YES, readers, this is the final chapter. *Cries* I've had SO much fun with
this story, I CANNOT believe it's over already. *sigh* Here we go.........
REVIEW RESPONSES:
IMPORTANT: ****I'm sorry, guys, I know a lot of you wrote reviews for me, but Fanfiction screwed up and isn't showing them to me! I apologize to those people who wont get a review response because of that!******
TO ALL: First of all, I'd like to let you know that...........you guys are what keep me motivated, thank you SO much for all the attention. It made writing so much more fun---SOMEONE CARES!!
Redroses: Thank you so much! I'm glad you like it.
OMFG- Hmmmmm.....you're right. That song has really sad lyrics. The video is really sad, too. I'm sorry if the story is depressing :-( but I'm glad you still read it! Thanks
Fire Maiden Kiya- *sobs* you're sooooo nice! Thank you SO much, I'm glad you felt my emotion. You make me so happy *cries* And I'm sorry if I take too long to update sometimes—I'm a lazy, lazy person! :-( Thanks for sticking by me through this story—your support means a lot!
FoamyFun- I'm updating as soon as I can *runs around in circles* thanks for the compliment! You're a really good writer, too!
Prozac Bunny- lol, I'm posting as soon as I can!!! Lol, you review just like I do, "OMG OMG OMG!" haha, I've done that SO many times. Thanks for making me feel special ^_^
Hanoi- Well, I HOPE this is long enough for you. I kind of have trouble writing long things sometimes, I don't know why. Y-you think my story is lovely? *sob* I love you!
Seida02- I'm glad you noticed that I used your idea! I try to use ideas as much as possible, but I think that's the only one I've used yet. Thank you for reading :-D!
Shizuka Light- That's ok, woman! I mean.......LADY! Hey, no, I should call you wench. That's ok, WENCH! hehehe............I sound like Inu-chan!
MrsInuyasha69- WOW I'm glad you like it that much! Yeah, I know, a couple of ppl want me to make it longer, but.........I just want to start something new :-(! Hopefully you'll like my next story, too! Thanks for the support.
Demented Squirrel- OHhhhhh, so you think I'm THAT predictable? Nope, nope! That isn't what's gonna happen! Read on :-P
The Unknown- I'm glad you liked it! Hmmmm........As for the feudal era, you'll find out in this chapter! And sequels-----that's really flattering, thanks so much *hug* but I'm horrible at writing sequels! I've tried before........it didn't work. I have a short attention span. Thank you for the review :-D!
the Divine Red Crayon- LOL, thanks for the cheese. But you didn't specify what KIND it was! What do I like? Cheddar, swiss, pepperjack, mozzarella............And I want to apologize for cutting it off so quickly. I understand what you feel, I'm SORRY! It's just that...........I really have no excuse, I'm a bad person :-( I'm glad you still like me enough to read on, though!
Sailor Black 666- Two hours? Wow, lol! No, he doesn't remember anything about Inuyasha at all........Yashinu is just like Kagome is to Kikyou. You know? She didn't remember anything about her past life either ^_^ I'm glad you liked it, thanks for the enthusiasm!!!
Ritoru Kani- Awwwwwww *blush* Yes, I LOVE to sing. Am I good? *blushes more* I don't know, but I HOPE So!! YOU PLAY THE HARP?? I'm SO JEALOUS! I actually play the piano, too! I have this weird obsession with flutes and harps. The sound is just soooooooo beautiful. I certainly hope I'll find someone who will love me as I will love them! But as that beautiful song by the Supremes told me, "You can't hurry Love". Thank you!
Sango is my world- Thanks, buddy! Talk to you again later, huh?
Ketara the Ghetto Queen- Yes, it is true love *sighs* Hopefully one day I'll fall in true love, too, right? I like your poem, lol! Poetry is so fun.........and I know lots of people are into non-rhyming poetry now.............but WHY? Making things rhyme is just so........cool.
Special thanks to Katsuna, SangoIsMyWorld and llhopewithinll for checking out my xanga!
ON TO THE STORY!!
*****************************
She could hear her shoes echo on the wet pavement as she ran.
Kagome was soaking wet, the rain was falling down with increasing velocity, and this was the one day she had traded in her comfortable loafers for some strappy heels Ayumi had insisted she wear.
Curse it all.
Where was she going?
She had absolutely NO idea.
She looked up into the sky, letting the icy drops fall onto her stinging eyes.
Salty, hot tears intermingled with the coldness of the rain, and the skies were as black as her mood.
She knew Yashinu, someone, would follow her, so she ran faster, making sure to leave no trace of her direction.
Her feet, limping, led her home, but she knew she couldn't go in: what excuse could she give to her mother?
She looked around for some source of shelter that she could hold and cry under.
A wave of leaves and a waft of pink petals, covered with water droplets, were blown to the ground with a torrent of steep wind.
She turned around, rubbing her eyes to stare at the source of the littered foliage: The God Tree.
Goshinboku.
The wind howled behind her, almost pushing her towards the massive trunk ahead.
Kagome let herself be blown in its direction, her eyes widening as she stared blankly in front of her.
Her hair flailed madly around her body, half covering her face with its fluidity, the wind.
Kagome fell to her knees.
Glaring at the God tree, her eyes narrowed menacingly.
"I hate you........." she hissed.
It was the place . . . . . . .that she had first met Inuyasha.
The place that was the direct cause of her pain in losing him.
"I HATE you," she said, a little more forcedly.
"I HATE YOU!" she screamed madly, hitting the tree with her fists savagely.
Her face fell into her hands, and she wept.
"I hate you.............I hate you..........I hate you........" she whispered, crying herself into oblivion.
Her throat releasing dry, crushed sobs into the stirring air around her.
Thunder groaned loudly, and she wept.
Rain landed all around her, avoiding hitting her body directly.
Slowly, tears dripping off of her chin, Kagome rose.
She lifted herself with great effort, putting her hands on the ground for balance.
Sporadic, unfaltering sobs still continued.
She couldn't keep her balance, however: she fell forward, her arms stretching outward, onto the God tree.
She clasped it tightly, pausing for a moment, and then beginning to cry with even more passion then before, not removing her hands from around the huge trunk.
What warmth it possessed, this tree.
She could feel it spread from her fingers to her form, making it harder and harder for her tears to continue.
Kagome had touched the tree before..........but it had never felt like this.
She kept her eyes clenched, listening to the wind blowing the leaves of the tree.
Shhhhhhh.......
It was almost as if the tree was placating her, telling her to hush.
She heard it again: Shhhhhhhhhh....
What was that?
Kagome arched her back slightly.
What was that feeling on her back? It was incredibly faint, but......
There was nothing there.
She turned back around to the tree, resting her cheek on it, allowing the warmth to spread further.
Shhhhhh........the leaves blew.
There it was again! That feeling on her back........
Kagome turned once more, only slightly, not letting her cheek leave the tree's heat.
Wait........where did everything go?
There just wasn't anything THERE.
She was surrounded by a glow, not a harsh glow, but a soft light that couldn't be penetrated with her gaze.
And she heard it again: "Shhhhhh...." someone whispered, stroking her back up and down, gently.
She saw a strand of silver hair blow over and tickle her nose.
"Inu-----Yasha?" she whispered, her throat devoid of moisture.
"Shhhhhh..........Kagome, it's ok. I'm here now, it's all right."
Her heart pounded madly. Was it him?
She looked upwards, and fell into the two golden orbs she had been born to see.
She paused, making sure that it wasn't a mirage, not a sick joke her mind would play on her to keep her from the brink of insanity.
He was still there!
"Inuyasha!" she cried out, sobbing, thrusting her arms more deeply around his strength.
He closed his eyes, only holding her.
She was practically sitting on top of him.
She reached her hand up and stroked his cheek.
It was him! It was REALLY him!
They could be as they were before now. They could pick up right from where the left off!
She would NEVER leave him again. Never.
She looked up at him once more, marveling at the way his adorable ears twitched with emotion.
His ears?
"Inuyasha......," she hesitated, not wanting to break the moment, "......so..............so you decided to NOT become a full demon?"
His eyes opened slowly. "Yes, Kagome. I decided to remain a hanyou."
"So......." she reasoned, "you didn't use the shikon jewel? Don't we still have to destroy it?"
Inuyasha looked at her, worried, "I didn't say I didn't use the jewel, Kagome."
Kagome looked at him, confused. "Wha--"
"Kagome," Inuyasha interrupted, "do you---do you remember what happened before you were taken away from me?"
Kagome's eyes widened. She didn't want to remember that day.
"I.........I couldn't tell you that...," she gulped, ".....I loved you. And I was taken away."
He sighed, smiling sadly.
"And I," he choked, "couldn't tell you.......didn't know how to put into WORDS how much I love you."
He smiled thoughtfully before continuing:
"Neither of us could say..........we didn't know HOW to say what needed to be said. So we were torn apart," Inuyasha said, brushing her lips lightly with his rough thumb, his eyes sparkling wildly.
Kagome looked down, unable to bear the brilliance of his eyes.
"So---imagine the choices I had, Kagome. The only thing I knew, the only thing I was certain of, was........ that I wanted to be with you."
He paused as Kagome emitted a deep, wistful sigh.
"The only tool I had was the jewel. I could have...........I could have wished to be immortal, to live on until you came into my life again, and I considered it for a while. But what good,"
he whispered tenderly,
"would it do me if I could never tell you how I felt. I needed to send you MY love.........through someone who would know how to put it into words."
Kagome's eyes widened.
"......and that, Kagome, is what I used the shikon jewel for."
Kagome was confused.
Inuyasha used the jewel to send HIS love through someone who knew how to put love into words?
Like a poet?
Kagome took in a sharp breath.
A poet.
Yashinu.
"You sent me," Kagome breathed, "Yashinu?"
"Yashinu? Is that his name?" Inuyasha laughed softly, whapping his forehead "Oi, even though I sent him to you, I cant help but feel a little jealous of him."
Kagome frowned, leaning back into Inuyasha's embrace.
"I don't want him," she croaked, "I want you. Just you."
"My dear little baka," he cooed, holding up her chin with his thumb, "don't you get it? The person I sent you---IS me. All he is made for is........my love for you."
Kagome tried her best not to bawl again, but she could feel tears well up in her eyes.
"Oh, Inuyasha........." she sighed sadly, squeezing him, "I can't believe what you went through. You must....... really love me. I never imagined I'd find someone who could love me so much."
Inuyasha took her face in his hands and lifted it towards him.
"All you need to remember, Kagome................is that the boy I sent to you...........loves you EVERY bit as much as I do."
Kagome's lashes sparkled with tears, and Inuyasha softly used his claw to flick them away.
"Shhhhhh, now, don't cry, Kagome. Don't cry anymore."
Kagome looked around herself once again.
"Where are we? In the Feudal Era?"
"No, Kagome. We are in a time lapse. Neither your time nor mine. A place where very few can go. The tree holds this lapse of time---it allowed us to meet again."
Inuyasha paused.
His voice became husky, dropping dramatically in volume, "Oh, Kagome.......this is the last time we can see each other."
"No........." Kagome cried, "No, NO, NO!"
Kagome could feel her surroundings rumbling, she knew it was time for her to go back.
"I love you......" Kagome whispered.
"And I you.......," Inuyasha smiled sadly, squeezing her hand, his voice falling to an inaudible whisper, ".....wench."
He stroked her cheek gingerly.
Everything.........everything but his hand......... was so cold.
Inuyasha would be gone soon! She had to hold on to him as long as she could.
Before she knew it, Kagome leaned forward, her mouth pressing into Inuyasha's, her arms laced around his neck.
She felt his hands rest on her waist, absorbed in the kiss.
Kagome had always seen people kissing..........always heard of it, always dreamed of it......... but she had never imagined it would be like this.
His mouth was so warm, so warm. For the first time in her life, Kagome did not feel cold.
There was always a lingering chill, always a splotch of goose bumps on her arms......but all she could feel now was the gentle radiation of heat from Inuyasha's body.
His lips weren't even moist: they were chapped, and both their mouths were dry from exertion.
Their hands were slightly clumsy: where did you put them whilst you were kissing?
But still.
Awkward as it was, she imagined if her mouth stayed like this forever, she'd never need water or food a day in her life.
He fed her, absorbed her.
All this from one innocent, little kiss.
Did everyone feel like this when they kissed?
She imagined not...........or people would be kissing all the time.
Their lips finally parted, and her eyes remained closed, she rested her forehead on his chest.
"Goodbye, my Inuyasha. My half-dog demon. My love. Goodbye," she murmured.
"D-did you say DOG, Kagome?" she heard a wary voice whisper.
She lifted her head: she was in front of Goshinboku, practically sprawled on top of Yashinu, hugging him tightly.
In the present.
The wind howled around her, sending tidbits of raindrops on her hair.
Something felt different.
She still.........still didn't feel cold.
For the first time since she had been back, she didn't feel the lack of Inuyasha's presence.
"Yashinu......." she began.
"Wait, Kagome. I......I have to apologize," Yashinu sighed.
"I-I'm sorry I pulled that on you in our play. It was unfair of me................I've just........I've just never experienced these kind of feelings before. It was as if....."
He paused in thought, beginning to mumble, "........as if I were MADE to fall in love with you."
Kagome paled, grimacing lightly at his assertion.
He stopped, obviously contemplating over what he would say next.
"Do you know," he began softly, "that poets tend to write about the feelings that are STRONGEST in them? Feelings that they want to get out, NEED to get out?"
Kagome nodded.
"Before I met you, it was anger and sadness for me. I wasn't an angry person at ALL when you met me because I could get it out of me through my writing."
He soughed lightly and continued:
"But then when you came, I couldn't WRITE about anger, sadness or angst any more. Those became second priority.
I began to write about LOVE. So when I didn't write about my anger.........I got angrier.
I just..............I just couldn't write that angst-filled poem you wanted me to for the end of our play because that wasn't important to me after I met you.
It was all.......love.
I tried my hardest to get rid of that emotion through writing as well.
I wrote SO many poems of my......" he blushed, ".....of my love for you that I could have made a book within a week.
But that only........only made me love you MORE. So I decided to compose and play my own music, to play out my sadness, my unfulfilled love."
"But that.............even THAT, wasn't enough. And I know, Kagome, that...........Inuyasha and Kagome, for you, are the pinnacle, the epitome of love.
Inuyasha is what MEANS love to you.
So I thought it would be fitting, during that play, to reveal myself to you."
Kagome was amazed at how perceptive he was......how WELL he really read her.
He continued:
"So............Gods, Kagome, I know I can't fight to protect you or anything, I'm not a strong person........all I have are my words.......but....... I just wanted to tell you that I—I love you."
The same warmth that had spread through her when Inuyasha had said that returned.
Kagome's hand strayed to her heart, she felt it beat madly.
'It is him: Inuyasha. It's his love!' she realized.
Yashinu rose slowly, reaching down his hand to help Kagome.
They stood together, he stared at her with those absorbing purple eyes of his, simply looking, ready to say something.
"So.........Kagome..........I don't expect you to return my feelings right away. But I wanted to know if------there was a chance, maybe?"
Kagome smiled at him, openly, for the first time in what seemed like years.
"More than a chance, Yashinu. MUCH more than a chance."
And with that, his arms fell around her waist.
She was startled, but soon wrapped her arms around him as well.
The wind blew again, even more petals fell from the flowers on the tree.
Wind chimes sung in a distance: and very, very far off, she could hear the song Yashinu had been playing the other day.
Even though it was distant...... it was coming from both of them...........except now.............now it didn't sound nearly as sad.
Yashinu turned around, looking, contemplating the God tree behind him.
"This tree........" he whispered, "it's almost like it has a presence. Like it can watch us, like it knows us. I feel so.........empowered standing by it, Kagome."
Kagome smiled.
The Goshinboku. The God tree.
"Yes, Yashinu.......it IS an amazing tree."
Hand in hand, the stared up at it together, thinking of completely different things and yet.........the same thing altogether.
The rumble of thunder cracked dully above them. The clouds twirled rapidly as they lightened to a soft grey.
"So, um, Kagome........." Yashinu said softly.
"Hmm?"
"What was it," he said, eyes shifting around wildly, gulping, "that you said about.......d-dogs?"
She blinked at him, staring in disbelief.
Kagome began to laugh and threw her arms around his neck.
So different from Inuyasha. Could they really be the same?
Laughter lingered on her lips, her eyes grew serious in thought.
She quelled her giggles, and looked at him with concentration.
"Who are you?" she asked Yashinu softly.
"I'm Yashinu," he replied, rocking her back and forth, a grin in his voice, "YOUR Inuyasha."
He smiled playfully.
She pouted a little, about to tell him a thing or two about who Inuyasha was.
Before she could speak, however, she saw it: a pronounced flash of golden in those eyes of his.
She was silent for a while and then broke out into a grin.
"Yes........." she whispered, hugging him tightly, "You're MY Inuyasha."
~*~* THE END *~*~
****************************
..............Wow, I'm sad. I can't believe that my story is.......OVER.
I'm thinking about writing an epilogue, but the chances are pretty slim. Tell me if you want one.........and give me suggestions.
Thank you for reading this! I hope you enjoyed..........I'd had the ending in mind for a LONG time.
And........ok, this is cheesy (but I like cheese, remember? ^_~), but I hope all of you find what you're looking for! In my case, as implicated by my story, I want to fall in love ^_^ Wish me luck!
~KagomeResurrected
ps~ sorry it's not as long as it could be
NEXT STORY PLANS:
"Brother of the Groom"—Rated R. SUMMARY: Ok, so.......Kagome is happily about to get married to the MAN of her dreams, Sesshoumaru. He's rich, handsome......and REALLY knows how to pick an engagement ring: what else could she ask for? His family's coming to town to meet her, and she is surprised to find that he has a younger half brother, about whom Kagome has heard nearly NOTHING about. She tries to get to know him better, "for the family's sake".......and ends up falling for him. ^_^
REVIEW RESPONSES:
IMPORTANT: ****I'm sorry, guys, I know a lot of you wrote reviews for me, but Fanfiction screwed up and isn't showing them to me! I apologize to those people who wont get a review response because of that!******
TO ALL: First of all, I'd like to let you know that...........you guys are what keep me motivated, thank you SO much for all the attention. It made writing so much more fun---SOMEONE CARES!!
Redroses: Thank you so much! I'm glad you like it.
OMFG- Hmmmmm.....you're right. That song has really sad lyrics. The video is really sad, too. I'm sorry if the story is depressing :-( but I'm glad you still read it! Thanks
Fire Maiden Kiya- *sobs* you're sooooo nice! Thank you SO much, I'm glad you felt my emotion. You make me so happy *cries* And I'm sorry if I take too long to update sometimes—I'm a lazy, lazy person! :-( Thanks for sticking by me through this story—your support means a lot!
FoamyFun- I'm updating as soon as I can *runs around in circles* thanks for the compliment! You're a really good writer, too!
Prozac Bunny- lol, I'm posting as soon as I can!!! Lol, you review just like I do, "OMG OMG OMG!" haha, I've done that SO many times. Thanks for making me feel special ^_^
Hanoi- Well, I HOPE this is long enough for you. I kind of have trouble writing long things sometimes, I don't know why. Y-you think my story is lovely? *sob* I love you!
Seida02- I'm glad you noticed that I used your idea! I try to use ideas as much as possible, but I think that's the only one I've used yet. Thank you for reading :-D!
Shizuka Light- That's ok, woman! I mean.......LADY! Hey, no, I should call you wench. That's ok, WENCH! hehehe............I sound like Inu-chan!
MrsInuyasha69- WOW I'm glad you like it that much! Yeah, I know, a couple of ppl want me to make it longer, but.........I just want to start something new :-(! Hopefully you'll like my next story, too! Thanks for the support.
Demented Squirrel- OHhhhhh, so you think I'm THAT predictable? Nope, nope! That isn't what's gonna happen! Read on :-P
The Unknown- I'm glad you liked it! Hmmmm........As for the feudal era, you'll find out in this chapter! And sequels-----that's really flattering, thanks so much *hug* but I'm horrible at writing sequels! I've tried before........it didn't work. I have a short attention span. Thank you for the review :-D!
the Divine Red Crayon- LOL, thanks for the cheese. But you didn't specify what KIND it was! What do I like? Cheddar, swiss, pepperjack, mozzarella............And I want to apologize for cutting it off so quickly. I understand what you feel, I'm SORRY! It's just that...........I really have no excuse, I'm a bad person :-( I'm glad you still like me enough to read on, though!
Sailor Black 666- Two hours? Wow, lol! No, he doesn't remember anything about Inuyasha at all........Yashinu is just like Kagome is to Kikyou. You know? She didn't remember anything about her past life either ^_^ I'm glad you liked it, thanks for the enthusiasm!!!
Ritoru Kani- Awwwwwww *blush* Yes, I LOVE to sing. Am I good? *blushes more* I don't know, but I HOPE So!! YOU PLAY THE HARP?? I'm SO JEALOUS! I actually play the piano, too! I have this weird obsession with flutes and harps. The sound is just soooooooo beautiful. I certainly hope I'll find someone who will love me as I will love them! But as that beautiful song by the Supremes told me, "You can't hurry Love". Thank you!
Sango is my world- Thanks, buddy! Talk to you again later, huh?
Ketara the Ghetto Queen- Yes, it is true love *sighs* Hopefully one day I'll fall in true love, too, right? I like your poem, lol! Poetry is so fun.........and I know lots of people are into non-rhyming poetry now.............but WHY? Making things rhyme is just so........cool.
Special thanks to Katsuna, SangoIsMyWorld and llhopewithinll for checking out my xanga!
ON TO THE STORY!!
*****************************
She could hear her shoes echo on the wet pavement as she ran.
Kagome was soaking wet, the rain was falling down with increasing velocity, and this was the one day she had traded in her comfortable loafers for some strappy heels Ayumi had insisted she wear.
Curse it all.
Where was she going?
She had absolutely NO idea.
She looked up into the sky, letting the icy drops fall onto her stinging eyes.
Salty, hot tears intermingled with the coldness of the rain, and the skies were as black as her mood.
She knew Yashinu, someone, would follow her, so she ran faster, making sure to leave no trace of her direction.
Her feet, limping, led her home, but she knew she couldn't go in: what excuse could she give to her mother?
She looked around for some source of shelter that she could hold and cry under.
A wave of leaves and a waft of pink petals, covered with water droplets, were blown to the ground with a torrent of steep wind.
She turned around, rubbing her eyes to stare at the source of the littered foliage: The God Tree.
Goshinboku.
The wind howled behind her, almost pushing her towards the massive trunk ahead.
Kagome let herself be blown in its direction, her eyes widening as she stared blankly in front of her.
Her hair flailed madly around her body, half covering her face with its fluidity, the wind.
Kagome fell to her knees.
Glaring at the God tree, her eyes narrowed menacingly.
"I hate you........." she hissed.
It was the place . . . . . . .that she had first met Inuyasha.
The place that was the direct cause of her pain in losing him.
"I HATE you," she said, a little more forcedly.
"I HATE YOU!" she screamed madly, hitting the tree with her fists savagely.
Her face fell into her hands, and she wept.
"I hate you.............I hate you..........I hate you........" she whispered, crying herself into oblivion.
Her throat releasing dry, crushed sobs into the stirring air around her.
Thunder groaned loudly, and she wept.
Rain landed all around her, avoiding hitting her body directly.
Slowly, tears dripping off of her chin, Kagome rose.
She lifted herself with great effort, putting her hands on the ground for balance.
Sporadic, unfaltering sobs still continued.
She couldn't keep her balance, however: she fell forward, her arms stretching outward, onto the God tree.
She clasped it tightly, pausing for a moment, and then beginning to cry with even more passion then before, not removing her hands from around the huge trunk.
What warmth it possessed, this tree.
She could feel it spread from her fingers to her form, making it harder and harder for her tears to continue.
Kagome had touched the tree before..........but it had never felt like this.
She kept her eyes clenched, listening to the wind blowing the leaves of the tree.
Shhhhhhh.......
It was almost as if the tree was placating her, telling her to hush.
She heard it again: Shhhhhhhhhh....
What was that?
Kagome arched her back slightly.
What was that feeling on her back? It was incredibly faint, but......
There was nothing there.
She turned back around to the tree, resting her cheek on it, allowing the warmth to spread further.
Shhhhhh........the leaves blew.
There it was again! That feeling on her back........
Kagome turned once more, only slightly, not letting her cheek leave the tree's heat.
Wait........where did everything go?
There just wasn't anything THERE.
She was surrounded by a glow, not a harsh glow, but a soft light that couldn't be penetrated with her gaze.
And she heard it again: "Shhhhhh...." someone whispered, stroking her back up and down, gently.
She saw a strand of silver hair blow over and tickle her nose.
"Inu-----Yasha?" she whispered, her throat devoid of moisture.
"Shhhhhh..........Kagome, it's ok. I'm here now, it's all right."
Her heart pounded madly. Was it him?
She looked upwards, and fell into the two golden orbs she had been born to see.
She paused, making sure that it wasn't a mirage, not a sick joke her mind would play on her to keep her from the brink of insanity.
He was still there!
"Inuyasha!" she cried out, sobbing, thrusting her arms more deeply around his strength.
He closed his eyes, only holding her.
She was practically sitting on top of him.
She reached her hand up and stroked his cheek.
It was him! It was REALLY him!
They could be as they were before now. They could pick up right from where the left off!
She would NEVER leave him again. Never.
She looked up at him once more, marveling at the way his adorable ears twitched with emotion.
His ears?
"Inuyasha......," she hesitated, not wanting to break the moment, "......so..............so you decided to NOT become a full demon?"
His eyes opened slowly. "Yes, Kagome. I decided to remain a hanyou."
"So......." she reasoned, "you didn't use the shikon jewel? Don't we still have to destroy it?"
Inuyasha looked at her, worried, "I didn't say I didn't use the jewel, Kagome."
Kagome looked at him, confused. "Wha--"
"Kagome," Inuyasha interrupted, "do you---do you remember what happened before you were taken away from me?"
Kagome's eyes widened. She didn't want to remember that day.
"I.........I couldn't tell you that...," she gulped, ".....I loved you. And I was taken away."
He sighed, smiling sadly.
"And I," he choked, "couldn't tell you.......didn't know how to put into WORDS how much I love you."
He smiled thoughtfully before continuing:
"Neither of us could say..........we didn't know HOW to say what needed to be said. So we were torn apart," Inuyasha said, brushing her lips lightly with his rough thumb, his eyes sparkling wildly.
Kagome looked down, unable to bear the brilliance of his eyes.
"So---imagine the choices I had, Kagome. The only thing I knew, the only thing I was certain of, was........ that I wanted to be with you."
He paused as Kagome emitted a deep, wistful sigh.
"The only tool I had was the jewel. I could have...........I could have wished to be immortal, to live on until you came into my life again, and I considered it for a while. But what good,"
he whispered tenderly,
"would it do me if I could never tell you how I felt. I needed to send you MY love.........through someone who would know how to put it into words."
Kagome's eyes widened.
"......and that, Kagome, is what I used the shikon jewel for."
Kagome was confused.
Inuyasha used the jewel to send HIS love through someone who knew how to put love into words?
Like a poet?
Kagome took in a sharp breath.
A poet.
Yashinu.
"You sent me," Kagome breathed, "Yashinu?"
"Yashinu? Is that his name?" Inuyasha laughed softly, whapping his forehead "Oi, even though I sent him to you, I cant help but feel a little jealous of him."
Kagome frowned, leaning back into Inuyasha's embrace.
"I don't want him," she croaked, "I want you. Just you."
"My dear little baka," he cooed, holding up her chin with his thumb, "don't you get it? The person I sent you---IS me. All he is made for is........my love for you."
Kagome tried her best not to bawl again, but she could feel tears well up in her eyes.
"Oh, Inuyasha........." she sighed sadly, squeezing him, "I can't believe what you went through. You must....... really love me. I never imagined I'd find someone who could love me so much."
Inuyasha took her face in his hands and lifted it towards him.
"All you need to remember, Kagome................is that the boy I sent to you...........loves you EVERY bit as much as I do."
Kagome's lashes sparkled with tears, and Inuyasha softly used his claw to flick them away.
"Shhhhhh, now, don't cry, Kagome. Don't cry anymore."
Kagome looked around herself once again.
"Where are we? In the Feudal Era?"
"No, Kagome. We are in a time lapse. Neither your time nor mine. A place where very few can go. The tree holds this lapse of time---it allowed us to meet again."
Inuyasha paused.
His voice became husky, dropping dramatically in volume, "Oh, Kagome.......this is the last time we can see each other."
"No........." Kagome cried, "No, NO, NO!"
Kagome could feel her surroundings rumbling, she knew it was time for her to go back.
"I love you......" Kagome whispered.
"And I you.......," Inuyasha smiled sadly, squeezing her hand, his voice falling to an inaudible whisper, ".....wench."
He stroked her cheek gingerly.
Everything.........everything but his hand......... was so cold.
Inuyasha would be gone soon! She had to hold on to him as long as she could.
Before she knew it, Kagome leaned forward, her mouth pressing into Inuyasha's, her arms laced around his neck.
She felt his hands rest on her waist, absorbed in the kiss.
Kagome had always seen people kissing..........always heard of it, always dreamed of it......... but she had never imagined it would be like this.
His mouth was so warm, so warm. For the first time in her life, Kagome did not feel cold.
There was always a lingering chill, always a splotch of goose bumps on her arms......but all she could feel now was the gentle radiation of heat from Inuyasha's body.
His lips weren't even moist: they were chapped, and both their mouths were dry from exertion.
Their hands were slightly clumsy: where did you put them whilst you were kissing?
But still.
Awkward as it was, she imagined if her mouth stayed like this forever, she'd never need water or food a day in her life.
He fed her, absorbed her.
All this from one innocent, little kiss.
Did everyone feel like this when they kissed?
She imagined not...........or people would be kissing all the time.
Their lips finally parted, and her eyes remained closed, she rested her forehead on his chest.
"Goodbye, my Inuyasha. My half-dog demon. My love. Goodbye," she murmured.
"D-did you say DOG, Kagome?" she heard a wary voice whisper.
She lifted her head: she was in front of Goshinboku, practically sprawled on top of Yashinu, hugging him tightly.
In the present.
The wind howled around her, sending tidbits of raindrops on her hair.
Something felt different.
She still.........still didn't feel cold.
For the first time since she had been back, she didn't feel the lack of Inuyasha's presence.
"Yashinu......." she began.
"Wait, Kagome. I......I have to apologize," Yashinu sighed.
"I-I'm sorry I pulled that on you in our play. It was unfair of me................I've just........I've just never experienced these kind of feelings before. It was as if....."
He paused in thought, beginning to mumble, "........as if I were MADE to fall in love with you."
Kagome paled, grimacing lightly at his assertion.
He stopped, obviously contemplating over what he would say next.
"Do you know," he began softly, "that poets tend to write about the feelings that are STRONGEST in them? Feelings that they want to get out, NEED to get out?"
Kagome nodded.
"Before I met you, it was anger and sadness for me. I wasn't an angry person at ALL when you met me because I could get it out of me through my writing."
He soughed lightly and continued:
"But then when you came, I couldn't WRITE about anger, sadness or angst any more. Those became second priority.
I began to write about LOVE. So when I didn't write about my anger.........I got angrier.
I just..............I just couldn't write that angst-filled poem you wanted me to for the end of our play because that wasn't important to me after I met you.
It was all.......love.
I tried my hardest to get rid of that emotion through writing as well.
I wrote SO many poems of my......" he blushed, ".....of my love for you that I could have made a book within a week.
But that only........only made me love you MORE. So I decided to compose and play my own music, to play out my sadness, my unfulfilled love."
"But that.............even THAT, wasn't enough. And I know, Kagome, that...........Inuyasha and Kagome, for you, are the pinnacle, the epitome of love.
Inuyasha is what MEANS love to you.
So I thought it would be fitting, during that play, to reveal myself to you."
Kagome was amazed at how perceptive he was......how WELL he really read her.
He continued:
"So............Gods, Kagome, I know I can't fight to protect you or anything, I'm not a strong person........all I have are my words.......but....... I just wanted to tell you that I—I love you."
The same warmth that had spread through her when Inuyasha had said that returned.
Kagome's hand strayed to her heart, she felt it beat madly.
'It is him: Inuyasha. It's his love!' she realized.
Yashinu rose slowly, reaching down his hand to help Kagome.
They stood together, he stared at her with those absorbing purple eyes of his, simply looking, ready to say something.
"So.........Kagome..........I don't expect you to return my feelings right away. But I wanted to know if------there was a chance, maybe?"
Kagome smiled at him, openly, for the first time in what seemed like years.
"More than a chance, Yashinu. MUCH more than a chance."
And with that, his arms fell around her waist.
She was startled, but soon wrapped her arms around him as well.
The wind blew again, even more petals fell from the flowers on the tree.
Wind chimes sung in a distance: and very, very far off, she could hear the song Yashinu had been playing the other day.
Even though it was distant...... it was coming from both of them...........except now.............now it didn't sound nearly as sad.
Yashinu turned around, looking, contemplating the God tree behind him.
"This tree........" he whispered, "it's almost like it has a presence. Like it can watch us, like it knows us. I feel so.........empowered standing by it, Kagome."
Kagome smiled.
The Goshinboku. The God tree.
"Yes, Yashinu.......it IS an amazing tree."
Hand in hand, the stared up at it together, thinking of completely different things and yet.........the same thing altogether.
The rumble of thunder cracked dully above them. The clouds twirled rapidly as they lightened to a soft grey.
"So, um, Kagome........." Yashinu said softly.
"Hmm?"
"What was it," he said, eyes shifting around wildly, gulping, "that you said about.......d-dogs?"
She blinked at him, staring in disbelief.
Kagome began to laugh and threw her arms around his neck.
So different from Inuyasha. Could they really be the same?
Laughter lingered on her lips, her eyes grew serious in thought.
She quelled her giggles, and looked at him with concentration.
"Who are you?" she asked Yashinu softly.
"I'm Yashinu," he replied, rocking her back and forth, a grin in his voice, "YOUR Inuyasha."
He smiled playfully.
She pouted a little, about to tell him a thing or two about who Inuyasha was.
Before she could speak, however, she saw it: a pronounced flash of golden in those eyes of his.
She was silent for a while and then broke out into a grin.
"Yes........." she whispered, hugging him tightly, "You're MY Inuyasha."
~*~* THE END *~*~
****************************
..............Wow, I'm sad. I can't believe that my story is.......OVER.
I'm thinking about writing an epilogue, but the chances are pretty slim. Tell me if you want one.........and give me suggestions.
Thank you for reading this! I hope you enjoyed..........I'd had the ending in mind for a LONG time.
And........ok, this is cheesy (but I like cheese, remember? ^_~), but I hope all of you find what you're looking for! In my case, as implicated by my story, I want to fall in love ^_^ Wish me luck!
~KagomeResurrected
ps~ sorry it's not as long as it could be
NEXT STORY PLANS:
"Brother of the Groom"—Rated R. SUMMARY: Ok, so.......Kagome is happily about to get married to the MAN of her dreams, Sesshoumaru. He's rich, handsome......and REALLY knows how to pick an engagement ring: what else could she ask for? His family's coming to town to meet her, and she is surprised to find that he has a younger half brother, about whom Kagome has heard nearly NOTHING about. She tries to get to know him better, "for the family's sake".......and ends up falling for him. ^_^