CHAPTER 18: COMPLETED AT LAST
As all eyes turned towards her, Kikyou could feel her breath tighten in her chest. All pressure was on her, and she wasn't sure she wanted it. She looked around cautiously, making no eye contact as her reincarnations friends gave her pleading looks. But when she looked up, she felt the old feeling of jealousy and pain. He gazed at her so heart broken, so pathetically, she couldn't help but to feel something for him. His eyes were red rimmed, glazed and flowing with salty tears, and he gasped for breath, the dead miko still tightly held in his arms.
He was crying for her, Kagome, her reincarnation. But she asked herself, had he cried for her? When he had finally learned of her death, had he cried? Had he sat there, and mourned her? She hardened her gaze at him, making his hopeful look wither. He hadn't cried for her, hadn't mourned, so what right did he have to ask of this? To ask of her? It was him she should be pleading with, drag him to hell like she had intended. It was only fair, only right. So why should she help him?
Miko...
Kikyou jumped, and whipped around to find the glowing entity of Midoriko standing right next to her. The others seemed surprised as well, a woman made of duct moving so fast. But Midoriko only had eyes for Kikyou, her gazed hot and intense for a cloud of purple.
Why do you harden yourself? Make yourself a cold woman?
Kikyou looked around, not to sure if the former miko was really talking to her. But seeing as if everyone was just staring at her, she guessed she really was.
You hear me and no one else. So answer my question.
If Kikyou ever felt like a child she did now. But it shamed her, and her cold anger rose to match that of Midoriko. No one spoke to her that way.
"Why should I? You have no right."
I have every right to ask you, for I am one of your many predecessors. Why is it so hard to choose to save the woman?
"Because I can," Kikyou snapped, and ignored the intrigued look of their audience. Being so close to the miko was unnerving her, and she didn't like it. But Midoriko never lifted her gaze.
Is that all? What of when she saved you?
Kikyou stiffened, hating the reminder. She detested being reminded of that time when she had no choice but to ask for Kagome's help to save her life. Though it really wasn't her life. She feed off the souls of women, and though she was uncomfortable with it, she had to no choice but to do it to stay alive. But that one time had been too close, and had her reevaluating Naraku. His miasma was deadly, and she had been lucky to survive as long as she did, but it wasn't enough. And Kagome had been the only one to save her, pushing the poison out and cleansing her temporary body. And she had given no gratitude towards the maiden either. It was her choice to save Kikyou, and she had done it.
But now, Kikyou questioned her reasoning to that. It had been Kagome's choice. Kagome could have easily left her to die, but she had saved her. Even though she dragged away Inuyasha for private meetings, degraded her skill, undermined her confidence as a miko, Kagome had saved her. Of her own free will.
And now, it was her turn to ask for help, her chance. And she was hesitating.
You are a miko, so why do not assist the dying? Is it not your duty?
Kikyou gave the dust miko a glance before going back to pondering. The ancient one was right, it was her duty as a miko to help the sick and dying, no matter what. So why wasn't she? Cause it was her chance to finally have Inuyasha. She looked to him now, and saw as he tucked back a lock of the girl's hair. She didn't want to feel this way, confused and broken. It wasn't what she should feel, but she was. But Inuyasha was hers! By right of his vow!
He was never yours. That ended the day you killed him, pinning him to the tree.
"What do you speak of?" Kikyou hissed, and turned her cold gaze to Midoriko. The old miko stiffened at Kikyou's harsh tone.
You died Kikyou, and that means every connection you had to this earth was broken, and only regained if it too died or you reincarnated. Which you did. He never left this plain of existence, and was there fore, waiting for you to return. And you did, but you had no memories of your life or him.
Midoriko softened her gaze as Kikyou looked away, her breath slightly deepening.
You know I speak truth. You came back, because you were meant to be together, your souls. But it was never you he was meant to love. You were lonely, and he too, two desperate people for companionship. But you never trusted him, and that was your downfall. She trusted him, she cared for him, she cried for him, and she loved him. For more than you could have ever given him. And he only just realized it. Give him another chance to.
Kikyou slowly turned to gaze at Inuyasha, her forgotten heart pained. She watched as he gazed so painfully to the woman he loved, gulping his emotions down. Oh how she had longed to have him look that way at him, even when she was alive. And now, he looked at another that way. But in a way, he still was looking at her, because in his arms was her reincarnation. Her second half. While Kikyou was cold and straightforward, Kagome was lively, and caring, brave and warm. Things that she was never capable of. Things only a man could love.
And maybe this was her second chance as well.
Determined to make things right, like the miko in her was meant to, Kikyou looked to Midoriko. "How?"
Midoriko smiled. You already know.
Kikyou nodded, and strode determined to Inuyasha. The others seemed a bit surprised, which she noted with annoyance. Did they think she had no compassion, no sympathy? Well, she'd prove them wrong. Because she was a miko, and woman, with a heart that only need be wakened.
He heard her foot steps, and Inuyasha's head snapped up in surprise. She came up to him, and gave him a nodded, before waving her hand at him. "Move aside if you want her to live."
Inuyasha quickly laid Kagome down gently, and moved a few feet, always keeping an eye on Kikyou. Kikyou kneeled next to Kagome's paling form, and gazed upon the miko from the future. In all truth, Kagome actually made her proud. She was strong despite what she thought, and compassionate, brave and self sacrificing. She always took action when need be. Things Kikyou never would have thought of doing. So there fore, Kagome had more right to live than she did. She sighed, and realized her eyes were burning. She was going to cry. She looked up at Inuyasha, and gave him a small smile, that he noticed for the first time was true.
"Live Inuyasha, for it's the only thing she wanted."
Kikyou reached a pale hand to the sky, and from it came a soul insect, pearly white and glowing. It swirled above her head, and waited for her command. She pointed at Kagome, and the soul stealer worked its magic, its legs flexing back and forth. And from Kagome's mouth came a white cloud, and the insect seem to struggle as it grew larger than normal, but kept the soul in one piece. When it was finished, it handed the soul to Kikyou, and seemed quiet relieved at doing it, the weight of the soul bearing it down. Kikyou gathered the soul in her hands, and it floated a bit in them. She held it above Kagome, right above the hole in her torso. And she looked to Inuyasha once more.
"I'm not saying goodbye, cause in some way, I'm always with you. And that's all I ask for. You deserve to love, you deserve her kindness and love, for I could never give it to you. Love her Inuyasha, love her forever."
And with that, Kikyou tilted back her head and closed her eyes. One real tear, the first in her life, slid down in her pale cheek. She gasped when a blue orb came from her chest, and others started escaping as the control factor was taken away. But she held on, and pushed the orb into the one in her hands, making the soul once more complete. And it seemed to turn to liquid in her hands, blue and shimmering brightly. With her dying strength, Kikyou poured it from her hands and into Kagome's wound. The last it of spilled from her hands, and she smiled, before slowly drifting away in ashes.
Inuyasha silently thanked the miko, but jumped when a sudden wind came in, swirling his hair everywhere. Then ever so slightly, Kagome's body lifted from the ground, and a blue light filtered from every crevice on her body. A thundering entered their ears, and Inuyasha backed a bit, but staying close as Kagome was enveloped in blue light. But just like a vacuum, the sound stopped, and the light flashed, blinding him. He held up a hand, and waited for it to subside. He jumped up, and kneeled to pick up Kagome's still body. His hand went down, and he saw that her wound was gone.
But what frightened him, was she still wasn't breathing.
"Kagome..." Inuyasha bent and slightly shook her, tapping her cheek. "Come on, open your eyes...for me."
He shook her a bit more, and almost jumped out of his skin when her frightened eyes opened. She gasped loudly, inhaling till her lungs expanded no more, and squirmed in his arms, twisting this way and that, groping for breath. She looked around gasping, panting, her eyes still frightened.
"Kagome! Calm down!" Inuyasha held her tight as she pushed from him. He wasn't letting go no matter what. "Kagome, look at me! It's me, Inuyasha."
Her wide eyes shifted to him, and her struggling died down, her eyes softening, but they still darted. She gulped, and grasped his haroi. "Inuyasha...?"
Her smiled widely, her senses coming back, "yeah it me. It me..."
"But...how? It was so dark, and I couldn't see—"
He hugged her, and nuzzled her and she held tightly to him. "Don't worry, you're here, alive, and that's all that matters. Oh gods Kagome, I thought I lost you..."
She only nodded, and held tighter. "I was so scared..."
He pulled away and framed her face tightly between his shaking hands. "No never, not anymore. Its over Kagome, we won."
She smiled brightly, lips quivering, and grabbed around his neck tightly. "Oh Inuyasha..."
He held back, and rubbed her cheek against his, "I love you Kagome...you and no one else."
As Kagome cried on Inuyasha, every one else regaining their happiness, no one noticed as the flimsy form of Midoriko simply drifted away into oblivion, a smile upon her glittering face.
Four months later:
Kagome walked through the woods, the tree turning their autumn gold and red. The wind played with her hair, and she tucked it behind her ear. Her knee length skirt fluttered, the white budding orchid pot held firmly in her hands.
It's been four months. Four months since the death of Naraku, the end of the jewel, and her resurrection. She smiled a little. When Inuyasha had told her what Kikyou had done, she was quite surprised. She always thought the miko hated her. Well, never judge a book by its cover. But it still haunted her, in her dreams. The darkness of dying. It made her shudder just thinking of it. She'd wake up screaming and thrashing, crying her heart out. But Inuyasha was always there to comfort her, his arms strong and warm, his kisses light and loving. She blushed. It wasn't his fault, she couldn't wait till they were married. Though it had disappointed her mother greatly.
Kagome paused in her musings as she came upon a small shrine, newly erected a few months ago. It was simple, a small structure with alter and grave marker. And she walked up to that stone marker, kneeling and eyeing it casually. She never visited before, maybe she should have sooner. On it were three simple words.
Kikyou...a miko.
To Kagome, it suited. The miko's ashes were buried here, after having been gathered by her personally. It was the only thing she could do to pay back for the sacrifice Kikyou had made. She placed the orchid upon her grave, and sat, contemplating before she spoke.
"I never thanked you for what you did, Kikyou. I wish I could properly, for its only fitting. But I guess this is the best we can do."
She shifted, getting comfortable, "I thank you Kikyou, for saving my life. But I guess, we're even now. I...I never really knew you, but I can say the choice was noble. And I'm not sure if you'd care, but everyone's doing fine now. Sesshomaru has made a pact with Inuyasha, swearing never to try and harm him again with out good cause. Though I'm not sure it'll last. The gang is doing well, and you know the little girl? Rin? Well, she writes to Shippou, the little kistune, though I have to read them to him until I can teach him. I adopted Shippou, making it official, he's my son now. Sango, the taijiya, attended your funeral and Miroku too. I don't know if Inuyasha went, I was sleeping mostly, but I hope he visited.
The past months have been pretty hectic, all of us healing and getting use to the idea of not hunting shards. Shippou's happy that I'm back and that everyone's alright. And here's something that'll surprise you. You know how Miroku is pretty perverted? Well, as of two weeks ago, he's been properly courting Sango, which ahs taken her by complete surprise. Though I sort of miss her cursing and that sound of her hand slapping him, but I find it for all the better. She's yielding quiet easily to him. I just wonder how long he can hold out on not groping her. And I don't think Kohaku minds much. Actually, he's encouraging it! I saw him whispering with Miroku the other day, and it turns out by some coincidence Miroku knew Sango's favorite flower.
Inuyasha and I are together now, if you already haven't guessed. Its really obvious, not that I mind. I think everyone expected him to be more open now. It's just that...well, I guess our feelings were a bit built up. We didn't make it to the wedding day. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, by some freak miracle, the well is still open. I have no idea why, or how, but I can easily go back and forth, as well as Inuyasha. The others are afraid testing it out, but I'm sure they'll come around one day. The minute I told my mother I and Inuyasha were together, she whipped out wedding books and started looking up gown makers. Though, I think she was quiet mad when she found us together in bed one morning.
Though it means a lot to my mother to have a wedding, Inuyasha has officially mated me. He's marked me and everything, and he's happy with that, the only thing he does is grumble about human ceremonies and stuff, and you'd laugh at him. The great Inuyasha being stared down by a human mother. That's one person he'll never mess with. I took of the prayer beads too, since I don't need them anymore. I have a much more handy threat now, if you know what I mean."
Kagome laughed to herself, and played with her fingers, the wind coming to tease her hair.
"I just don't understand why you did that. It was the perfect chance to take Inuyasha with you, but you saved me instead. I'd ask why, but I'd get no answer. Too bad. I've been gaining strength again, I guess the wish on the jewel took a lot from me. But no worries, I'll make it. I just wish you didn't have to go this way. But I thank you, for giving my life back. It takes a true person to do something like that, and I hope all you're pain wasn't in vain. Thank you Kikyou, for everything."
"Kagome?" Kagome shrieked and jumped, a hand flying to her throat. But she laughed as Inuyasha came into view and sat next to her. "What are you doing?"
She smiled, and fingered a leaf of the orchid, "paying my respects. I've been meaning to to do it for awhile now."
Inuyasha nodded, and stood, and she took the hand he offered. Only to be yanked to her feet and pulled to his chest, burying his nose in her hair to nuzzle her.
"Inuyasha! Is this appropriate?"
He grunted, and snaked his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. She shivered a fang nipped her ear. But she pouted as he pulled away and lead her away by the hand.
"Come on, we have to see your mom. She said something about cakes."
Kagome rolled her eyes, "oh great. More wedding stuff. It's not even going to be that big! Guess we'll have to calm her down again."
He noticed her annoyed state, and pulled her closer, whispering in her ear, "maybe we should make her wait, let her calm down herself."
She looked to consider it, but smiled, "ohhh, I don't know, cakes are pretty tasty."
"I know what else is tasty..." he growled, and licked he ear.
Her breath puffed and she felt her knees wobble. "An hour?"
"Two."
"Inuyasha! My—"he caressed a thigh, "two sounds good."
Inuyasha grinned and swept her up bridal style. "Your house?"
She shook her head and idly played with the collar of his haroi. "No hot springs."
He raised a brow but didn't protest, seeing as she reached up to rub an ear.
So as the couple went to play, the shrine yard calmed back down, the only sound the rustling of leaves. But if you looked closely, you'd see the potted orchid Kagome left, was in full bloom.
THE END
::::::::::::::::ITS OVER!!!! OVER, DONE, FINITO, FIN!!!! AND I LOVED WRITING IT!!!! :: in big flashy letters on Broadway:: big big big big big big, biggest friggin' thanks to EVERYONE WHO REVIEWED MY STORY!!!! I LOVE YOU GUYS, YOU'RE THE GREATEST!!!!
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As all eyes turned towards her, Kikyou could feel her breath tighten in her chest. All pressure was on her, and she wasn't sure she wanted it. She looked around cautiously, making no eye contact as her reincarnations friends gave her pleading looks. But when she looked up, she felt the old feeling of jealousy and pain. He gazed at her so heart broken, so pathetically, she couldn't help but to feel something for him. His eyes were red rimmed, glazed and flowing with salty tears, and he gasped for breath, the dead miko still tightly held in his arms.
He was crying for her, Kagome, her reincarnation. But she asked herself, had he cried for her? When he had finally learned of her death, had he cried? Had he sat there, and mourned her? She hardened her gaze at him, making his hopeful look wither. He hadn't cried for her, hadn't mourned, so what right did he have to ask of this? To ask of her? It was him she should be pleading with, drag him to hell like she had intended. It was only fair, only right. So why should she help him?
Miko...
Kikyou jumped, and whipped around to find the glowing entity of Midoriko standing right next to her. The others seemed surprised as well, a woman made of duct moving so fast. But Midoriko only had eyes for Kikyou, her gazed hot and intense for a cloud of purple.
Why do you harden yourself? Make yourself a cold woman?
Kikyou looked around, not to sure if the former miko was really talking to her. But seeing as if everyone was just staring at her, she guessed she really was.
You hear me and no one else. So answer my question.
If Kikyou ever felt like a child she did now. But it shamed her, and her cold anger rose to match that of Midoriko. No one spoke to her that way.
"Why should I? You have no right."
I have every right to ask you, for I am one of your many predecessors. Why is it so hard to choose to save the woman?
"Because I can," Kikyou snapped, and ignored the intrigued look of their audience. Being so close to the miko was unnerving her, and she didn't like it. But Midoriko never lifted her gaze.
Is that all? What of when she saved you?
Kikyou stiffened, hating the reminder. She detested being reminded of that time when she had no choice but to ask for Kagome's help to save her life. Though it really wasn't her life. She feed off the souls of women, and though she was uncomfortable with it, she had to no choice but to do it to stay alive. But that one time had been too close, and had her reevaluating Naraku. His miasma was deadly, and she had been lucky to survive as long as she did, but it wasn't enough. And Kagome had been the only one to save her, pushing the poison out and cleansing her temporary body. And she had given no gratitude towards the maiden either. It was her choice to save Kikyou, and she had done it.
But now, Kikyou questioned her reasoning to that. It had been Kagome's choice. Kagome could have easily left her to die, but she had saved her. Even though she dragged away Inuyasha for private meetings, degraded her skill, undermined her confidence as a miko, Kagome had saved her. Of her own free will.
And now, it was her turn to ask for help, her chance. And she was hesitating.
You are a miko, so why do not assist the dying? Is it not your duty?
Kikyou gave the dust miko a glance before going back to pondering. The ancient one was right, it was her duty as a miko to help the sick and dying, no matter what. So why wasn't she? Cause it was her chance to finally have Inuyasha. She looked to him now, and saw as he tucked back a lock of the girl's hair. She didn't want to feel this way, confused and broken. It wasn't what she should feel, but she was. But Inuyasha was hers! By right of his vow!
He was never yours. That ended the day you killed him, pinning him to the tree.
"What do you speak of?" Kikyou hissed, and turned her cold gaze to Midoriko. The old miko stiffened at Kikyou's harsh tone.
You died Kikyou, and that means every connection you had to this earth was broken, and only regained if it too died or you reincarnated. Which you did. He never left this plain of existence, and was there fore, waiting for you to return. And you did, but you had no memories of your life or him.
Midoriko softened her gaze as Kikyou looked away, her breath slightly deepening.
You know I speak truth. You came back, because you were meant to be together, your souls. But it was never you he was meant to love. You were lonely, and he too, two desperate people for companionship. But you never trusted him, and that was your downfall. She trusted him, she cared for him, she cried for him, and she loved him. For more than you could have ever given him. And he only just realized it. Give him another chance to.
Kikyou slowly turned to gaze at Inuyasha, her forgotten heart pained. She watched as he gazed so painfully to the woman he loved, gulping his emotions down. Oh how she had longed to have him look that way at him, even when she was alive. And now, he looked at another that way. But in a way, he still was looking at her, because in his arms was her reincarnation. Her second half. While Kikyou was cold and straightforward, Kagome was lively, and caring, brave and warm. Things that she was never capable of. Things only a man could love.
And maybe this was her second chance as well.
Determined to make things right, like the miko in her was meant to, Kikyou looked to Midoriko. "How?"
Midoriko smiled. You already know.
Kikyou nodded, and strode determined to Inuyasha. The others seemed a bit surprised, which she noted with annoyance. Did they think she had no compassion, no sympathy? Well, she'd prove them wrong. Because she was a miko, and woman, with a heart that only need be wakened.
He heard her foot steps, and Inuyasha's head snapped up in surprise. She came up to him, and gave him a nodded, before waving her hand at him. "Move aside if you want her to live."
Inuyasha quickly laid Kagome down gently, and moved a few feet, always keeping an eye on Kikyou. Kikyou kneeled next to Kagome's paling form, and gazed upon the miko from the future. In all truth, Kagome actually made her proud. She was strong despite what she thought, and compassionate, brave and self sacrificing. She always took action when need be. Things Kikyou never would have thought of doing. So there fore, Kagome had more right to live than she did. She sighed, and realized her eyes were burning. She was going to cry. She looked up at Inuyasha, and gave him a small smile, that he noticed for the first time was true.
"Live Inuyasha, for it's the only thing she wanted."
Kikyou reached a pale hand to the sky, and from it came a soul insect, pearly white and glowing. It swirled above her head, and waited for her command. She pointed at Kagome, and the soul stealer worked its magic, its legs flexing back and forth. And from Kagome's mouth came a white cloud, and the insect seem to struggle as it grew larger than normal, but kept the soul in one piece. When it was finished, it handed the soul to Kikyou, and seemed quiet relieved at doing it, the weight of the soul bearing it down. Kikyou gathered the soul in her hands, and it floated a bit in them. She held it above Kagome, right above the hole in her torso. And she looked to Inuyasha once more.
"I'm not saying goodbye, cause in some way, I'm always with you. And that's all I ask for. You deserve to love, you deserve her kindness and love, for I could never give it to you. Love her Inuyasha, love her forever."
And with that, Kikyou tilted back her head and closed her eyes. One real tear, the first in her life, slid down in her pale cheek. She gasped when a blue orb came from her chest, and others started escaping as the control factor was taken away. But she held on, and pushed the orb into the one in her hands, making the soul once more complete. And it seemed to turn to liquid in her hands, blue and shimmering brightly. With her dying strength, Kikyou poured it from her hands and into Kagome's wound. The last it of spilled from her hands, and she smiled, before slowly drifting away in ashes.
Inuyasha silently thanked the miko, but jumped when a sudden wind came in, swirling his hair everywhere. Then ever so slightly, Kagome's body lifted from the ground, and a blue light filtered from every crevice on her body. A thundering entered their ears, and Inuyasha backed a bit, but staying close as Kagome was enveloped in blue light. But just like a vacuum, the sound stopped, and the light flashed, blinding him. He held up a hand, and waited for it to subside. He jumped up, and kneeled to pick up Kagome's still body. His hand went down, and he saw that her wound was gone.
But what frightened him, was she still wasn't breathing.
"Kagome..." Inuyasha bent and slightly shook her, tapping her cheek. "Come on, open your eyes...for me."
He shook her a bit more, and almost jumped out of his skin when her frightened eyes opened. She gasped loudly, inhaling till her lungs expanded no more, and squirmed in his arms, twisting this way and that, groping for breath. She looked around gasping, panting, her eyes still frightened.
"Kagome! Calm down!" Inuyasha held her tight as she pushed from him. He wasn't letting go no matter what. "Kagome, look at me! It's me, Inuyasha."
Her wide eyes shifted to him, and her struggling died down, her eyes softening, but they still darted. She gulped, and grasped his haroi. "Inuyasha...?"
Her smiled widely, her senses coming back, "yeah it me. It me..."
"But...how? It was so dark, and I couldn't see—"
He hugged her, and nuzzled her and she held tightly to him. "Don't worry, you're here, alive, and that's all that matters. Oh gods Kagome, I thought I lost you..."
She only nodded, and held tighter. "I was so scared..."
He pulled away and framed her face tightly between his shaking hands. "No never, not anymore. Its over Kagome, we won."
She smiled brightly, lips quivering, and grabbed around his neck tightly. "Oh Inuyasha..."
He held back, and rubbed her cheek against his, "I love you Kagome...you and no one else."
As Kagome cried on Inuyasha, every one else regaining their happiness, no one noticed as the flimsy form of Midoriko simply drifted away into oblivion, a smile upon her glittering face.
Four months later:
Kagome walked through the woods, the tree turning their autumn gold and red. The wind played with her hair, and she tucked it behind her ear. Her knee length skirt fluttered, the white budding orchid pot held firmly in her hands.
It's been four months. Four months since the death of Naraku, the end of the jewel, and her resurrection. She smiled a little. When Inuyasha had told her what Kikyou had done, she was quite surprised. She always thought the miko hated her. Well, never judge a book by its cover. But it still haunted her, in her dreams. The darkness of dying. It made her shudder just thinking of it. She'd wake up screaming and thrashing, crying her heart out. But Inuyasha was always there to comfort her, his arms strong and warm, his kisses light and loving. She blushed. It wasn't his fault, she couldn't wait till they were married. Though it had disappointed her mother greatly.
Kagome paused in her musings as she came upon a small shrine, newly erected a few months ago. It was simple, a small structure with alter and grave marker. And she walked up to that stone marker, kneeling and eyeing it casually. She never visited before, maybe she should have sooner. On it were three simple words.
Kikyou...a miko.
To Kagome, it suited. The miko's ashes were buried here, after having been gathered by her personally. It was the only thing she could do to pay back for the sacrifice Kikyou had made. She placed the orchid upon her grave, and sat, contemplating before she spoke.
"I never thanked you for what you did, Kikyou. I wish I could properly, for its only fitting. But I guess this is the best we can do."
She shifted, getting comfortable, "I thank you Kikyou, for saving my life. But I guess, we're even now. I...I never really knew you, but I can say the choice was noble. And I'm not sure if you'd care, but everyone's doing fine now. Sesshomaru has made a pact with Inuyasha, swearing never to try and harm him again with out good cause. Though I'm not sure it'll last. The gang is doing well, and you know the little girl? Rin? Well, she writes to Shippou, the little kistune, though I have to read them to him until I can teach him. I adopted Shippou, making it official, he's my son now. Sango, the taijiya, attended your funeral and Miroku too. I don't know if Inuyasha went, I was sleeping mostly, but I hope he visited.
The past months have been pretty hectic, all of us healing and getting use to the idea of not hunting shards. Shippou's happy that I'm back and that everyone's alright. And here's something that'll surprise you. You know how Miroku is pretty perverted? Well, as of two weeks ago, he's been properly courting Sango, which ahs taken her by complete surprise. Though I sort of miss her cursing and that sound of her hand slapping him, but I find it for all the better. She's yielding quiet easily to him. I just wonder how long he can hold out on not groping her. And I don't think Kohaku minds much. Actually, he's encouraging it! I saw him whispering with Miroku the other day, and it turns out by some coincidence Miroku knew Sango's favorite flower.
Inuyasha and I are together now, if you already haven't guessed. Its really obvious, not that I mind. I think everyone expected him to be more open now. It's just that...well, I guess our feelings were a bit built up. We didn't make it to the wedding day. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, by some freak miracle, the well is still open. I have no idea why, or how, but I can easily go back and forth, as well as Inuyasha. The others are afraid testing it out, but I'm sure they'll come around one day. The minute I told my mother I and Inuyasha were together, she whipped out wedding books and started looking up gown makers. Though, I think she was quiet mad when she found us together in bed one morning.
Though it means a lot to my mother to have a wedding, Inuyasha has officially mated me. He's marked me and everything, and he's happy with that, the only thing he does is grumble about human ceremonies and stuff, and you'd laugh at him. The great Inuyasha being stared down by a human mother. That's one person he'll never mess with. I took of the prayer beads too, since I don't need them anymore. I have a much more handy threat now, if you know what I mean."
Kagome laughed to herself, and played with her fingers, the wind coming to tease her hair.
"I just don't understand why you did that. It was the perfect chance to take Inuyasha with you, but you saved me instead. I'd ask why, but I'd get no answer. Too bad. I've been gaining strength again, I guess the wish on the jewel took a lot from me. But no worries, I'll make it. I just wish you didn't have to go this way. But I thank you, for giving my life back. It takes a true person to do something like that, and I hope all you're pain wasn't in vain. Thank you Kikyou, for everything."
"Kagome?" Kagome shrieked and jumped, a hand flying to her throat. But she laughed as Inuyasha came into view and sat next to her. "What are you doing?"
She smiled, and fingered a leaf of the orchid, "paying my respects. I've been meaning to to do it for awhile now."
Inuyasha nodded, and stood, and she took the hand he offered. Only to be yanked to her feet and pulled to his chest, burying his nose in her hair to nuzzle her.
"Inuyasha! Is this appropriate?"
He grunted, and snaked his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. She shivered a fang nipped her ear. But she pouted as he pulled away and lead her away by the hand.
"Come on, we have to see your mom. She said something about cakes."
Kagome rolled her eyes, "oh great. More wedding stuff. It's not even going to be that big! Guess we'll have to calm her down again."
He noticed her annoyed state, and pulled her closer, whispering in her ear, "maybe we should make her wait, let her calm down herself."
She looked to consider it, but smiled, "ohhh, I don't know, cakes are pretty tasty."
"I know what else is tasty..." he growled, and licked he ear.
Her breath puffed and she felt her knees wobble. "An hour?"
"Two."
"Inuyasha! My—"he caressed a thigh, "two sounds good."
Inuyasha grinned and swept her up bridal style. "Your house?"
She shook her head and idly played with the collar of his haroi. "No hot springs."
He raised a brow but didn't protest, seeing as she reached up to rub an ear.
So as the couple went to play, the shrine yard calmed back down, the only sound the rustling of leaves. But if you looked closely, you'd see the potted orchid Kagome left, was in full bloom.
THE END
::::::::::::::::ITS OVER!!!! OVER, DONE, FINITO, FIN!!!! AND I LOVED WRITING IT!!!! :: in big flashy letters on Broadway:: big big big big big big, biggest friggin' thanks to EVERYONE WHO REVIEWED MY STORY!!!! I LOVE YOU GUYS, YOU'RE THE GREATEST!!!!
major league SO's:
shikonangel19: well, did you like the ending? The review you submit will be the last for this. But look at my other stories, I've been getting great comments on Drama of Edo High: A Modern Tale. Come back and tell me!
Ioka: the last anf final chapter my dear, so put away you r pretty sword, and tell me what you think.
Szmadad: thank to you, you've been there for most of the way. And don't worry, I don't need threats anymore.
darkRoses217: welcome, but I'm afraid this is the only SO you'll get for this is the last. And thank you, o love when people love my stuff.
Jammies2000: and you my friend have been here since the beginning!!!! A special thank to you, jammies. You had wonderful insight for my story, and I will miss you. Unless you wish to read others.
Essis: yes, I love you too(insert sarcasm), anyways, you've been here all the way, and I will miss your...charming personality. Wow, did that sound British or what? But anyways, THANK YOU!!!
Inuyasha-Freak15: thanks for reading, meant a lot to me. Bye.
Kikiusa: this is it, hope you enjoy it. cya!
Nagumi strife: here you go, the last chapter. Thanks for reading, hope to see you else where in my reviews.
Pattycake: OMG!! I'LL MISS YOU!!! You've read since the beginning, and you always reviewed, you even came back after you're surgery, just to read my story, I feel so special. Oh, and a mixed dragon, that of dark and light, with the elements in my blood. I mean, I am the mistress of dragons. Good luck trying to kill me. Bye.
PeachesDani: I forgot what the award was called, but thank you anyways. Did you really cry? Well, if you want to read something really sad, go too hibernatingbats, com, and there's a story called Blood and Tears, a one shot, and it made cry so much, I swore never to read it again. Bye bye!
Mish-serenity: must be a talent, I made some other people cry too. And I'm sure you saw this coming, so it's not much of an ednig for you. Thanks again, and bye!
siren silent scream: and I bow to you. Hope you enjoyed it, and thank you.
Swimchick1416: I did okay! Did you think I'm that mean? I wouldn't dream it! well, thanks for reading, and I promise I'll get to edo high as soon as I get over my writers block.
Lady-of-the-darkness: well, you've been one of my favorite reviewers, you've made me laugh a lot at the things you write to me. I'll miss what you have to say. Thank you, and good bye.
NetealiaFoxwood: wow...no ones told me that. I like you already. But sadly, this will be the only response you'll get cause this is good bye. So for this and next time, THANK YOU!