Hello everybody and anybody reading INUYASHA TAKAHASHI!
*Sniffsniff*
It's over! INUYASHA TAKAHASHI is finally finished. I hope you enjoy this final addition to my fanfic.
For all my reviewers and readers I want to say thank you for giving my fanfiction a chance to read. I know how it wasn't the greatest, but I am very proud of it. I have many other fanfics that I will be publishing soon, both on this account and on my other account ROSELYNNTAMA, and I want be honored if you read them as well.
Disclaimer: I have no claim to anything
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Chapter 27: Returning Home Victorious
Once outside of the dingy castle, expressions were exchanged between the small group, and even some hugs were shared by the three Hunters. Although Kagome was still bothered by the fact that Sesshomaru asked Inuyasha to lie to her, she had forgiven them both. Now that the sun had broke out over the horizon and their as locating Sango's precious bane boomerang, they were finally able to return to Kyoko.
Kagome should have felt happy and at peace, now that Naraku was no longer apart of this world, but instead she felt anxious and solemn. What would happen now that her family's obligations had been fulfilled?
Well she did know.
She would be expected to take up the role of Lady Higurashi of Kyoko and marry some young man of high village status. And what of the two Order members? Most likely they would return to China and never come back. Would she ever see Inuyasha again? Probably not. Destiny had brought them together and now it was pulling them apart. In honor of her family she would take control of their estate and Inuyasha was bound to an organization to keep demons and monsters at bay.
'Maybe I'm the one whose really cursed?'
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As expected the village rejoiced in the return of the heroes who had saved them from the infamous vampire lord. The group was welcomed and congratulated by every man, woman and child. A banquet and accompanying festivities were announced by the village council and everyone set to work. The five heroes retired to the manor so as to freshen up and rest.
(AN: Please note that Inuyasha and Sesshomaru are hooded).
"Thank goodness you came back. I've been so worried" fussed Rin when she greeted them at the door. She threw her small arms around both Sango and Kagome, squeezing the pair tightly.
"Rin, we need air" Kagome huffed.
"Oh sorry" apologized the tiny healer, releasing the two women. Sango grimaced slightly as she rubbed her arm to get the circulation going.
"Hello Rin"
Dark brown eyes widened as she slowly turned her gaze up to the cloaked figure of Sesshomaru who towered over her only his face visible. Water pooled beneath her eyes, her mouth opening and closing as she tried to find her voice.
"Se-see-homaru?"
He nodded. Barely bracing for impact, Sesshomaru nearly unbalanced when Rin flung herself to his chest. Blinking in surprise, he looked at Sango and Kagome, who were smiling secretly, in confusion.
"I was so scared when you left without warning. I was afraid that I would never see you again!" she cried with her shoulders shaking. Strong arms wrapped around the healer's small frame, comforting Rin. After a long moment, one of those large hands tilted her chin up. Taken aback, Rin was not expecting it when warm lips pressed firmly against her own.
Kagome almost squealed with girlish giddiness and Sango had no clamp a hand over her mouth to stifle it.
Miroku simply smiled and shaking his head followed Inuyasha out of the entrance hall. Inuyasha had hardly spoken in more than a single sentence at a time since they had left the mountainside castle and Miroku worried about his friend.
The second Inuyasha entered the guest room he had been given before, he whipped the tattered cloak he had salvaged from the castle, off his person.
"Damn, constricting piece of worthless cloth" he cursed softly crossing his arms and flopping on the bed, glaring at the room. The villagers may have welcomed him, but he wondered if they would have been so warm if he had not worn the makeshift disguise. Human's naturally feared the supernatural.
Sesshomaru was fortunate that he was the most human looking out of the two of them. He didn't have dog ears, which could never pass for human.
"You seem a lot more moodier than usual, especially for someone who defeated such a powerful Over Lord"
"Leave me be, Miroku" Inuyasha stated, rolling over on his side, away from his observant partner.
"At last, a full sentence. Perhaps we can get somewhere" nodded Miroku, leaning against the door.
"The only place we're going us back to China tonight"
"So soon, after the celebration?" Miroku frowned, brows furrowing.
"Before"
"But, Inuyasha it would be rude to leave before we attended a banquet made in our honor. Why not ju-?"
"Stay if you want to. I'm setting out with or without you. I want to talk with Totosai about he plans to do to me" Inuyasha snapped bitterly.
Miroku was momentarily speechless.
"Inuyasha. I don't believe that Totosai will do anything. Once we explain what has happened, there will be nothing to worry about" consoled the monk.
"Nothing to worry about?" repeated the whole haired ma, sounding almost dangerous, "Keh. I don't think so. The lifelong mission of the Order is to destroy evil and guess what I am. Even if Totosai doesn't think I'm a threat, he won't have a choice, but cast me out. And where will I be then, huh?" his voice rose with every sentence, until he just glared furiously, having sat up rigidly.
"Negatively will get you no where my friend. Even if the rest of mankind doesn't accept you, there are some people who do, no matter your appearance. What will it hurt to enjoy the time you can spend with them here?"
Without saying another word, the monk left so that Inuyasha could reflect on his words.
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"And that is the end of it. Apparently the jewel has taken the beast out of me, although I will always stay in this form" Sesshomaru explained, having sat down with Rin, Kagome and Sango in the library.
"Tonight I will tell the villagers that there will be nothing to fear from you Sesshomaru and if they don't believe me, I will show them this" announced Kagome, holding up the Shikon Jewel, "I know that with Keade being a priestess, she will understand"
"Speaking of tonight, we need to get you ready" said Rin, standing up, "From what I have heard there will be several announcements at the banquet and we need the future ruler to make a good impression"
Kagome almost looked defeated, she had a good idea of what those announcements would be about. However, duty called. Attempting to appear cheerful as oppose to disdainful of her position. She smiled, although a little fearfully.
"Then what are we waiting for?"
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The village seemed more alive than it ever had before. There was no doubt that they would be able to enjoy themselves without having to keep guards posted or continuously looking up to inspect the sky. Lanterns were hanging everywhere and young children who were rarely allowed to be out after sunset, raced around the streets happily, making loud sounds of awe up to the stars in the sky. Mothers, widows and unmarried maidens bustled about to keep an eye on the little ones and lay out the food. Men of all ages, excluding children joked and even rough housed.
This was the kind of place, Inuyasha wished to be a part of. A place of simple pleasure now that Kyoko was free. He longed to cast aside his cloak and join the arm wrestling match, some of the young men were participating in, but he restrained himself. Inuyasha had taken Miroku's words to heart and made the decision to stay for the festivities, even if he wouldn't participate. To be honest the only reason he chose to stay was because he wanted to see Kagome as much as he could before he rode away to China.
He wanted to stay with her, but he had his responsibilities and she had hers. Even though he had tried not to, he had broken the rule.
Don't get attached.
But he didn't just break it. No, he shattered it.
Miroku who sat beside his friend at the guest of honor table, noticed the insistent tapping of Inuyasha's claws under the wood of the table.
"Patience is a virtue, Inuyasha"
"Keh, you know what Miroku?"
"What?'
"You are one annoying son of a bi-"
"Good evening you two" Sango suddenly greeted, taking a seat beside Miroku, her hand finding his under the table.
"And to you, my fiery lady" answered Miroku, squeezing her hand back.
"Are you enjoying yourselves so far?"
"Yeah, hey where is Kagome?" Inuyasha asked, waving off her question. Sango ignored the half demon's rudeness and replied.
"Kagome and the council are just about to open the banquet. She will be arriving with them"
No sooner had the Huntress spoken that a gong rang, effectively quieting the crowd. like an unspoken command, people began taking seats around the scattered tables or sitting upon laid out table cloths. A small procession of elderly men and some women, moved through the crowd accompanied by Sesshomaru, who was dressed in a Hunter's uniform which was actually more formal looking than Sango and Kagome's.
"Even though the people see Kagome as the head of the Hunters, she's more of a figurehead. Now that she will take up leadership, Sesshomaru is now head Hunter" explained Sango, when she caught sight of the puzzled expression on Miroku's face. The last person of the procession was a certain twenty-three year old woman.
Inuyasha gaped somewhat openly amber eyes widened like saucers and his face warmed as his heart started to beat faster.
Kagome was dressed in a flowing oceanic blue kimono with a silver obi wrapped around her waist. Her glossy raven hair was bedecked with smaller silver ribbons in a fanned up do, which showed off her heart-shaped face. A small golden pendant of a flaming sun hung from her throat. She was a vision.
Kagome was the only one standing at the table on the raised dais, overlooking all the villagers. A soft smile made her face glow as she outstretched her arms in a welcoming manner, keeping mindful of her sleeves.
"Tonight we celebrate the defeat of Kyoko's greatest enemy" Screaming cheers rose from the crowd at this statement "This would have not been possible if it were not for our loyal Hunters; Sesshomaru and Sango" More cheers "Or our honored guests; Inuyasha Takahashi and Monk Miroku" Another round of clapping and shouting. This time Kagome waited till the crowd settled down.
"However, in order to destroy Naraku, two of our people had to make the ultimate sacrifice. Their humanity. Fortunately by divine intervention, both have been cured from the werecreature curse by the Shikon Jewel. There is nothing to fear from werecreatures anymore, as long as we have the jewel. We have lived in constant terror for far too long, my friends. Let us live in fear no more!" she exclaimed, strokes the excitement of the once again cheering crowd.
"I've never heard her address the village like this" Sango mentioned off hand quietly.
"What do you mean, Sango?" Miroku wondered just as quietly.
"Kagome has never liked public speaking. Yes, she can do it well, but she's always afraid that she will make a fool of herself. Being a captain is different than being a Lady. I have a feeling that she will not enjoy it" Sango replied, knowingly.
Inuyasha's eyes never left Kagome and he almost prayed that she would meet his gaze. A stout male elder, stood up stiffly, motioning for Kagome to sit down. The elder reminded Inuyasha of a short and fatter Totosai, but he also looked a bit like a large flea man.
"Thank you for your inspiring words, Mistress Higurashi. I, too would like to express my gratitude for our five conquerors, as does the rest of the council. In light of this development, there are a few announcements to be made. Starting a week from tomorrow the Hunters will be searching and escorting traders and merchants from surrounding villages to make business with our own. Secondly a monument of stone will begin construction to mark this life changing day. Thirdly we will begin to search for the future husband of Kagome Higurashi, Lady of Kyoko and the new lord who will rule alongside her"
A stone seemed to drop into the pit of Inuyasha's stomach. Kagome would be looking for a husband?
So soon after everything that happened?
Sapphire orbs caught his own, drowning him in a current of raw and mixed emotions. He tore his eyes away, unable to look at her now. He should have known that once he left to go back to China, that she would need to marry.
The lucky son of a bitch, whoever he would be.
Jealously crept up his neck like a spider at the thought of anyone else, gazing into her oceanic eyes, holding her slender hand, kissing those rosy lips of hers. Risking a glance at said woman, Inuyasha saw her clutch her golden pendant, her face sorrowful, thoughtful.
'I can never be with Kagome. I just have to face it, but for once. I'm just going to be the coward. The sooner I leave the better'
No one seemed to notice when the cloaked guest of honor, slipped silently from his chair, not even Miroku or Sango. He loathed his self pity and had no reason to stay surrounded by overly happy people.
"There is something I wish to say!" Kagome exclaimed. Everyone stopped short at the sudden shout that came from the village head, even Inuyasha turned back to listen to Kagome's words.
"My family has always been head of Kyoko village. It has, been our mission to lead and protect the people, by putting our safety as a second priority" The silence was so thick you could hear a pin drop" All my life, I have tried to keep this close to my heart. It was my ultimate goal to destroy Naraku so that I could restore this village to the glory it must have been a century ago. However, I don't believe I can"
At this, cries of protest rang through the villagers. The elders, save Keade, were too shocked to interject. Holding up her hand, Kagome continued, "I want to explore the world that we have been kept from and I cannot do that when I am bound so furiously here. So, I Lady Kagome, hereby pass leadership of Kyoko Village to Head Hunter Sesshomaru Taisho"
Kagome caught said man's eye, a pleading clear in her own. Sesshomaru stood, two heads taller than the woman before going down onto one knee, head bowed, right hand resting on his left chest. The villagers and council members waited with bated breath for Sesshomaru's answer.
"I accept"
Roars of approval erupted forth. A better choice of leader couldn't have been made, after all, Sesshomaru was well respected by all the people.
In all the excitement, Kagome stepped away from the raised table and disappeared behind one of the shops, her silver obi fluttering like a beacon to beckon an observing Inuyasha. Kagome looked over her shoulder to make sure no one followed. Sighing in relief that no one stopped her, she took out the ribbons decorating her long silky hair. That speech had been terrifying and the fresh air was welcomed into her lungs.
"I did it" she said, feeling accomplished.
"But why?"
"Ahhh" she managed a small squeak before her mouth was clamped shut.
"For someone who claims to be a warrior, you sure are caught unaware all the time" a husky voice chuckled.
'I should have known' she scolded herself.
"And for someone who claims to be an assassin" she began, prying Inuyasha hand from her mouth, "you give yourself away to your victims too easily"
Grasping her shoulders, Inuyasha turned Kagome around so he could see her beautiful face. Placing her hands over top his, Kagome tried to meet his look, which was difficult with his hooded cloak.
"Why did you give everything up?" he asked.
"For three very simple reasons. I would not be happy being the obedient ruler, I really want to see the world and..." she paused, reaching up to pull off his hood, freeing his face of shadows and the brilliant white of his hair, along with the intriguing dog ears atop his head, "because I love you too much to marry some other man" She punctuated this with a light teasing kiss, purposely missing his lips.
"I want to go with you, to the Order. I want to be with you, Inuyasha. Forever" Inuyasha crushed Kagome's body to his own, pulling Kagome into a passion filled kiss.
"I don't think forever is long enough"
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"Kagome?"
"Yes Rin?"
"Everyone is ready to bid you, farewell. Are you ready?" the healer inquired, standing at the door to the former Lady's room.
Kagome closed the clothe pack that sat on her bed. Giving another quick glance around to make certain that she didn't forget anything. Nodding in satisfaction, she slung the traveling bag over her shoulder and turned to follow behind Rin. She paused momentarily at the hall of her family's portraits.
"Good bye, everyone. I will always remember you, all of you" she whispered, walking away. Passing through the main doors of the manor, Kagome was greeted by her friends and villagers. Three horses were held stationary by three small stable boys, ready to go. Rin, who was closest, hugged the woman first. Stepping back the allowed Sesshomaru to bid Kagome goodbye.
"You will always be welcome here, Kagome" he said with a cool demeanor, although his amber eyes betrayed the faint sorrow he felt.
"Thank you Sesshomaru. For everything" replied Kagome and whispering into his pointed ear she told him point blank, "If you don't marry Rin soon, I'll have to just come back and force you to"
"I will keep that in mind" chuckled the new village head.
"Rin, take care of this icicle" Kagome giggled.
"I will" Rin sniffed, drabbing her tears away.
As Kagome stepped closer to the horses, the people she passed bowed their heads respectfully.
'Am I making the right choice?' she couldn't help but wonder, 'Yes I am'
Sango was already beside the horses, the two male Order members and Jinenji, a traveling pack strapped to her back and long cloak draped over her shoulders.
"Couldn't have asked for a better day to ride, eh Kagome?" Sango asked rhetorically. Yes, after Miroku had found out that Kagome had decided to go to China with Inuyasha, he wasted no time in asking Sango to come as well.
She had agreed of course.
"No, today's perfect" answered Kagome, smiling.
"Well, shall we go? We have a long way to get to the part and I doubt that Jinenji likes the idea of riding horses at night" Miroku pointed out.
"The power of observation is not wasted on you I see" Jinenji intoned, shaking his deformed head. Despite the kindness of Kyoko's villagers. Jinenji did not like being in the crowded village.
"Then what are we doing just hanging around? Keh, let's get going" scoffed the half demon.
Gracefully, Inuyasha jumped onto the black mare's back, offering a clawed hand toward Kagome. Miroku, following Inuyasha's lead, straddled a different horse, before Sango could claim one, the last being taken by Jinenji.
Both women exchanged amused glances and shook their heads. Choosing to humor their men, they accepted the offered hands. After all, men were too easy to please. Riding from the village, Kagome took the chance to give her old home, one last look, a small tug, pulling her heart strings.
"You sure you won't regret this? Inuyasha questioned, not taking his eyes off the road. Mentally, he tried to prepare himself if she said that she did. Her happiness was more important than his own and if she would be happier in Kyoko. So be it. Kagome slipped her arms around Inuyasha's waist, pressing the side of her face against his back she declared.
"Not as long as I'm with you, Inuyasha Takahashi"
THE END
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Please R&R
FINAL ANSWER:
I am a HUGE movie, show and book fanic. I want to have a room dedicated to each thing when I have my own house. However, if I had to choose one movie in which I could chance the end it would be: Phatom of the Opera. I feel soooooo bad for the phatom and if I could change it I would make it so that she ended up with him and that he wasn't so crazy.
