A/N: You can all kill me now if you would like for taking so long on updating this story. Eh... *blink blink* Um... is anyone still out there? *sighs* I deserve it for taking so dang long in updating.... v_v
Well, if you're reading this, then yay!! I hope you like this chapter, and it IS the final one to this story. I will not be continuing it in anyway... so this is it. I hope you've liked it up until now, and I hope you like this chappie too. Don't forget to review!
And THANK YOU for all of those who have supported my story... ESPECIALLY Ravage. *hugs again* Girl, you have reviewed on all of my writings, it's simply awesome! You also give me great inspiration, so thank you sssooo much!!
Now, onto the story!
Previously:
"Because you have restored the jewel, and it is now able to dwell away from those who would abuse it, you have been given a wish. Any wish that your heart desires shall be granted. The only thing I cannot let you have is death. Now please, make your wish so I can set your souls free."
"Inuyasha, it appears that you are able to get your wish. You can have what you so desired... what you've always wanted. Go ahead... I won't stop you..."
"My wish has come true.. I have what I want, and I need nothing else. You have given everything to me, and nothing could possibly replace that. You make the wish, whatever you want."
"My wish is that Sesshomaru is given his life back, so he can return to this world and see what he really has here, and so Inuyasha can have one more chance to have his family."
Inuyasha had his sword drawn and ready, a look of anger settled upon his handsome features. However, moments later, his hands relaxed as the sword's point lowered to the ground, his amber eyes flickering with unreadable emotions.
"Inuyasha?" "
Inuyasha... who's coming?!"
Sango held her boomerang bone above her head, ready to strike any given second.
"Sesshomaru......"
Chapter 12: The Reuniting of Brothers; the Going of Separate Ways
A light wind coursed through the era as the demon stood firmly on the ground, his amber eyes gazing upon the stunned group. Those mysterious orbs were filled with just as much confusion as the on looking people. How could he be standing here? What was the meaning of this? His life was taken from him already by one of Naraku's puppets, so how could he possibly be standing?
~Flashback~
"Your life will be mine you simple dog demon. Just because you have the ability to transform into a higher state doesn't give you any advantage. I will tear you limb from limb."
Soiro's sun golden eyes flickered with that deadly gleam as he took a stance, ready to attack and take down his prey.
"You speak to highly of yourself. This arrogance will only cause your own demise, I'm afraid. Now, before the hands of time continue on, I shall show you the true strength of a demon."
The dog youkai was just as prepared as his foe, Soiro had been. Withdrawing his Tokijin from it's sheath, he vaulted forward and began his assault.
"Just as I was told; you're always a self-obnoxious, supercilious youkai with no damn brain. You take after that bastard pup more than I thought. I'll show you the true meaning of power."
The mighty demon reared back his hand, extending his claws and bearing the deadly weapon. A single touch with these deadly claws was enough to take down even the strongest of demons.
Sesshomaru simply smirked as he raised his blade, holding the shimmering weapon erect so he could prevail in his attack. When the two foes were moments apart, the unthinkable happened.
"Heh, I told you I would win."
Soiro's hand had pierced the mighty demon's chest, though he was uncertain how the beast had managed such an attack.
'How? And so quickly? I didn't even pick up the presence of him attacking me. It's not possible.'
The dog demon's eyes widened immensely as his form fell to the ground, blood staining his once clean and highly detailed kimono. Everything that occurred had happened so quickly, it seemed almost unreal. However, the demon was aware of his new found fate; he could feel the hands of death embracing him ever so slowly.
~End of Flashback~
'After that, how can I possibly be standing upon this earth? It was inevitable that I lost my life, and yet my feet are standing firmly upon this ground. Perhaps there is more to this then meets the eye... and I am certain that he has an idea on what.'
The aristocratic's golden eyes blinked a few times as he approached the many standing before him. Each one of them, save for two, were gazing in sheer awe as they realized exactly whom it was.
"S-S-Sesshomaru..."
The monk was the very first one to respond verbally to the demon's approaching. His navy orbs blinked a few times to reassure himself of the guest.
The next to reply; Shippou, and it wasn't exactly very welcoming.
" Didn't y-you guys say he d-d-died?"
The kitsune froze almost entirely for a brief moment, and then it hit. A large shiver crept up his spine, causing his hairs to stand tall on each end. Jumping back, the child let out a loud yelp before residing on Kagome's shoulder.
"It's his GHOST coming back to HAUNT us!!!"
Kagome simply sighed as her dear friend took shelter beneath her jet-black hair. However, seconds later she directed her attention back towards the demon.
'So the wish worked after all... I'm glad...'
Sango was in as much shock as the monk. She had taken a step backwards, though she still held her weapon firmly in her small hands. She remembered Inuyasha and Kagome talking about him, Rin as well, and describing how Sesshomaru really wasn't all that bad. However, the demon exterminator didn't take chances, and this was definitely not a situation to simply sit back and relax.
"L-Lord Sess-Sesshomaru, is that really you?"
That squeaky toad voice was the next to speak up. Standing behind Rin, he held his staff high in the air, his little grin nose wrinkling up in delight.
"Lord!! Lord Sesshomaru, you really are here!"
Without a moment to spare, the small demon raced to the youkai's side, regaining his position.
"I thought you had left us for sure Lord Sesshomaru."
"Jaken."
The demon Lord spoke softly as he watched his friend accompany him once more, just like old times. Regaining his own posture, he took a few more steps, his serious eyes now gazing within the depths of his brother's golden ones.
"I see that you're too stubborn to stay dead..."
The hanyou spoke with a somewhat shaky voice.
"As always, big words come from such a small vermin. It was you who brought me back, was it not?"
Inuyasha moved an arm backwards, far enough so he could embrace Kagome's hand and bring her forth.
"No, it was Kagome who did it. We were given a wish from completing the Shikon no Tama, and she used it to restore your life. If you thank anyone, it should be her."
The maiden smiled softly, tilting her head as the kitsune child moved forward.
"So, he's not a ghost? He came back to life from a wish.... that's STILL not natural, and kind of creepy if you ask me."
Everyone, excluding the two dog youkai's and a quiet Rin, chuckled from Shippou's comment.
Rin was in a state of total silence. Her large chocolate orbs were gazing at Sesshomaru, trying to reassure herself that it was reality, and not a dream to ease her mind. The young child blinked several times, and every time she looked, the aristocratic demon would still remain.
'Is it really Sesshy?'
"Inuyasha, does this mean that Naraku has been eradicated from this life for good?"
The demon Lord turned slightly, only enough so he could catch a glimpse of the quiet child. He found it abnormal for her to not be jumping around and acting hyper. But in a sense, he understood just why she wasn't in her normal mood. She's only a young child, and many things have occurred since his 'death.'
"That bastard has been killed, slaughtered, eradicated, destroyed, annihilated, and any other deathly word you can think of to describe him. He is no longer of any bother to us, and we can finally relax."
The hanyou let out a heavy sigh, his hand still embracing Kagome's. Glancing over his shoulder towards her, he gave a warmly smile and pulled the maiden into a gentle embrace.
"Yes, now we may relax and enjoy the much needed peace we deserve."
The miko smiled softly as he gaze met the hanyou's, simply enjoying the fact that everything really was coming to an end.
"I was able to get revenge for my kin, and I am more than satisfied with the knowledge of that. Miroku, you were able get revenge for the curse given to you by the demon. Inuyasha, you were able to exact your revenge for the many terrible things Naraku did in your past. And Kagome, you got your revenge for the things he has done to you now. This was an all win situation, and now everything can return to normal."
The demon exterminator smiled softly as she turned towards the monk, an unusual gleam flickering in her eyes. However, Miroku seemed to enjoy it quite a bit.
"Se-Sesshomaru?"
A soft voice finally came up from the background. The demon Lord slowly turned around to only see the eyes of the little girl he had saved that fateful day. Excluding himself from the group somewhat, he approached the small girl and made it so he could hear her quiet voice.
"Yes?"
"Is it really you? Are you really back?"
Rin took a small step forward, her eyes lined with tears. When she saw the slight nodding of his head, everything turned around for her. Without realizing it or even really caring what he may have thought, she threw her arms around him.
"I'm so glad. I was scared and lonely knowing that you weren't by our sides. Master Jaken and I missed you a lot, and we're very happy that you have returned."
Rin's sudden movements definitely took the dog demon by surprise. However, to his own shock, instead of rejecting the girl, he simply picked her up into his arms, and slowly walked over to the others. The toad demon followed closely behind.
"As am I Rin."
Inuyasha's ears twitched slightly as he heard Sesshomaru's last comment; you can't keep anything from this hanyou. Lifting his head from Kagome's gaze, he watched as Sesshomaru stopped before them.
"This is it, the time when we take our leave."
All movement came to a dead halt as they listened to the youkai's words.
"If you must. That's never going to change, always running away from things."
The demon's eyes hardened somewhat.
"I assure you that I am not running, there's nothing to run from. I am simply out to seek a life, one that will suit me and my tastes quite well. Living among you will most certainly only bring havoc and chaos for the both of us. It simply wasn't meant to be."
He concealed his amber orbs softly as Rin jumped from his arms, moving over to the others.
"Thank you so much for everything you have given me Lady Kagome. You too Lady Sango and Monk Miroku. I owe you guys so much."
The little girl gave each a friendly hug, including the kitsune child, who by the way had very rosy cheeks from the close encounter. Every one simply chuckled.
"It was our pleasure to help you. We're more than delighted to have been there for you, and we hope your life continues to be splendid."
Kagome gave a friendly smile towards the child as she bounded happily towards the dog demon, awaiting patiently for his requests.
"You know, it's going to be different from now on," Inuyasha had spoken almost randomly. For a few moments, he excluded himself from the group, simply so he could say his goodbyes.
The dog demon glanced towards Jaken, giving him and Rin the signal to move on ahead a little ways. As they did, he slowed his pace and walked no more than a few steps in front of the hanyou.
"Possibly change is good. Don't expect everything to turn suddenly however. I am still your rival, and now that I no longer wield Tenseiga, my new goal is to seek another swordsman who can create a stronger sword. I shall combine the powers of my Tokijin with it, and I guarantee I will not be an easy foe. Perhaps I may be more of a challenge than Naraku himself?"
Inuyasha smirked slightly, "Then I look forward to the coming of that day. Don't take me too lightly, because this demon will be by far more powerful than you see now. Just you wait Sesshomaru, I will overcome your power one of these days."
"Don't allow your mouth to run too far half breed. I still have my quarrels to work out with you. Don't expect those incidents to suddenly vanish."
"You say that as if I'm some damn geezer. Already you're taking me too lightly. That simply means you'll be an easier foe to defeat than you say."
The demon Lord's eyes narrowed slightly, but he let out a slight sigh as he came to a halt. Both demon brothers were standing side by side, gazing into the horizon that spilled across the land.
"Never thought this would happen."
"Simply because you don't think."
"I resent that."
"Resent all you want my brother, for you'll never change in that manner."
"And what is THAT suppose to mean?"
Sesshomaru simply lowered his head, a serene breeze combing through his long, silvery tresses.
"You are still nothing more than a young pup. Once you grow up entirely, you'll understand the words that come from my mouth."
The hanyou sweat-dropped in an irritating manner, the same breeze brushing through his long mane. On the top of his head, the dog-like ears twitched from the sounds of his friends approaching, though they were still about 13 feet away.
Watching as the youkai Lord gave a smirk, Inuyasha simply nodded. It was his way of displaying respect, yet still showing that he held power. And without another word, the two split their ways.
"Inuyasha!"
The hanyou lifted his head to only be greeted by the gentle embrace of his dear love, Kagome.
"Kagome... thank you. If it weren't for you, none of this would have happened."
"Eh, is that a good thing or a bad thing?"
"What do you think?"
He had a sarcastic edge to his voice, hinting a bit of playfulness.
The miko nuzzled his cheek slightly, that desirous hue visible in her chocolate orbs.
"As you say."
"Ah, yes. It seems that everything has turned for the better, wouldn't you say Sango?"
The demon exterminator simply nodded as she snuggled into the warmth of arms she had been longing to reside in.
"Yes, it has... don't go pushing it though."
"What do you take me for, a lecherous monk? Pa-lease..."
She arched an eyebrow, giving him somewhat of a mysterious gleam.
"Forget I said anything."
"Good idea."
"Well Kirara, looks like it's just me and you. The others are enjoying being all lovey dovey... gah! I don't like THAT much romance..."
The kitsune skipped somewhat along the road, his dear companion Kirara following closely beside him. The cat youkai made a little purr as she glanced towards the others.
"Come on you guys!"
Shippou cried as he waited impatiently for their arrival.
"Eeak. I hope I never fall in love like that."
"Lord Sesshomaru? What will become of Inuyasha and his gang of friends?"
The small toad spoke in his high voice as he trailed beside the demon Lord. He got no response, so Rin decided to repeat the question.
"Sesshy, what will they do?"
Poor Jaken slouched down when the dog demon answered her simplified version of the question.
"I have no knowledge of what will become of them and Inuyasha. But I do know that when we cross paths once more, it won't only be one of rivalry, but that of a reunion between brothers. Bonds between family and loved ones will last forever. Even though it may seem futile, those memories will be with you for eternity."
Rin smiled softly as she skipped along the grooved path, her eyes watching the breathtaking scenery before her. She simply repeated his last word in a soft, child-like tone.
"Eternity..."
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A/N: Holy smokes... I'm done!! Okay, so I know the characters were really out of character, in some parts anyway... but overall, how was the story? Honestly I hope you enjoyed it... but I am sad to say that, that was the end... the last chapter. I will not be writing anymore for this story cause it's finished... hehe. And well, it's like 85 pages on my computer o__O That's a lot....
Anyway, that's all of it.. I hope it was satisfying, and I once again apologize for taking so long on the update. Gomen, gomen!
If you enjoyed this story, please check out the other ones I have finished, or am currently working on. I also have two stories on fictionpress.com and one poem if you like my work. ^^ It's under the same username. ^^ Well, that's all... so until our reading/writing paths cross again, Ja ne!
And THANK YOU so much for all of those who were supportive of this story.. It seriously means a lot. ^^ I dedicated it to all of those who reviewed and kept me going throughout it.
~Kitty~