)

After leaving Koga unconscious and injured, Kenshiro wandered aimlessly through Naraku's body, when suddenly, he heard Kagome's voice in his mind, snapping him out of the possession.

He looked at Koga's blood on his hands "Kagome… Koga… No… Did I…?"

"That's right. You certainly did." Naraku's voice hissed "Kenshiro, you changed into your demon form. You lost your human heart, and tore the girl and the wolf-demon apart. You killed them with your very own hands."

Unable to comprehend this information, Kenshiro attacked Naraku's faces on the walls in a fit of rage "Shut up!"

"Kenshiro, though you are a human with a weak heart, I shall grant you salvation." Naraku spat, "removing" the human heart from Kenshiro.

(Scene Change)

In the bottom of the pit, Kagome regained consciousness to find Sesshomaru slaying the demons attempting to attack her "Sesshomaru? You've been driving away these demons all this time?"

Sesshomaru nodded and looked at the wound on her arm "That wound. Is it Kenshiro's doing? He may wield the Ryuuga, but Kenshiro is still human. I presume Naraku's darkness overcame him."

Kagome recalled how Kenshiro had pushed her over the edge "No, that's not it! Before he truly lost control, I'm pretty sure Kenshiro helped me to escape."

She saw Sesshomaru motion his fur on his shoulder "Grab on. We're going."

Kagome slowly nodded and grabbed on as Sesshomaru started flying low "Sesshomaru, your nose is as sharp as Inuyasha's and Koga's, isn't it? Aren't you able to locate Rin?"

Sesshomaru said nothing 'Naraku's body is much larger on the inside than it appears on the outside.'

Kagome gasped "Look! Rin's right up there."

Sesshomaru shook his head "That is only an illusion. Pathetic. Is Naraku trying to mock me? All the same, it's clear that I can't use Bakusaiga carelessly.'

(Scene Change)

Elsewhere, Rin regained consciousness, and saw Magatsuhi looming near her. Frightened, she ran off, calling for Sesshomaru, being chased by Magatsuhi.

Before long, she saw Kenshiro wandering aimlessly "Kenshiro!"

Kenshiro looked at her in his demon form.

(Scene Change)

Outside, Shippo stared at Naraku's body, worried about Kagome, Kenshiro and the others "You should've let me come with you guys, Kenshiro."

"You say that now." a voice scoffed. "It's easy to be brave when you're watching from a safe distance."

Shippo looked and was startled to find Jaken sitting next to him "Oh yeah? And tell me, what're YOU doing here, Jaken? Let me guess, you probably hiding from Naraku when they left, right?"

"Such slanderous conjecture!" Jaken squawked "I was sitting in the shadows deep in thought when Kenshiro, Inuyasha and the others rushed off without even consulting me. The tragic result of which is that I was unable to join them in battle."

Hakkaku and Ginta snorted "Keep telling yourself that."

All four of them simply 'hmph ed' and stared at Naraku's body, until Jaken broke the silence "Shippo, you can fly, can you not?" he received a nod "I want you to take me up there. You must take me up to that big black sphere in the sky. I belong at lord Sesshomaru's side." he saw Shippo transform and start to fly off without him "Hey! You can't run off by yourself like that!" and he threw his staff, hitting Shippo, who angrily retaliated and hit Jaken with his own staff, the scuffle escalating into a cat-fight, which Hakkaku and Ginta were quickly dragged into, until Kohaku showed up with A-Un, Sesshomaru's pet two-headed dragon.

It was time for the B-team.

(Scene Change)

Sesshomaru and Kagome continued wandering through Naraku's body, when Sesshomaru smelled something and stopped "Rin is close by. We have to fly. Kenshiro is there with her. However, he remains in demon form. I can smell Inuyasha, Koga and Kazuma closing in on them."

(Scene Change)

Kenshiro slowly advanced on Rin and summoned the Ryuuga, which took on the form of a bow and arrow "Rin. Get down." and he summoned the Dragon Flash in one of his arrows, but it fazed through

Magatsuhi, who smirked "What a surprise. Even in demon form, your human heart remains. However, your pitiful attacks cannot even scratch me. I, Magatsuhi, will show you just how powerless you are!" and he attempted to enter Kenshiro's body, but Inuyasha appeared and pushed him out of the way, causing Magatsuhi to enter Inuyasha's body instead.

Magatsuhi-Inuyasha smirked "This half-demon will serve well enough to challenge Sesshomaru."

At that moment, Sesshomaru and Kagome arrived, Koga and Kazuma following soon after.

Suddenly, Rin was engulfed by Naraku's flesh and disappeared below.

Magatsuhi-Inuyasha landed in front of Sesshomaru and smirked evilly as he drew Tessaiga.

"Magatsuhi." Sesshomaru growled "You chose the wrong person to possess." and he drew Tenseiga "I shall slay you along with Inuyasha."

Magatsuhi-Inuyasha retaliated by firing a Meido Zangetsuha at Sesshomaru.

(Scene Change)

"You could've taken A-Un if you wanted a ride so bad." Shippo muttered

"So, why were you trying to ride Shippo up to Naraku anyway?" asked Kohaku

"Silence child!" Jaken squawked "What kind of fool would I have to be to rush up here alone?"

"So that was your way of inviting him along? But Shippo's still a child Jaken." Kohaku scolded

"Look who's talking." Shippo muttered "You shouldn't be here Kohaku. Didn't Kenshiro and Sango tell you not to come?"

Kohaku nodded "True. But it's too late to turn back now."

Suddenly, a Meido appeared on the outside, creating a hole in Naraku's body, allowing the 5 of them to get through before it closed again.

(Scene Change)

"Damn." Magatsuhi-Inuyasha growled "Wasn't that a clever trick. Now I see. Inuyasha's sword provides the final link to his senses. One that is easily broken!" and he charged at Sesshomaru, who knocked Tessaiga away.

Magatsuhi-Inuyasha chuckled evilly "Without his sword, I have total control over Inuyasha!"

Kenshiro attempted to intervene, but Sesshomaru stopped him "Don't Kenshiro. This is my fight."

Kenshiro nodded and went to retrieve Tessaiga as Koga stood in front of Kagome

Sesshomaru easily dominated Magatsuhi-Inuyasha "Interesting. Now that both your mind and body are in demon form, it makes you a bit tougher than usual."

Magatsuhi-Inuyasha smirked "Showing no mercy to your own brother? You must really hate Inuyasha." and he charged.

"I feel nothing towards him. I have never considered that half-demon to be my brother." Sesshomaru retorted as he drew Tenseiga, which was caught within Magatsuhi-Inuyasha's claws "You are weak, Sesshomaru! You fool! Had you drawn Bakusaiga, Inuyasha would've been obliterated in an instant. But instead, you chose to draw Tenseiga, a blade that cannot cut through anything of this world. You should've known that as long as I'm using Inuyasha's body, your Tenseiga is useless! Now, prepare to die." His eyes widened as he saw Sesshomaru's hand grip Bakusaiga, as Sesshomaru began pushing him backwards.

Kenshiro pulled Tessaiga out of the ground, and jumped down to the platforms where the two dog-demons were battling "Hang on Inuyasha! I'll bring Tessaiga!"

Magatsuhi-Inuyasha smirked "I'm afraid you're too late! I, Magatsuhi, control every corner of Inuyasha's heart! Tessaiga's power can no longer restore him! He is lost to you now."

Kenshiro gave a smirk of his own "Tessaiga may not work, but this will. Inuyasha, SIT!"

WHAM!

"WILL YOU STOP DOING THAT?!" Inuyasha barked, as his eyes returned halfway to normal, to their original gold, and he loosened his grip on Tessaiga "Magatsuhi… Get… out… of… my… body!" and he started punching himself "Kenshiro! Give me the Tessaiga!"

Kenshiro nodded as he threw the Tessaiga towards Inuyasha, just as Koga, Kagome and Kazuma showed up.

Sesshomaru smirked "Well well Magatsuhi, what will you do now? It appears Inuyasha is more difficult to control than you thought."

"Do you want me to leave Inuyasha's body? Then why didn't you say so in the first place?" Magatsuhi hissed as he emerged from Inuyasha's body, before attempting to possess Kagome next.

But before Magatsuhi could fully leave Inuyasha's body, Inuyasha summoned the Dragon Scaled Tessaiga, forcing Magatsuhi out, and trapping him through Inuyasha's demon vortex.

"What's wrong, Magatsuhi?" Sesshomaru taunted "Have you given up hiding in other people's bodies? You couldn't have picked a worse person to try and possess. Now, die!" and with that, Sesshomaru sliced him clean in two with the Tenseiga.

Magatsuhi could only scream in agony as he vanished, leaving nothing behind.

Sesshomaru re-sheathed Tenseiga and smirked "That's one down. One to go."

Kagome suddenly felt light headed, but Kenshiro caught her "You alright?"

Kagome nodded "This sensation. It feels like a fog has lifted. My spiritual power is returning to me."

Kenshiro smiled "I'm glad. Kagome, there's something I want to tell you." seeing that he had her full attention, he took a deep breath "Kagome… For the longest time, I've-" he was cut off by a loud rumbling and shaking that knocked Kagome off of the path, but Kenshiro caught her in his arms and held her bridal-style, instantly feeling completely purified of his demon senses "Kagome… Your powers of purification… All thanks to Sesshomaru cutting down Magatsuhi. Thank you, Sesshomaru."

He smiled and nodded "Anything for my greatest rival. Still though, we have to have a rematch once this is over. Ryuuga against Bakusaiga. Which one is stronger?"

Kenshiro smiled and nodded "I look forward to it."

Sesshomaru then left in a burst of speed, flying as fast as he could 'I smell her. That's Rin's scent. Everything feels so much clearer now. Did Kagome's spiritual power purge Naraku's body of its demonic energy?' Sesshomaru easily cut down Naraku's tentacles, completely unaffected by the miasma.

(Scene Change)

Elsewhere, Kohaku and the rest of the B-team felt the shaking and rumbling.

"W-What's going on?" asked Hakkaku

"You think Naraku's noticed we're here yet?" asked Ginta

Before Kohaku could answer, the four were separated, being split into three teams: Ginta with Hakkaku, Jaken with Shippo, and Kohaku with A-Un.

(Scene Change)

"Kenshiro, we have to find the Shikon jewel." said Kagome

Kenshiro nodded as he lifted Kagome onto his back and turned to the others "Inuyasha, Koga, Kazuma, we better stick together. All this shaking probably means Naraku is finally getting serious about eliminating us."

Koga and the others nodded, and together, they set off.

But they were easily separated, with Koga, Inuyasha and Kazuma being in one group, and Kenshiro and Kagome being in the other.

(Scene Change)

With the death of Magatsuhi, a small dot of light returned to the Shikon Jewel, thanks to Kagome's power of purification. Naraku knew that this ray of light would give hope to his foes. However, he decided to mold the ray of light into a ray of despair.

(Scene Change)

As Kenshiro and Kagome sped through Naraku's body, Kenshiro decided to take advantage of the fact that they were alone "Kagome, there's something I have to tell you." Seeing he had Kagome's full attention, Kenshiro took a deep breath "Kagome… For the longest time, I've-" He was cut off by Naraku's face appearing in front of them on his flesh as a pure light appeared above them "So, you've noticed. Rejoice. Light has returned to the Shikon jewel. Though I suspect you're not the only ones who are going to notice." He was cut off by Kenshiro firing spears of Titanium at his face, but it reformed elsewhere "I'm sure your friends will also see this light. Sango and the monk, Koga and the others. What do you suppose they're doing right now. Also, what will they think upon seeing this light?"

"What are you going on about?" Kenshiro snarled.

Naraku's face smirked "I shall give you a small hint. Miroku's Wind Tunnel is dangerously close to its limit. I'm sure you know what will happen the next time he uses it."

Kenshiro's eyes widened, as he mentally connected with Koga through his Ryu scales 'Koga?'

'Yeah. I'll make sure he doesn't get himself killed.'

"Thanks, Koga."

(Scene Change)

Miroku was lying on a piece of Naraku's flesh "The shaking has stopped. What now? I could open my Wind Tunnel right here. Do minor damage to Naraku before perishing."

Slowly, Miroku sat up and grinned sourly "Pathetic. Here I am, inside Naraku, yet I'm unable to do so much as wound him."

(Scene Change)

Sango and Kilala were still searching for Miroku, until Sango broke down at the thought of losing the man she loved.

(Scene Change)

Naraku's wall face smirked at them, as Byakuya secretly scattered several pieces of reflective paper throughout his body "Now than, it looks like it's beginning to sink in. You see, Miroku has parted ways with Sango, and is now wandering alone. He is obviously trying to avoid drawing Sango into his Wind Tunnel when it destroys him."

(Scene Change)_

As Byakuya scattered the paper, the light reached Miroku and Sango.

But, unknown to either of them, Naraku's trap for them both was beginning to unfold.

(Scene Change)

"Your friends. They will undoubtedly follow the light to find me, won't they?" Naraku's wall face taunted "But there's no guarantee that's what they'll find. Kagome, your light will be the death of your friends."

At that moment, another armored copy of Naraku appeared out of the ground.

Kenshiro immediately summoned the naginata form of the Ryuuga and launched a Titanium cannon from both ends, but it had no effect "Now what? Do we get out of here and keeping looking for the jewel?"

Kagome shook her head "First, we find Miroku. We can't let him use his Wind Tunnel."

Kenshiro nodded "I've got Koga on that, thanks to our mental connection with our Ryu scales. He split from Inuyasha and Kazuma and now he's looking for Miroku. We better join up with him."

Kagome nodded as she climbed on his back and they took off, Naraku's face on the wall smirking all the while.

(Scene Change)

Sango and Kilala flew through Naraku's body, following the light from the Shikon jewel, and came across Naraku, who smirked "You've done well to reach me so quickly, Sango. In fact, you're the first to arrive." then Rin appeared in front of him, unconscious "Now, you can destroy me, the Shikon jewel too."

"Let Rin go!" Sango growled

Naraku smirked "I see. You won't throw Hiraikotsu if Rin is here. You won't do it, even if this is the perfect opportunity to kill me. You're far too gentle. But your gentleness will kill the monk. Come now, Sango. You should know very well by now without me having to explain it. The monk will follow a light he believes to be the jewel. Next, he'll encounter an illusion he believes to be me. In a futile effort to destroy his hated foe, he will open his Wind Tunnel one last time."

(Scene Change)

Miroku followed the light, and found said-illusion, who smirked "You've done well to reach me so quickly, monk. In fact, you're the first to arrive."

(Scene Change)

Koga sped through Naraku's body as fast as his Ryu scale-empowered legs would carry him, tracking Miroku's scent 'Please, let me make it there in time.'

(Scene Change)

Naraku chuckled evilly as he saw Miroku in clear mental turmoil.

Miroku looked at Naraku, then at his hand.

(Scene Change)

Naraku looked at Sango, a sinister smirk plastered across his face "Tell me, what does this girl mean to you? Sango, you barely know her, right? So I ask you: is it really worth sacrificing your life to protect this child?"

From behind Sango, Byakuya grinned 'My my. Naraku's been busy. It's a lot of work to create these illusions for everyone. Although I see that the girl is no illusion at all.'

Realizing the situation, Sango made a difficult decision 'No. I don't want Miroku to die. Even if I go to Hell for this, I'm going to save his life!'

(Scene Change)

Sesshomaru flew through Naraku's body 'Rin!'

(Scene Change)

Miroku grabbed his prayer beads 'I don't care if my Wind Tunnel tears open, as long as I'm able to take Naraku and the Shikon jewel with me! Forgive me Sango!' and he prepared to suck in the illusion. But just as he did, Koga appeared out of nowhere and caught his fist, stopping Miroku from opening his Wind Tunnel, saving his life "Forget it, Miroku! I won't let you!" and he forced the prayer beads back onto Miroku's wrist "That was way too close. If you opened that thing any sooner, we'd both be dead."

"You got that right." Kenshiro muttered as he and Kagome arrived on the scene "Good job, Koga. That was close."

Naraku's illusion chuckled "In the end, you chose to save yourself. You've lost your attachments to this world, monk."

"Silence!" Miroku shouted "I shall take you with me now!"

By this point, Koga was annoyed, and slapped Miroku across the face "Open your eyes, you idiot!"

But it turns out, Miroku couldn't see them, or Koga.

(Scene Change)

Kohaku continued flying on A-Un, having managed to find Ginta and Hakkaku along the way, saving them from Naraku's flesh.

"Look!" Hakkaku shouted "Do you see that?"

They saw the pure light reflected from the Shikon jewel.

But once they found Sango and the illusion, they were trapped by a wall of flesh.

"Rin! Sister!" Kohaku called out

"Look!" Ginta shouted "She's about to throw her weapon!"

Sango had reluctantly made up her mind 'If I defeat Naraku, then Miroku's life will be saved!'

"Stop! Don't do it sister!" Kohaku pleaded, but Sango didn't hear him.

Then Byakuya appeared in front of them "Hello Kohaku, and the two wolf demons who travelled with Koga. Ginta and Hakkaku, is it not? Don't bother calling out. I assure you, your sister can't hear your voice anyway. The human heart is easily manipulated, especially with your sister, whose heart is consumed with the fear of losing her beloved monk."

Sango had finally made her decision, not knowing that it was what Naraku wanted 'If I don't defeat Naraku now, the Wind Tunnel will pass its limit, and Miroku will end up just like his father. I can't bare to let that happen!'

(Scene Change)

Sensing the light being purged, Kagome knew that she had to hurt the real Naraku to dispel his illusions.

Seeing the Shikon jewel within Naraku's real body, Kagome shot a sacred arrow, which vanished the same way the one with Hitomiko did, until it reappeared inside Naraku's barrier, severing his right arm.

(Scene Change)

At the same time, Byakuya's right arm disappeared.

"Forgive me Rin!" Sango screamed as she threw Hiraikotsu, but Naraku's illusion end vanished, and Rin fell, avoiding Hiraikotsu in the process.

Kohaku then rust through the wall of flesh and caught Rin before she hit the ground.

"You tried to kill her, didn't you?" asked Byakuya "Along with the illusion of Naraku that I showed you."

Sango's eyes widened 'Illusion?!'

"You were going to sacrifice Rin if it meant saving the monk's life, weren't you?" Byakuya questioned loudly "I'm afraid it really doesn't matter how you spin it. The fact is, you were weighing human lives against one another. It's fitting, really. The demon slayer Sango slays herself."

Byakuya tilted his head, avoiding Sango's Hiraikotsu thrown by Sesshomaru, who was, in two words, absolutely LIVID.

"If that was intended for me, you've got the wrong person, Sesshomaru." said Byakuya "But my guess is you were listening to our conversation. So I'll leave you two to settle this. By now." and he flew off, observing the damage from Sesshomaru's Bakusaiga 'Boy, I sure don't like the looks of this. It looks like his real body has taken a serious blow. But if I'm still here, it must be proof that Naraku and the Shikon jewel are still in one piece.' he looked at the blade on his back 'I guess the time has come to use this.'

(Scene Change)

Sesshomaru glared at Sango, fury written all over his face.

"Sesshomaru, if you wish to kill me, I will not try to resist you." Sango stated flatly.

"Sesshomaru, forgive her. Rin is safe." Kazuma cut in as he arrived on the scene.

Sango shook her head "There's no excuse. I tried to kill Rin."

"My sister was deceived by an illusion of Naraku!" Kohaku pleaded

"It doesn't change the fact that I was willing to sacrifice her! I would've done anything to defeat Naraku! Anything!" Sango retorted "I will not attempt to justify, or beg for my life. But please, let me finish this. Once the curse has been lifted from Miroku, I'm all yours."

(Scene Change)

Kenshiro and the others were racing through Naraku's body, with Miroku slung over Koga's shoulder.

"Koga, Kenshiro, please. Leave me behind." Miroku pleaded

"I'm not gonna do that." Koga stated firmly "If we leave you alone, there's a good chance another illusion of Naraku might trick you into opening your Wind tunnel. And don't give me some line about how your Wind Tunnel will tear at any minute. It'll take more than your stupid Wind Tunnel to scare us away. Besides, when we get out of here, Sango will need you in one piece. We're all going home alive, no exceptions."

(Scene Change)

As Naraku's body began self-distracting from the power of Sesshomaru's Bakusaiga, the light from the Shikon jewel pierced one of the holes.

'The smell has changed.' Sesshomaru mentally noted 'Naraku is in the direction of the light.' he then turned to Sango "Hurry. You want to find the monk, don't you? Now hurry before I change my mind." and he flew through the hole towards the light, with Kohaku and Sango following 'Does this mean Sesshomaru is going to wait to kill me until after Naraku is defeated? Is Miroku even still alive? I have to see him one last time.'

As they flew towards the light, Sesshomaru turned out Kazuma "I smelled Inuyasha with you. What happened to him?"

Kazuma shrugged "He took off on his own."

(Scene Change)

Kenshiro and the others found Naraku's main body, along with the Shikon jewel, inside his barrier.

Naraku smirked "You've found me, Kenshiro. You do realize this is your only chance to kill me."

Kenshiro scoffed as he summoned his Ryuuga claws "I don't need you to tell me to send you and the Shikon jewel to the Underworld. But first. Inuyasha, now!"

Inuyasha appeared as part of the wall of flesh burst, and he and Kenshiro simultaneously fired a Meido Zangetsuha from each of their weapons, taking a large chunk of Naraku's body with it, but missing Naraku himself, as he laughed triumphantly "Looks like you missed!"

(Scene Change)

Shippo and Jaken crawled towards the light from the Shikon jewel, and BARELY avoided being hit by Inuyasha's Meido Zangetsuha.

"The Meido Zangetsuha. That's as close as I ever want to get to it." Shippo muttered.

Jaken nodded in agreement, until they saw Byakuya approaching the path of damage cause by the Meido Zangetsuha "I guess the time has finally come to draw this." and he drew his sword… Only, it was just a handle. There was no blade.

Byakuya stuck the handle into the ground of the path formed by the Meido, as a blade formed, made of demonic energy from the Meido Zangetsuha, before re-sheathing it "You two can come out now."

Shippo and Jaken emerged "You! What did you just do?"

Byakuya raised an eyebrow "You saw that. I took some of the Meido Zangetsuha's demonic energy. Naraku told me to collect some."

"How dare you!" Jaken squawked "Meido Zangetsuha is a technique that lord Sesshomaru, Kenshiro and Inuyasha had to work for! You have no right to just show up and take it!"

'It's true.' Byakuya mentally agreed 'That's why this sword can only be used once. I have no idea how Naraku intends to use it. But I do know that the end is near. Oh, by the way, you two. This is your last chance to escape before the hole closes." and he disappeared in a blue flame.

(Scene Change)

Naraku chuckled "Don't forget, Kenshiro, Inuyasha. Light and dark may be battling against each other in here, but until you defeat me, I control this place."

"That's enough of your lies!" Kagome shouted as she prepared to fire a sacred arrow at him, before Naraku release some of his miasma, with Inuyasha being forced to protect Kenshiro and the others with the protect investors barrier of Tessaiga.

(Scene Change)

Rin slowly regained consciousness "Kohaku. Lord Sesshomaru!"

Suddenly, miasma began emerging from Naraku's body.

Seeing this, Sango gave Rin her face mask, shielding the little girl from the poison.

"Rin, I'm sorry." Sango said sadly, to Rin's confusion.

Sesshomaru witnessed this, and allowed a small smile to creep its way across his face.

"I'm going ahead." Sango informed them, and took off in front of Sesshomaru, despite Kohaku's protests.

'So, she's risking her life.' Sesshomaru mentally noted

(Scene Change)

Naraku chuckled "Have you noticed anything different? This miasma is much more potent. In fact, it is deadly, especially for weak humans like Kenshiro, Kagome and the monk."

"This won't be enough to get rid of us, Naraku!" Koga snarled "Prepare yourself Naraku! We're coming for you!"

(Scene Change)

Outside, Totosai and Myoga watched Naraku's body from afar.

"You better make it out of there, Inuyasha, Kenshiro." Totosai muttered "You have both inherited Meido Zangetsuha from Sesshomaru. But now, it is up to you to each make the technique your own. Both of you do that, and you cannot lose."

(Scene Change)

Sango went on ahead from Sesshomaru and the others, and noticed the miasma getting worse.

But as Sesshomaru and the others followed, they were blocked by several adamant spears forming in front of them.

(Scene Change)

'Wait for me, Miroku!' Sango mentally pleaded as she rode Kilala.

(Scene Change)

Shippo and Jaken slowly made their way, being hit by Naraku's miasma in the air. Fortunately, their Ryu scales protected them.

Shippo pulled a small bottle from his shirt "Good thing I have the antidote."

"Where did you get that?" asked Jaken

"There's an herbal garden not far from here." explained Shippo "It's cared for by a half demon named Jinenji." (A/N: Long story) "The problem is, there's only three left."

"So? We'll just go as far as we can." Jaken declared boldly

(Scene Change)

Kenshiro and the others found that they couldn't get a solid footing, with Naraku's body constantly shaking.

Naraku chuckled "Kenshiro, Inuyasha, Koga, as your bitterness towards me grows and gets stronger, so too does the darkness within the Shikon jewel. So struggle more, suffer more, and lament your own powerlessness."

At that moment, Sango appeared as Hiraikotsu burst through the wall of flesh "Naraku!"

Naraku smirked "Sango. I've been waiting."

Sango saw Miroku, as tears of joy swelled up in her eyes 'Miroku! I found you!'

"Sango, where's your mask? You won't be able to survive the miasma!" Koga screamed

"I'll shatter any miasma, or demonic energy!" Sango retorted as she threw Hiraikotsu, shattering Naraku's miasma tornado and breaking through the barrier, wounding Naraku, but Hiraikotsu captured the miasma, knocking Sango and Kilala unconscious.

Miroku dove in to save her, but she fell through a hole in Naraku's flesh, with Miroku following before it closed.

Naraku chuckled as Kenshiro and the others were unable to go after them "The least you can do is allow them to spend their last moments alive in privacy."

Despite being evil, murderous and psychotic, he did have a good point.

(Scene Change)

Miroku's eyes fell upon the unconscious Sango, when she awoke upon hearing the sound of Miroku's Wind Tunnel "I… I failed, didn't I?"

"Please… Forgive me for abandoning you." Miroku pleaded

Sango grabbed his robes "Miroku… Take me with you… Promise me… that we'll die together…"

Despite his unwillingness, Miroku held her close.

(Scene Change)

Naraku sensed this within the jewel and smirked as he transformed "The power of darkness feeds on the monk and Sango's sorrow! Ironic, isn't it? The stronger their love is for each other, the greater their despair. The monk and Sango will soon be no more. They have chosen to die together. Even now, they wait for his Wind Tunnel to swallow them both. Do you understand, Inuyasha, Kenshiro? The two of them will soon be consumed by the darkness of the Shikon jewel!"

"No way we'll let that happen." Kenshiro spat "Naraku, the four of us will defeat you here and now, and lift the curse of the Wind Tunnel forever!" and he and Inuyasha each launched their versions of the Meido Zangetsuha.

Kagome sensed Naraku joining with the Shikon jewel, as a spider webs grew from his back and latched onto the walls of his body, protecting him from the Meido Zangetsuha "All those years ago, the Shikon jewel was supposed to have burned with Kikyo's corpse, and been obliterated from this world. Even so, the Shikon jewel used Kikyo's lingering spiritual powers, as well as Kagome's, her own reincarnation, to return to this world. Shattered but not destroyed, the jewel continued to bring new disasters,, and slowly but surely reassembled. This Shikon jewel will never disappear from this world. Even if I am destroyed, it will live one."

Kagome's eyes widened in confusion "Naraku… What were… What were you even trying to accomplish? The whole time you've been fighting against us, it's always the same thing, over and over again! First, you tore Kikyo and Inuyasha apart, forced Sango and Kohaku to fight against each other, and now you're trying to use the love between Miroku and Sango to destroy them! You can't stand love and friendship, so you've devoted your entire life to trying to break people apart. But why? Is that all you really wanted?"

Naraku scoffed "Why ask me now?"

Koga nodded "For once, the crazy evil bastard is right. What the ****?"

"You couldn't have done any of those things if you didn't understand the human heart. The pain of loss wouldn't mean anything to you if you didn't know what it felt like to have a bond with someone." explained Kagome "Nothing will ever satisfy you because the Shikon jewel didn't grant your real wish."

Naraku was left speechless 'This woman…'

"You were hesitating, weren't you?" Kagome accused "Because you know that the Shikon jewel turns everybody that it absorbs into a true monster. You have a complete Shikon jewel in your hands, and yet we both know you still haven't tried to absorb it."

"That changes nothing!" Naraku snarled "Are you so naive that you think you can purify my heart with your empty words? Well you're sadly mistaken!" and he fired several miasma-coated adamant spears at them, which Kenshiro and Inuyasha both countered with their versions of Meido Zangetsuha, which still had no effect on Naraku.

"Naraku, you and I may be nothing alike, but we're both half-demons!" Inuyasha snarled "That means that in both of us, there's a human heart and a demon heart, Naraku."

"But you betrayed that. You and Inuyasha were both given the freedom to choose." Kenshiro spat "To follow you human heart, or your demon heart. And you chose to live as a demon, ignoring all that was human in you! You chose to hurt others, and curse them with misery and suffering! But your days of hurting the people I care for at over, you miserable mother ****er!" and they both fired the Meido Zangetsuha once more.

The only difference is, this time, Inuyasha's took the form of multiple blades, while Kenshiro's took the form of multiple slashes, destroying all of Naraku's body below his chest.

'Impossible! My tentacles are gone!' Naraku screamed in his mind.

(Scene Change)

"So, Meido Zangetsuha has evolved." Totosai noted "The technique now belongs to both Kenshiro and Inuyasha. As you know, Myoga, Meido Zangetsuha was first achieved using Sesshomaru's Tenseiga, a sword that cannot cut. Thus, the original method of opening the Meido and sending foes to their death, was best suited to that sword. Inuyasha's Tessaiga and the Meido Zangetsuha have finally united as one. The same goes with Kenshiro's Ryuuga. Meido has taken the form of a blade. That is a reflection of Inuyasha's Tessaiga."

"So, what about Kenshiro's Ryuuga?" asked Myoga

Totosai shrugged "That just takes the form of whatever weapon he's using when he unleashes the technique."

(Scene Change)

Sensing the Shikon jewel in Naraku's chest, Kagome prepared to fire a sacred arrow to purify it, but Naraku started forcing his body to shake violently again as he began regenerating "It's futile. Attack me all you like, but you are still inside my body, you fools. I'll only keep regenerating."

"Fine by us!" Kenshiro retorted "We'll keep slicing you up all day! Naraku, we're gonna sever any ties you have to this world, including the jewel! Prepare yourself! Meido Zangetsuha!" and they launched more Meido blades and Meido claws, ripping Naraku's main body to shreds, forcing him to unleash more miasma, before they were swallowed by his flesh as his body began shaking.

(Scene Change)

As Naraku's body began collapsing, Miroku tried to move Sango away from the miasma, refusing to let her die.

(Scene Change)

Naraku's mind was still raging about what Kagome said 'Utter nonsense. The Shikon jewel didn't grant my real wish? Kenshiro and Inuyasha think I'm the same as that half-demon? How dare you!"

(Scene Change)

"Sesshomaru, there's so much miasma!" cried Ginta and Hakkaku

Kohaku nodded.

Sesshomaru smirked as he drew Bakusaiga 'It seems you've reached a point of desperation, Naraku. In that case, I shall perform your last rights! Dragon Burst!" and the power of Bakusaiga eliminated the adamant spears, the continuous destructive power beginning to tear Naraku's body apart, opening a path for Sesshomaru and the others.

(Scene Change)

As he wandered, Byakuya noticed the continuous destruction "Only Bakusaiga could do this. The damage will continue to spread. Any piece of flesh it touches will be destroyed, and, in-turn, destroy all it comes into contact with. Well then, it seems the time has finally come for me to fulfill my role."

(Scene Change)

Kenshiro used the Meido to free himself and Kagome "You alright, Kagome?"

Kagome nodded.

Then Kenshiro looked back "I can sense the destruction from Bakusaiga. Sesshomaru and Kazuma are definitely getting closer."

"You hear that, Naraku? Your body can't regenerate!" a voice called out triumphantly as Inuyasha freed himself with the Meido Zangetsuha, and Koga freed himself with the Raiso.

"It's just as I told all of you." Naraku spat "You may destroy me, but the Shikon jewel will never disappear."

(Scene Change)

Miroku was trying to decide whether or not to use the Wind Tunnel, but noticed it getting quieter before the destruction of Bakusaiga reached the ground beneath them, and they fell.

(Scene Change)

Shippo and Jaken were desperately trying to avoid the destructive power of Bakusaiga, before Kilala fell on them, along with Miroku's staff and the Hiraikotsu.

Fortunately, Jaken and Shippo managed to grab both, saving them from Naraku's adamant spears, as they noticed Miroku and Sango falling towards them.

(Scene Change)

As Sesshomaru and Kazuma's group flew through Naraku's body, they observed the damage done by one swing from Bakusaiga.

Then they noticed Naraku's tentacles lunging towards them.

Seeing this, Kazuma drew Sounga "If you insist on struggling, Naraku, I'll gladly oblige! Dragon Twister!" and their power of the attack sent a great deal of damage through Naraku's body.

(Scene Change)

Kenshiro summoned the naginata form of the Ryuuga "Give it up, Naraku! It's over."

Naraku smirked "So it would seem. However, Kenshiro, I'm afraid there's still one thing that not even your Ryuuga, Inuyasha's Tessaiga, Koga's Raiso, or Sesshomaru's Bakusaiga can cut."

"Your soul? Is that what you're talking about?" Kagome guessed "I'm pretty sure that's why I'm here! I'm here to purify your soul Naraku!"

Naraku smirked maniacally 'Give it your best shot, Kagome. This will end with a battle between souls.'

Suddenly, Kenshiro noticed Byakuya appear behind Kagome, and cut her with his sword.

But nothing happened.

"BASTARD!" Kenshiro roared as he launched a Meido at Byakuya.

"I am but an incarnation of Naraku that will die when he does." Byakuya stated flatly "I have no regrets. I have fulfilled my role." and with that, he disappeared into the Meido, which then closed.

"Kagome!" Kenshiro screamed frantically as he ran over to her "Are you alright?"

Kagome nodded unsurely "I think so. Did he cut me, or not?'

Kenshiro was surprised 'The technique he just used was Meido Zangetsuha. But why? What was he trying to do?'

Naraku smirked.

(Scene Change)

Shippo had changed into his giant balloon form to save the others, while Jaken and Miroku gave Sango and Kilala the antidote "Thank you so much, Shippo. You're a true lifesaver. You too, Jaken. But, are you sure you want to give us the rest of the antidote?"

Jaken nodded "We have Ryu scales to protect us. Just hurry and take it."

Miroku nodded "Well, I very much appreciate it." and he gave one of the antidote pills to Sango and watched as she came too "Sango, you're awake. Please, try not to move around. Not until the antidote I gave you starts to take effect."

Sango slowly sat up "Miroku, the antidote won't be enough for you."

Miroku smiled "There's hope. Haven't you noticed? You can barely hear it anymore."

Sango's eyes widened "You think…?"

Jaken understood "Lord Sesshomaru's Bakusaiga must be taking effect."

Miroku nodded "And, Kenshiro, Inuyasha and the others must've fatally wounded Naraku's main body, and the power of the curse of the Wind tunnel has been weakened."

"In that case, we must hurry and join them." Jaken cut in.

Miroku nodded "We shall settle this with Naraku once and for all."

(Scene Change)

Sesshomaru continued blasting Naraku's body apart with Bakusaiga 'Naraku is still alive. What's taking you so long, Kenshiro, Inuyasha?'

(Scene Change)

By this point, Kenshiro and the others had taken their battle to mid-air, since there was no solid footing on the ground anymore.

Kenshiro and Inuyasha sliced Naraku's body with Meido blades and Meido claws, as Koga summoned the Raiso on his hand "Time to show you the full power of the wolf-demon tribe! Wolf Death Storm!" and the Raiso summoned a MASSIVE blast of demonic wind and lightning, manifesting a wolf-like aura, as it shredded a large part of Naraku's body.

Kagome prepared to fire a sacred arrow, but Naraku stopped her from doing so by hurling flying chunks of miasma towards them.

One was about to hit Kenshiro, but was dissipated by Hiraikotsu, courtesy of Sango.

Shippo then jumped out and acted as a platform.

"Shippo, what're you doing here?" Kenshiro demanded

"A thanks would be nice!" Shippo yelled "We came to help you guys!"

Miroku then used his Wind Tunnel to suck in the remaining miasma meteors "It's okay! I'm fine now! The curse of the Wind Tunnel is already fading!"

By this point, Sesshomaru burst in with the Bakusaiga, as the destruction continued spreading throughout Naraku's body.

Naraku glared "So you're all here. You and your worthless group of so-called friends."

Kenshiro smirked "You're damn right. All of us. Everyone survived. You couldn't kill even a single one of us, Naraku."

The group then unleashed all of their most powerful attacks at once:

"Wind Tunnel!"

"Hiraikotsu!"

"Meido Zangetsuha!"

"Meido Claws!"

"Wolf Death Storm!"

"Dragon Burst!"

Naraku then cut himself free from his body, right before the destruction from Sesshomaru's Bakusaiga could reach him.

Kagome looked and noticed something 'There's light within the jewel.'

"What a simple bunch you are." Naraku taunted "This little gathering of friends has brought light back to the Shikon jewel yet again. Was that what you'd hoped for? Do you think you've won? I assure you, you have not! For the jewel and I are now one!" and he took on a more fearsome appearance, as the light within the jewel vanished, causing the jewel to turn completely black.

"Bastard." Inuyasha muttered "So, he finally fed his soul to the jewel, did he?"

Naraku then launched more miasma meteors at the group, but Kenshiro countered them with his Meido claws, but Naraku just kept on regenerating.

Then again, nobody really expected the jewel to leave the world without a fight.

Another round of miasma meteors appeared, but Sesshomaru used his Dragon Burst attack to destroy each of them 'The miasma leaking from the severed flesh is stronger than it was before. Jaken. Take Rin, Kohaku, the fox child and the two wolf-demons, and leave Naraku's body immediately."

Needless to say, Jaken, Shippo, Hakkaku and Ginta had no complaints.

They were about to be squashed by miasma meteors, but Sango saved them at the last second.

They left, but not before Rin and Kohaku gave Miroku and Sango their poison masks.

Kohaku and the others exited Naraku's body, and saw that Naraku's body was falling… towards the village!

"Are you okay Kagome?" asked Koga

Kagome nodded "I'm fine. I don't know why, but all the miasma around me seems to have been purified. Still, Naraku interfered every time I try to draw my bow. if only I could get a shot off.'

"I won't let you shoot. Not yet!" Naraku snarled as he hurled more meteors, but the combined powers of Koga's Raiso and Sesshomaru's Bakusaiga obliterated them as it engulfed Naraku.

'Just a little longer. A little longer!' Naraku pleaded in his mind

(Scene Change)

As they worked to evacuate the villagers, Kikyo and Kaede realized that Naraku wanted to end there, since things started there for him, as Onigumo.

(Scene Change)

Naraku continued firing more miasma meteors towards the group, which Kenshiro and Inuyasha continuously countered with Meido Blades and Meido Claws, shredding Naraku's body even further in the process.

"It's useless, Naraku. You've lost this fight." Kenshiro stated flatly "No matter how much you try to resist it, your body is falling apart."

"Enough of my body still remains. Enough to wipe out a single village, at least!" Naraku retorted.

Kenshiro and everyone else had all been thinking the same thing, once they realized what he meant 'Oh ****.'

(Scene Change)

As they flew outside Naraku's body, Kohaku and the others noticed the miasma meteors falling to the ground, killing anything they came into contact with.

(Scene Change)

"Naraku, you bastard!" Inuyasha snarled

"Don't tell me you all didn't realize where we were." Naraku spat "It's too late now! If you kill me, my miasma-latent corpse will descend on the village, destroying everything!"

"Not while we're still breathing." Sesshomaru retorted as he cut Naraku's body in half with his Dragon Burst.

But as Kagome sensed, the Shikon jewel was still there, and Naraku's body was falling by his will.

Realizing this, everyone quickly escaped Naraku's body as it began falling apart.

'I see.' Sesshomaru mused 'It would appear that not even Bakusaiga can cut the Shikon jewel.'

As Naraku's body descended towards the now destroyed forest surrounding the Bone-Eater's Well, Kenshiro and Inuyasha quickly disposed of it using their Meido Blades and Meido Claws, releasing a MASSIVE cloud of miasma.

Kagome's eyes widened as she sensed the jewel inside the cloud 'I see it! This is my chance! Believe in yourself and shoot. My arrow will pierce the Shikon jewel! I know it will!' and she fired her sacred arrow, which disappeared as soon as it came into contact with the miasma.

(Scene Change)

Inside, all that remained was the jewel and Naraku's head, as he recalled Kagome's earlier words about how the jewel never granted his real wish 'My real wish, you say? That's right…. Now I remember… All I wanted was Kikyo's heart… It seems I won't be joining Kikyo… In this, or the next world…' and with that, both he and the jewel were hit by Kagome's arrow, purifying both the jewel and the cloud of miasma.

(Scene Change)

Everyone looked on in astonishment as the miasma meteors disappeared, while the cloud of miasma above was being purified.

Suddenly, the mass crash to the ground, finally stopping, as Naraku's head, returned to its original appearance, appeared over the Bone-Eater's Well, surrounded by a pink light, along with the Shikon jewel, which was pierced by Kagome's arrow, and smirked "At that very moment, I made a final wish upon the Shikon jewel… The moment Byakuya of the Dreams cut you with his blade… That wish shall be granted when I die… Though it was not mine to begin with… The Shikon jewel forced me to make its wish… In the end, I was but its instrument…" and with that, Naraku vanished, along with the light.

Just to be sure, Miroku took the prayer beads off of his arm, and sure enough, the Wind Tunnel had disappeared.

"Has the Wind Tunnel disappeared?" asked Kikyo as she and Kaede approached.

Sango nodded, tears of joy brimming in her eyes "The curse has been broken!"

Kenshiro breathed a sigh of relief "Finally. I thought he'd never go down." then he remembered what he promised to do "Kagome, you know that thing I've been trying to tell you all day?"

Kagome nodded.

Kenshiro took a deep breath, and took her hands in his "Kagome, for the longest time, I've-" he was cut off when he noticed a Meido appear behind Kagome, swallowing her, before disappearing as suddenly as it had appeared.

Frantic, Kenshiro turned to Sesshomaru "You're the Meido expert! What the **** just happened?!"

"What?! I'm the answer to everything now?!" Sesshomaru barked

"Kenshiro, was Kagome really cut by Byakuya?" asked Jaken

Kenshiro nodded once "He slashed at her, but nothing happened, and I killed him with my Meido claws. Why?"

"Because we know what he did." explained Jaken "Shippo and I saw him inside Naraku's body. He was stealing demonic energy from the Meido Zangetsuha."

Kenshiro's eyes widened in a mix of shock, fear and horror.

"The well…" Kikyo gasped.

"What about it?" asked Koga

"What happened to the Bone-Eater's well?" Kaede clarified.

Like she said, the Bone-Eater's well had vanished without a trace.

(Scene Change)

Kai and the others were returning from their high school entrance ceremony, when they felt a large crashing sound from the shrine.

Rushing in to see what had happened, everyone was horrified to see that the well had vanished.

(Scene Change)

Feeling Ryuuga pulsing, Kenshiro drew his sword, not even bothering to summon it into the tiger-claw form 'Master Ryu, I understand what I have to do.'

"Right. Good luck, Kenshiro. And finally confess to her properly already, damnit!"

"What the **** do you think I've been trying to do?! Besides, if Naraku wanted to eliminate Kagome, he could've done so a long time ago. Instead, he was focused on reaching the well. What was Naraku's final wish?"

"Kenshiro!" Koga shouted, snapping him from his thoughts "What happened to the Shikon jewel?!"

Kenshiro's eyes widened in realization Of course! The Shikon jewel was afraid of Kagome! At the very end, it would've done anything to survive! So there's no way it could risk letting her live! Kagome… Hang in there, my love! I'll find you no matter what it takes!"

(Scene Change)

Kagome opened her eyes, and found herself in an endless black void.

"The well had been sealed. There is nowhere for you to go." a voice called out to her.

Kagome looked and saw the Shikon jewel, pierced by her arrow.

(Scene Change)

"Kagome! Where are you?!" Kenshiro screamed as he searched through the Meido 'I have to keep searching! She has to be somewhere in this Meido! She has to be! SHE HAS TO!'

Then he heard the voices of Hiyori, Ichigo, Raidou, Arashi, Sota and everybody else "Guys! Isn't Kagome there with you?!"

"The Bone-Eater's well has disappeared!" Grandpa Higurashi called out "What on earth happened on that side?!"

"Kenshiro, do you know where Kagome is?!" Mrs Higurashi called out

"Is sis okay?! Did someone hurt her?!" Sota called out

"Is Kazuma okay?!" Hiyori called out

"Don't worry!" Kenshiro shouted "I promise you, I'm gonna find them. And Kazuma's back in the village! He's fine, so don't worry! Oh, and Ichigo? You're about to be the only single guy."

"You mean you're finally gonna do it?" asked Ichigo.

"You know it. I'm gonna tell her. Just hang one a little longer, guys! Me, my brother, and my new girlfriend will be back by dinner!" and he flew off in search of the woman he loved, to finally confess….

(Scene Change)

Kagome looked at the jewel, wanting answers "Where am I? What did you do to me?"

"Kagome, do you wish to return to that world?" the voice questioned "It's not too late. Wish upon the Shikon jewel, and you shall return home once more. That, or do nothing, and you shall spend the rest of eternity here, alone in the darkness."

(Scene Change)

Kenshiro continued searching for Kagome, when he was confronted by a massive dragon-like demon, who lunged at him, before Kenshiro sliced it to bits with the Dragon Cyclone "I recognize that demonic energy. Magatsuhi!"

Magatsuhi split apart into several demons.

"I tore Magatsuhi to pieces, and it's already regenerating." Kenshiro muttered "Even if he is Magatsuhi, he shouldn't be this powerful."

"There's no need to search." the demons hissed "The priestess will be here shortly. We can sense her heart trembling with fear in the darkness."

(Scene Change)

"No one can hear you." the jewel stated as Kagome tried calling out for Kenshiro or the others "No one will come."

(Scene Change)

"Soon, she will give in to her fear of the darkness and wish upon the Shikon jewel." the demons hissed "She will wished to be saved. Already, she longs to escape the darkness and return to the peaceful world you both once knew."

"So the Shikon jewel was never destroyed." Kenshiro snarled

"Haven't you noticed, human?" they hissed "Where you are now is inside the Shikon jewel. And should Kagome choose to save herself, she will spend eternity here along with you. Once she is imprisoned in the jewel, she will be forced to do battle against us for all eternity!"

"No ****ing way I'll let you imprison the woman I love!" Kenshiro snarled

"The Shikon jewel will never be destroyed!" the demon hissed "The battle will continued within the jewel, just as it always has, until it is passed onto another, who will use it for dark purposes! This the never ending cycle!"

Enraged, Kenshiro started slashing at the demons "Don't give in Kagome! Please, just hold on until I get there! Don't make any wishes! KAGOME!"

(Scene Change)

Shippo was staring at the spot where the well was supposed to be, worried.

"Take a break Shippo." Sango told him "Let us take over. Your health will suffer if you don't get some rest."

Shippo shook his head "What happened to them? Where did they go?"

Kazuma sighed "With Naraku gone, I thought it would be over. But I guess we were wrong. Our fates remain tied to the Shikon jewel."

Sesshomaru walked over to them "You doubt them, Kazuma. Kenshiro is strong, as is Kagome. They will return, alive and well. I'm sure of it."

Koga nodded "Besides, Kenshiro still owes me a fight, so I can earn my woman."

(Scene Change)

Sota was staring at the spot where the well was supposed to be, worried.

"Take a break Sota." Ichigo told him "I've got it from here, you go get some rest."

Sota shook his head "What happened to the well?"

"With Naraku dead and gone, I thought it would be over. But I guess we were wrong, their fates remain tied to the Shikon jewel. But Kenshiro is strong, and so is Kagome. They'll make it back alive, I'm sure of it."

(Scene Change)

Kenshiro continued slashing the demons to bits upon summoning the naginata form of the Ryuuga, until something caught his eyes "What the…?"

A woman in armor was battling several demons, slashing them with spiritual energy from her sword, but they just kept regenerating.

"That is the priestess who created the Shikon jewel!" the demons hissed

Kenshiro looked on, amazed by her power "So that was lady Midoriko?"

"She has been locked in battle with us for hundreds of years!" they hissed "Ever since the jewel was born! And Kagome will suffer the same fate!"

"There'll be a ****ing ice age in hell before I let that happen!" Kenshiro snarled as he launched a Dragon Magma, incinerating the demons.

But behind them, he saw a massive spider web, and was furious at what he saw at the center "Naraku! He's still alive?!"

"He's dead." the demons hissed "But soon, he shall come back to life. When Kagome gives in to her fear of the darkness and falls prey to the trap set by the jewel, Naraku will awaken, and a new battle of souls will begin within the Shikon jewel! A battle that will continue forever! From the very moment that the Shikon jewel was first transported through time to the Feudal Era, from the beginning, this has been Kagome's fate!"

"So that's why the Shikon jewel brought Kagome and Naraku here." Kenshiro realized "It wants their souls to fight each other for all eternity."

"Kagome was born to become part of the jewel and fight within it! That is the point of her existence!" the demons hissed

Kenshiro was absolutely livid "You're wrong! That's not why Kagome was born, and I'll prove it to you, Magatsuhi!" and he launched a Dragon Flash at the demons "Master Ryu, is what they said true?"

"Yes. But there's one last thing you must know, Kenshiro. This may have been Kagome's destiny, but your destiny, however, is another story."

"My destiny? What do you mean?"

"I mean that you were sent here to help Kagome destroy the Shikon jewel! You see, lady Midoriko is my grandmother. My grandfather, Kageryu, knew that this would happen from the very moment the jewel was created, so my seal has been moved from one soul to another, starting with him and moving from host to host throughout the millennia, the most recent of which being Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's uncle, Inuboshi. He arranged for the next to be a human of Kamikaze blood, but none of them were worthy except you for your strength of character and good heart. You, Kenshiro, are destined to destroy the jewel. You, Kenshiro, are destined to save the world from its clutches. You, Kenshiro, are destined to be with Kagome until the day you die. Now go. Go, Kenshiro Kamikaze. Go, and rid the world of the Shikon jewel forever!"

"I plan on it!"

Kenshiro suddenly was engulfed in a white light. When the light dissipated, the scales on the blade of the Ryuuga were now light blue instead of gold, as was Kenshiro's kimono "Kagome taught me how to smile… more than that, she taught me how to believe in people… Kagome was the reason I was able to make friends, and rely on those friends… to shed tears for others, to understand the meaning of true strength and kindness… those are all things Kagome taught me… Arashi, Raidou, Inuyasha, Shippo, Miroku, Sango, Koga, Kohaku, Sesshomaru… Kagome is the reason I have all of those bonds, so this… This can't be her fate, and as long as I'm still breathing and have the spirits of the past Ryuuga-masters coursing through my soul, then I vow on them that it won't be her fate! Kagome came into this world to be with me, and I was born for her!"

(Scene Change)

"You're not going to make a wish?" the jewel questioned "So, you're choosing eternal solitude in this darkness, instead."

Kagome felt tears brimming in her eyes.

(Scene Change)

"Kagome!" Kenshiro screamed "I'm coming! Can you hear my voice?! Kagome! Can you hear me? KAGOME!"

(Scene Change)

Kagome's eyes widened as she heard his voice "Kenshiro? I can hear Kenshiro's voice!"

"Don't make any wishes, Kagome! Promise me you won't! Just hold on until I get there! And Kagome, when I do, I've got something I want to tell you. Something I've wanted to tell you for a long time."

"Kenshiro! I can hear your voice!"

"Do you wish to see Kenshiro?" the jewel questioned "Answer me, Kagome. Do you wish to see him?"

Kagome looked at the jewel "Just like Kikyo? She wished to see Inuyasha again. And even Naraku. I'm sure his wish was a modest one too. What they didn't know is that the Shikon jewel never grants your real wish."

"Then, what will you do?"

Kagome felt tears brimming in her eyes.

(Scene Change)

"It is as we told you." the demons hissed "There's only one way for the two of you to meet again. And that is for Kagome to wish upon the jewel and be trapped within it as a fallen priestess! You've made it worse human, for the sound of your voice has only given Kagome false hope. Now, she will undoubtedly make a wish. We will not let her hear your voice again!"

"Shut up!" Kenshiro continued slashing through the demons, the demonic energy emitting from the blade creating a chain-reaction that spread to the others one by one, similar to the power of Sesshomaru's Bakusaiga "Kagome!"

(Scene Change)

"Be true to your heart, Kagome." the jewel told her "You want to see Kenshiro. Wish it, and it shall be so."

"Is that the one and only correct wish?" asked Kagome, recalling what Kenshiro and her grandpa had told her before "The one and only correct wish. I just figured it out. I understand now."

(Scene Change)

Kenshiro continued slaying the demons "Where are you?! KAGOME!"

He constantly tried to fly after her, but just kept going in circles.

But he wouldn't give up.

Not until Kagome was safe in his arms again.

(Scene Change)

"Kenshiro has always come for me." Kagome told herself "I've made my choice. I have no wish. Kenshiro will come for me. I believe in him. It will be fine. I believe in you, Kenshiro."

(Scene Change)

As Kenshiro started slashing through the webs, he saw a pure light, creating a fissure in the darkness, and he felt Ryuuga pulsing "I have to cut through it, don't I? Alright then. Come on Ryuuga, I believe in you! Meido Zangetsuha!" and the Meido blade opened a path in the fissure of light, which Kenshiro quickly jumped through.

(Scene Change)

Kagome suddenly found herself face to face with Kenshiro, as she felt tears of joy and relief swelling up in her eyes at the sight of the man she'd grown to fall in love with "Kenshiro…"

Without a word, they hugged, before FINALLY engaging each other in a long, passionate kiss.

Kenshiro broke the kiss and smiled "Finally… I've been waiting to do that for so long… Kagome, I've been in love with you for as long as I can remember. You taught me how to smile. You taught me how to believe in people. You're the reason I was able to make friends, and rely on those friends. To shed tears for others. To understand the meaning of true strength and kindness. Those are all things you taught me. Ever since I was young, ever since we first met, I knew you were the one I was destined to fall in love with, and spend my life with. I've never stopped loving you Kagome, not even for a second."

Kagome was extremely touched "Kenshiro, I heard you tell Inuyasha about your feelings for me. I never said anything because I was afraid of hurting you. I think it was then that I started to realize my feelings for you. And after some counseling from Arashi, Raidou and Kazuma, and a long talk with Ichigo before we left, I finally realized what all of it meant. I'm in love with you Kenshiro, and I'm so sorry it took me so long to realize it."

Kenshiro's grin never faltered 'Well, I'll just beat the crap out of those three idiots later. Still, I'd better thank Ichigo for that. Now then, let's do this Kagome." and they turned their attention to the Shikon jewel.

"Shikon jewel, I'm ready to make my wish." Kagome declared 'If Kenshiro hadn't come, I would've given into my fear of the darkness, and I never would've found the correct wish. But now, with Kenshiro beside me, I'm not afraid anymore! Shikon jewel, disappear! Forever!" and with that, the jewel shattered, the darkness being enveloped by a pure light.

Within the darkness, Midoriko stopped fighting a the light enveloped her, and she disappeared, along with the demons.

As Naraku was hit by the light, he opened his eyes and smiled "I feel so warm… So this is how it feels to be at peace…" and with that, he disappeared.

"It's over now." Kagome whispered

Kenshiro nodded "Yeah. It's finally over. Kagome, now that I have a chance, will you officially be my girlfriend?"

Kagome smiled "Yes. I will." and they kissed once more, as a white light appeared before them, before Midoriko appeared in front of them "Kenshiro Kamikaze. Kagome Higurashi. Thanks to you, the Shikon jewel is gone forever, and the world is safe. And for that, I thank you. As a reward, I shall grant you one wish."

Kenshiro went up to her "Lady Midoriko, my wish is to revive all of those who have died due to the actions of Naraku and his allies, with the exception of those who don't wish to return, with no memory of how they died."

"Your wishes have been granted, now my soul may rest in peace." and with that, she vanished as the white light surrounded Kenshiro and Kagome.

Kenshiro, Kagome and Kazuma suddenly appeared in the well, in front of their family and friends.

Kenshiro grinned "Hey. What'd we miss?"

Kagome almost immediately had a tearful reunion with her family "I'm fine, Kenshiro saved my life."

Kenshiro smiled and gave Kagome a quick peck on the lips as he slung his arm over her shoulder "Well, why wouldn't I save my girlfriend?"

Everyone started choking on their own spit.

Ichigo and the guys patted him on the shoulder "Way to go man, you finally did it."

Kenshiro grinned and nodded "Yeah. Just one thing…" he drew the Ryuuga "How long have you guys, minus Ichigo, known that Kagome overheard me telling Inuyasha I love her, and never told me?"

Without a word, the three started running, with Kenshiro hot on their trails.

Kagome smiled at her new boyfriend, but noticed a spiritual energy signature form above them.

She looked, but she didn't see anyone there…