Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha! I do Kera, all OC's, the plot, and story line. There. I said it. (sighs)
Chapter 38:
Bankotsu collected his son and led his wife back to their friends. They made camp and slept. In the morning Jakotsu was happily bouncing his niece and announced that he was staying. After a tearful goodbye to his best friend and his family, Jakotsu began planting the seeds that had been entrusted to him.
Kera and her family, along with her twin and brother in law, all traveled to Kaede's village. Bankotsu handed Kagome Jakotsu's shard and said, "Here Ja doesn't need this anymore," smirking at the stunned expressions on her and Inuyasha's faces.
Kera held her daughter and said happily, "Ban and I are taking the kids to meet their grandparents."
Over the last two weeks she and her mate had been having some heavy discussions about things. Kagome smiled and decided now was the time to make her decision known. She announced, "Inuyasha and I will stay here Kera. I hope that you and Bankotsu have a happily life together," as she hugged her twin.
Kera asked, "Wait you mean," staring at her twin in shock. Gasping she asked, "Kagome are you-"
Kagome confirmed, "Yes I am staying here, and once you four go through I will ask Kaede to help me seal the well."
"K... Kags?" Kera said sadly, staring searchingly into her twin's eyes.
Kagome smiled assuring, "I will be safe Kera and Inuyasha and I will keep the jewel from ever falling into the wrong hands again." Grinning she declared proudly, "I am the shikon's guardian after all."
Handing her a note Kagome requested, "Give this to mama and daddy for me, please?"
Kera gave her a small smile and said, "I will." placing the letter in her bag.
"I love you Kags, be happy," she whispered kissing her sister's cheek and turned to her husband with tears in her eyes.
Kagome smiled, "I love you too Kera. Tell everyone that I send my love," smiling at her niece and nephew.
Bankotsu hugged Kagome saying gruffly, "Take care miko," sending her a warm smile and placing a brotherly kiss on her forehead.
She hugged him back assuring, "I will, you take care of my sister and your kids."
He grinned assuring, "I will." and stepped back.
Kera hugged Inuyasha and whispered, "Keep her safe Inuyasha, I'm counting on you." pulling back to gaze into his golden eyes.
He hugged her back answering, "I will. You protect those pups."
She gave him a watery smile and said, "Always," before moving back.
Inuyasha and Bankotsu exchanged slaps on the back and handshakes while saying their goodbyes and promised to care for their respected wives and families.
Kagome wrapped her arms around her mate's waist and buried her head on his chest to hide her tears.
Bankotsu strapped Banryu on his back and wrapped his son who was in the baby sling on his chest, protectively in his arms before leaping into the well. A minute later with tears falling down her cheeks Kera held her daughter in the same manner and leapt into the well. Kagome cried into Inuyasha's chest as he held her just staring at the well.
On the other side of the well:
Bankotsu was nervously waiting for his wife and daughter to come through. Once he heard Kera climbing up the well he sighed in relief. He reached out his free hand to help her over the well and placed her on her feet asking concerned, "You okay love?" looking at her with concerned eyes.
Kera wiped away her tears with one hand and said, "Yeah, I just miss her is all."
Bankotsu smiled asking, "Shall we go introduce your parents to their grandchildren?"
Kera nodded and smiled saying, "Mama will be ecstatic."
Bankotsu laughed saying, "She sure will."
Taking a deep breath they held hands, each carrying a child and walked towards the house.
In the Feudal Era:
The jewel glowed brightly a moment, then flickered and went silent. Kagome took a deep breath saying, "Inuyasha retrieve Kaede, it's time."
Inuyasha nodded and left to retrieve the old priestess. They arrived a few minutes later and Kaede slid off of his back asking, "Are ya certain child that ye wish to do this?" scanning the younger miko's eyes.
Kagome stared her in the eyes answering seriously, "Hai Kaede, I will not allow any harm to threaten my family back in my time- ever again," with resolve firmly in her eyes.
Kaede nodded and she and Kagome began sealing the bone eater's well shut. Once it was done she said, "Ye have done well Kagome. Ye ancestors would be proud."
Kagome smiled saying softly, "Thank you Kaede," and slipped her hand into her mate's as they all three began walking back to the village.
In the Modern Era:
Kera and Bankotsu walked in announcing, "We're home," and stood in the doorway waiting for her parents.
Grinning Kona asked excitedly, "How was the trip?" Before spotting the babies and squealing, "Yes, I have grandchildren to hold," as she quickly ran over to hold her precious grandkids.
Soru laughed accepting his grandson and asked, "So how did it go?"
Kera sighed and answered, "Its done father. Bankotsu avenged his men and Kagome completed her quest," as her lower lip began trembling.
Soru spotted this and asked concerned, "What's wrong baby girl?" Unable to speak Kera bowed her head and handed him the letter from Kagome.
Dear mom, dad, Souta, and grandpa,
We have completed our quest and Naraku is finally dead, however Inuyasha and I have discussed this at long length and we have decided that we will remain here and protect the jewel as was meant to be.
When I first came here the jewel was inside of me, soon the jewel will be returned inside of me and together we will continue to protect everyone from the dangers this jewel could cause to happen were it to fall into the wrong hands.
I love you all very much and wish you to live long happy lives. By the time you read this Kaede and I will have sealed the well to ensure that your ways of life can never be threatened again. Inuyasha and I are very happy together and all of you will forever be in my heart. I hope you will understand and will remember me and not be angry with my decision.
Mom: Thank you so much for everything that you have taught me, and for always allowing me to do what was right after the jewel broke. You taught me to believe in myself and trust my heart and that is what I am doing.
Souta: Thank you for being my little brother, and good luck. I know someday that you will become a famous soccer player- make me proud!
Grandpa: "Thank you for always loving and protecting me, as well as for sharing your stories with me. I will never forget your stories and will be sure to pass them down to our children, should we ever have any.
Dad: Though our time together was short, I will always treasure it! I'm glad that you came home and I got to really meet you. I know that we fought a lot and that you will probably be mad that I didn't graduate.
I have completed my science and sent it and the book back in Kera's bag. I placed it there while she and Bankotsu were off talking. I love you daddy and I'm sorry we didn't get much time together. But know this, the time we did get to have together will live on in my mind and heart forever.
Again I sincerely hope that all of you will understand and accept my decision and I will never forget any of you!
Love with all of my heart,
Kagome Higaurashi.
Soru looked at Kera and she nodded sadly, wiping tears from her eyes.
His hand shook as he held out the note to his wife. Eyes wide she handed her granddaughter to her mother and took the note reading it. Tears filled her eyes as she whispered shocked, "She's not coming back," and passed the letter to Guro who read it with tears in his eyes.
Souta stood confused asking, "What do you mean she's not coming back? Did something happen to Kagome? And Where's Inuyasha?" He was pulled aside by his father who explained everything and showed him the note. After reading the note Souta cried in his father's arms.
Kera bit her lower lip and held her daughter saying softly, "Kagome helped me deliver the kids when my water broke."
Kona held her grandson and cried a few minutes before asking, "Was she happy?"
Bankotsu answered hoarsely, "Hai mom, she was very happy," as he took his son, so that she could sit down still coming to grips that her precious daughter wasn't returning. Holding his son Bankotsu wrapped a comforting arm around his wife.
Kona nodded and smiled sadly saying, "Welcome home all of you," and sank into her chair unsure how to react. She had always wondered since Inuyasha first came here, if this was coming and thought she had prepared herself for it, but it was still quite a shock.
Soru walked back into the living room with a tearful Souta behind him and said, "You two must be tired. Spend the night here." Turning to Bankotsu he said, "The bassinets are finished and sitting in your room."
Bankotsu said, "Thanks dad," and went upstairs to retrieve their bassinets. He carefully placed Banryu under her bed before grabbing the bassinets and walking back down stairs.
Kera said softly, "Kagome said she sends her love to everyone," and lowered herself onto the couch unable to stand up anymore from the shock. Bankotsu gently placed his slumbering children it their bassinets on the floor and wrapped his arms around his wife.
She leaned into him and began crying softly from missing her twin. He sighed and sat with her on the couch sitting her in his lap and she buried her head on his chest allowing her tears to fall.
He rubbed her back assuring, "It's okay love," as he tried clumsily to comfort her. His own heart ached at the knowledge that he wouldn't see them or his best friend ever again.
Kona asked, "Would you two like some tea?" standing to walk into the kitchen.
Bankotsu nodded saying, "Thanks mom." She smiled and left to retrieve the tea for them.
Soru excused himself and went to check on his wife. Upon entering the kitchen he wrapped his arms around her and soothed, "It's okay love. We should remember that even though our little pumpkins isn't here that she is happy and with the man that she loves." as he too shed a few tears.
Kona sobbed, "I always thought this might happen, but I wasn't prepared for it to hurt so much," as she cried into his strong arms.
Soru held her replying, "I miss her too Kona," and sobbed into his wife's hair.
After a few minutes they pulled apart wiping their tears and Kona poured two glasses of tea, and then carried them into the living room. Soru sighed and followed after her.
Kona placed the tea on the table and smiled at her grandchildren asking, "So what did you two name them?"
Kera pulled back drying her own tears and smiled encouraging, "Go ahead Ban, tell them."
He nodded and kissed her cheek before answering proudly, "Taro, and Sachiko," as he smiled at his children.
Soru smiled saying, "Good names son." as he reached over to brush his hand over his grandkids' heads.
Bankotsu grinned saying, "Thanks dad." Adding, "We're going to take them to visit Arlin tomorrow."
Kona smiled saying, "Actually I called him when I first went into the kitchen, he should be here anytime now." as she stared down at her little miracles.
Kera grinned saying happily, "Thanks mama."
Bankotsu stared at Soru and said, "Devon and Kagome together helped Kera birth them."
Soru blinked and said, "I see," staring questioningly at his son in law.
Bankotsu finished, "He instructed Kagome on what to do." holding his father in law's gaze.
Soru smiled saying, "Then I guess I owe him," staring at his daughter.
Bankotsu chuckled and said, "He was just happy they had regained their friendship." Turning to his wife he added, "He asked me to tell you he will always be there for you."
Kera smiled and said, "Thanks Ban," nuzzling into his chest she said, "I love you."
He smiled and kissed her head replying, "I love you too Kera so much."
There was a knock and Kona stood up to answer the door. A minute later Arlin came into the room saying, "Alright, where are my great grand kids?"
Grinning as Bankotsu pointed to them greeting happily, "Yo," from his spot on the couch.
Arlin replied happily, "Hello son. Kera- looking great."
Kera blushed saying, "Thanks," glad to have started getting her flat tummy back.
Walking over to see his sleeping great grand kids, Arlin smiled asking, "What are their names?"
Bankotsu replied happily, "Taro and Sachiko," as he watched in amusement as the old man cooed to the sleeping infants.
Soru grinned and said, "Welcome home," as he smiled at his family. Though they were all sad that Kagome had chosen not to return, they were glad that she was happy and grateful that the others had returned safe and healthy.
In the Feudal Era with Jakotsu:
He smiled as his eyes roamed over the land that was once again showing signs of life. He had labored many days to plant all of the seeds that had been requested by his best friend.
Keeping Bankotsu's words in mind, he steered clear of the many graves and ensured that they remained undisturbed. The trees would take many years to grow, but he didn't mind.
The flowers were growing in abundance and the ground was starting to have spots of green begin to cover the floor. Just before winter hit the grass would grow tall and lush making this place pretty and perfect for snakes.
The snakes were his pets, his companions when he was lonely and they deterred any crop damaging rodents from trespassing on the lands. The water began to flow on a regular basis in the once sadly dried up creek beds.
He had built himself a small hut nothing fancy mind you, just enough to keep the weather out and him in. He smiled as the land began to bloom and show signs of life everywhere.
Smiling to himself while he smoked his fish and roasted his rabbits, Jakotsu knew his friends were happy and would be pleased with what he had done.
In Kera's time:
Several weeks had passed and the infants and Kera had officially been cleared by their doctor for travel.
Bankotsu was driving the SUV as his wife took a nap and the kids were safely in their car seats.
Kona, Guro, Soru, Souta, and Arlin had all climbed into Arlin's truck and they were currently heading to what would soon become Bankotsu, Kera, and the childrens' new home.
Construction on the cabin had been finished nearly a week ago, including the plumbing. Soru and Arlin had overseen to everything as Bankotsu had requested.
Bankotsu pulled onto the private path and smirked as the feeling of finally coming home where he belonged enveloped him.
Bankotsu continued down the dirt path and they emerged into a breath taking view of the land, trees, and nature in general. Up on a hill about twenty feet high, stood a beautiful log cabin. Its walls were a dark brown Oak, finely sanded down with varnish on the door. A brick chimney towered over the place, gleaming in the sun.
Pristine nature, all surrounded by the aesthetic beauty of the trees and flowers, and only the calling of birds and the rushing of the nearby springs could be heard aside from the vehicles currently working towards their destination.
Kera opened her eyes upon feeling the vehicle stop and gasped at the sight before them. Her breath hitched in shock at the open beauty of the land, nothing but nature at its finest, just like they would have found back in his time- with pomegranate, orange, apple, and banana trees as well.
She was astounded and pleased to know that a place like this still existed in this time. It looked like things would have back in her husband's time, and completely untouched- save for the log cabin, and what looked to be one withered old shack.
Bankotsu smiled at the look on her face, knowing that his decision to raise their family here had indeed been the right one. Turning his eyes back to the dirt road he slowly drove towards the cabin, where he cut the engine. Turning in his seat, he smiled at the stunned woman beside him. He exited the vehicle and stood before it opening his arms gesturing to their surroundings, and declared peacefully, "Welcome home love."
Kera gasped and asked, "You mean? Bankotsu do you meant that you own this place?" she asked gaping at her husband.
Bankotsu smirked correcting, "We own it Kera, and you should at least be able to recognize some of it." before reaching in to pull out their childrens' stroller and setting it up.
Smiling he picked up his children and placed them into the stroller, pulling the flap out to keep the sun off of them.
Kera asked, "Wait what do you mean?" as she moved to help her husband by closing the SUV doors and passing the babies their water bottles.
Bankotsu smirked and said cockily, "This is and always has been my family's land." Kera's eyes widened and her mind flashed memories of dry brittle ground that had shown the remnants of a long ago battle, dry cracked creek beds, and withered old tree stumps.
She said, "This is-" stopping in absolute awe to gaze and the beauty around them.
Bankotsu replied, "Yes love, this is where my village once stood." Adding proudly, "Jakotsu did an incredible job, ne?"
Kera sucked in a surprised breath and said, "So that's why he stayed behind that day." as everything started connecting inside her head much like a bunch of puzzle pieces finally falling into place.
Bankotsu said proudly, "Hai love, that's why. He planted everything you see before your eyes, except the roses that have always bloomed over by the river.
Bankotsu smiled asking happily, "Ready to go see our new home?"
Speechless Kera simply nodded and linked her arm in his stronger one. Kona who had much the same reaction to this place as her daughter turned to her husband asking, "This is where you two were all those weeks isn't it?"
Soru answered happily, "Hai love, now come and see the cabin." She linked her arms around his waist and smiling he led her to the cabin. Guro, Souta, and Arlin followed them on foot up to the cabin.
Bankotsu stooped in front of the steel door and pulled out his keys unlocking the door and the dead bolt. Before smiling and ushering his speechless wife into their new home.
Kera gasped as she saw how spacious the rooms were. Bankotsu smirked and parked the stroller against the wall before leading her around. Everyone smiled as they followed the couple from room to room.
Bankotsu began listing off, "We have a bedroom room for each other the kids. A nursery, a guest bedroom, two bathrooms. The laundry room, a fire place for winter in the living room, and a wide kitchen with a pantry. The dining room already set up to go in this corner here, which leads to where the porch is." Leading her to the double doors he added happily, "And this is the master bedroom, with its own bathroom."
Turning to his wife he added, "And we have plenty of room to expand if we choose." Smirking he asked, "What do you think?" hoping that she would like it.
Blinking a few more times she grinned and threw herself into his arms saying happily, "Oh Ban it's absolutely perfect!" and began kissing him.
Chuckling he pulled her closer and began kissing her back. A moment later Kona's voice pulled them apart. "Oh Kera just look at this kitchen- It's incredible." As she admired the cabinets and counter tops.
Soru asked happily, "She likes it huh?" smiling at his son and daughter.
Bankotsu answered proudly, "Yup, thanks for helping dad; you too Arlin," as he hugged his wife from behind.
They laughed and said, "Anytime son," and laughed again.
Souta ran around asking, "So when do we start unloading things?" staring at the adults.
Bankotsu smirked answering, "How about now? We can unload the truck and mom and Kera can start putting things away while we put the furniture in place."
Souta grinned yelling excitedly, "Let's go and ran out the door with his brother in law chuckling as he followed him.
Soru smiled at his daughter and said, "No time like the present, ne?" and followed them. Arlin smiled and walked out to help them.
Kera and Kona started taking the boxes that were brought in and opened them putting the contents away, while the men and Souta started unloading and bringing in the furniture.
By the time everything had been unloaded and put away everyone was tired. Bankotsu asked, "How about I go hunt and see what's available?" as he placed Banryu in a special case in his bedroom against the wall.
Kera smiled saying, "Sure Ban." as she finished making their bed. She kissed her husband's cheek saying, "I'm going to check on the others." He nodded and left to hunt for dinner.
Kera walked in asking, "Everything okay mama?" as she watched her mother rocking Sachiko and singing softly to her."
Kona smiled answering, "Just fine dear." as she continued rocking her granddaughter happily.
Guro smiled holding his great grandson and said, "They are so adorable Kera." planting a kiss on Taro's head. Arlin and Souta were sitting in the living room enjoying the quiet.
Kera smiled and said, "They are gramps." as she walked over to kiss each of her children's heads before turning to her father.
She asked, "What about you daddykins?" as he sat out on the porch staring at the sky.
Soru replied sadly, "I'm fine baby girl just missing Kagome." She sat beside him and said, "I know dad I miss her too," before hugging him and sighing.
With Bankotsu:
He was out hunting and found some good sized rabbits. He snared them and was heading back to the cabin when he spotted the one place that had remained undisturbed.
Setting the food down he knelt beside the dirt smiling at the stones and said, "I'm finally home for good father."
Ryuu's ghost appeared and he said happily, "So I see son."
Bankotsu blinked and asked curiously, "What about-" eyes filling with sadness and unable to continue.
A second ghost appeared and squealed happily, "Big brother!" before hugging him.
Bankotsu smiled greeting, "Yo," before adding proudly, "You did a wonderful job Ja, thanks."
Jakotsu eyes shone with happiness as he said, "I'm so glad that you approve." As his eyes traveled proudly along the vast beauty he had labored for nearly half a decade to create.
Bankotsu asked his father confused, "How is he here though?" pointing to the ghost of his best friend.
Jakotsu answered happily, "Oh they said that since I did such a good job of taking care of and protecting the land; that they would allow me to remain here after I died." grinning as he tried to contain the excitement at finally seeing his best friend once again.
Bankotsu grinned answering, "That's great Ja." Bowing to his father he said, "Thank you."
Ryuu smiled and said, "He earned it."
Bankotsu said, "I need to get back to my family, but I'm glad to see that you two are still here."
Ryuujin and Jakotsu grinned and waved him off saying, "We're not going anywhere for a long time."
Bankotsu smirked and picked up his rabbits before returning to his family; knowing that nothing would ever tear his family or loved ones from him or their land again.
Frowning as he muttered, "Well almost nothing," Making a mental to note to speak with his wife's grandfather and make it clear that he was not to exorcise his people from their land, he walked back to the cabin feeling happier.
A/N and there ya have it people- Chapter thirty eight, sadly only one more chapter to go. Enjoy XD