Inuyasha

Coming of Age

((Author Note: This chapter is the last one that concerns the story itself. The following chapters after this one are going to be short ones about the remaining characters. Those chapters should wrap the characters issue's up :) Also since we're towards the end I decided to call the sequel Coming of a New Age. I had to keep my theme going.))

Chapter 24

Kisho slowly walked across the beaten ground. The ground itself was scared by his friend's attacks that have been desperately used to stop Naraku over and over. With each step Kisho took he could sense the lingering desperation in the energy that was left behind. Kisho's claws twitched lightly as his eyes caught the first glance of one of his fallen comrades. His yellowed colored eyes widened as he stared down at the injured Tora. Kisho felt his lips part as he softly called out to his best friend.

Tora was laying face first against the ground. His dark hair rolled over his limp shoulders as his eyes slowly fluttered open when he heard Kisho's voice. Even though Tora was now blind his eyes still slowly lifted up to meet Kisho's gaze, "You're alive..."

Kisho rushed down to Tora and slowly rolled him on his back, "Tora...what-"

Tora coughed lightly as he shut his eyes, "Don't waste your time on me. With each passing moment Naraku gains more power from the Shikon Jewel."

"Tora, you're my friend. I'm not going to let you die."

"I may be blind, Kisho, but I know when I'm dying and I'm not. Trust me, I'll be here when you get back, but take this for luck."

Tora opened his bloody hand up and revealed a small jade tiger. Kisho stared down at the small object for a moment before his small hands carefully picked up the tiny gift.

Once Tora felt the object leave his touch he rolled his head back to rest, "It's my symbol which holds what little power I have left. It should help you..."

Kisho set Tora's body against the ground gently, "Thank you. I promise I'll make good use of it."

Kisho left Tora behind as he traveled deeper into the poisonous fog. Kisho could almost feel the air burn his skin. His lips curled into a growl at the thought of Naraku, but before Kisho could progress any further he found his remaining friends.

Keiji was propped up against one of the rocks with Koga. His arm was twisted at an odd angle and he seemed like he was in a lot of pain. Shippo was sitting on the ground, his body covered in wounds. His head was low and he seemed drained of all his energy. Miroku and Sango were both sitting together. Miroku seemed to be trying to keep his wind tunnel under control and it was taking a toll on him, but he seemed to be holding up well with Sango at his side. Sesshomaru was standing quietly with Tokijin in his hand. His emotionless eyes stared directly at Kisho once he sensed the boy approach. And Inuyasha was sitting on the ground leaning against Tetsusaiga. His head had been lowered until he heard Kisho approached. His painful eyes lifted to see his son staring back at him. At first Inuyasha was in disbelief as his mouth hung slightly opened, but once he realized he wasn't dreaming he leaped to his feet, "Kisho? Is that really you?"

Everyone looked up to stare at the young Inu who nodded his head lightly, "Yeah, it's me."

"Holy, shit..." Keiji said as he stared at Kisho who walked past them all as he stepped over to Inuyasha.

"How is this possible?" Koga said as he blinked in disbelief, "I saw him with a hole through his chest."

"Perhaps you just underestimate him, Koga," Miroku said with a bright smile across his face as he stared at Kisho.

"He isn't weak," Sesshomaru added as he glanced back to Kisho, "Yet, I am curious in how you did it. Not even Tenseiga could have revived you."

Kisho stopped directly in front of his father ignoring everyone else's comments. His eyes stared into Inuyasha's as he spoke, "I saw him."

Inuyasha raised an eyebrow slightly as he gazed back to Kisho. He had been abnormally quiet since Kisho appeared, but it was his way to show how worried he had been over Kisho, "Who did you see?"

"I saw grandfather..."

Inuyasha's eyes went wide while the comment had caught Sesshomaru's full attention.

"He helped me find my way," Kisho said with a blank look on his face.

Inuyasha lifted his claws and touched the marks that were now on Kisho's arms, "You were able to heal yourself without the shards?"

Kisho nodded his head, "Yes...I always had the power to. I never needed the shards in the first place," Kisho touched his chest where the shard use to be, "But I fear that if I receive an injury like that again I won't be able to-"

"You won't be injured again!" Inuyasha shouted as his ears twitched slightly.

Kisho smiled to Inuyasha, but he didn't get to speak any further with him as he turned towards the darker part of the land, "The poison is much thicker there."

"We know," Keiji said with a snort, "None of us can get any closer. The stuff can burn you down to the bone."

Kisho rubbed the marks on his arms as he began to walk into the mist. Inuyasha tried to grab him, but he was too late. His claws missed the boy and all he was able to grab was air, "Kisho!"

"Don't worry! Just get ready, I'll get him out here," Kisho yelled back as he disappeared into the darkness.

Inuyasha grabbed Tetsusaiga again, "Damn boy..." Deep down Inuyasha didn't want Kisho to go, but he knew that this was something Kisho needed to do.

Kisho felt the air get thicker as he moved faster and faster through the poison. Luckily for him, that the poison didn't affect him one bit due to his grandfather's touch, but the air was still difficult to breath. Kisho wasn't sure how far he had to travel, but he knew that he was close. The Shikon Jewel was hard to sense since its holy aura was almost gone, but Kisho could still since a faint energy.

"I see one has wandered into my web."

Kisho instantly stopped as he heard Naraku's unforgettable voice. He couldn't see his foul form, but he could smell the strong poison that he admitted, "Up to the same tricks, Naraku?"

"Ho, ho. You're alive."

"Yeah, I'm alive and I'm ready this time."

"A phrase you have uttered many times yet I am still amused by your efforts. Very well, I shall test my new body against you."

Naraku stepped forward slowly. The dark mist rolled off his body as his eyes locked with Kisho's. His overall appearance was the same, but Kisho knew he was much more dangerous then before. There was a brief silence that rang out between the two warriors. Both fighters seemed to be studying each other, trying to find any sort of weakness.

Naraku swung his fist first and a large blade extended out and struck Kisho across the face. Kisho's head snapped to the side, but his body remained steady. His head stayed turned as he absorbed the impact of the hit. A small stream of blood rolled off Kisho's cheek as he slowly turned his head back towards Naraku, who had a satisfy grin.

"I don't see much improvement."

Kisho wiped the blood from his cheek with the back of his hand. He licked the blood that was left as his expression suddenly became serious, "So, you managed to make me bleed. Can you do it again?"

Naraku narrowed his eyes to the sudden confident response and he swung his bladed arm again except this time his tentacle on his back attacked Kisho at the same time. Kisho smirked lightly as he raised his claws and swung them both at Naraku. His claws glowed in the darkness as he sliced through the attacking tentacles. As the blade neared him, Kisho flew back through the air as his feet gracefully flexed to land against the ground.

Naraku chuckled lightly, "I see...well let's test these new skills."

Naraku lifted his arms into the air and as he did thousand of small clawed like hands shot out at Kisho. The young Inu boy spun on his foot and ran as the claws gave chase. Kisho shot through the darkness with blinding speed, but Naraku was keeping up with him fairly well.

"Running?"

"Nope, just waiting for this," Kisho said as a sturdy tree came into his sight. He leaped into the air and used the tree to leap off of so he could counter Naraku's attack. Kisho was flying right for the claws that clicked together to tear him apart. Kisho lifted his claws into the air again as he shut his eyes, 'Alright, Tora. This one is for you.'

Kisho swing his claws across the air and as he did the power from them swirled around until it formed into a tiger. The tiger charged towards the claws and with a powerful roar in clashed with Naraku's attack sending a powerful shock wave that rattled the lands. The attack threw both attackers back, but both managed to land on there feet. Before Naraku could attack again, Kisho was already on the offensive. He was charging forward towards Naraku with his claws in a ready position. Naraku was getting frustrated now and he shot a mist of acid into the air, "You little pest!"

The acid filled the air as Kisho ran right into it. Naraku's jaw stiffened as he waited to see if Kisho made it through the mist. The forest rang with silence as Naraku took a small step back, "I know you're still here."

Kisho stepped slowly out from the acid mist. His skin was slightly burn and part of his cloths had melted away, "Nice try..." Kisho narrowed his eyes and growled low. His demonic energy surged as Naraku did the same, except Kisho wasn't just using his demonic energy. He had managed to combine his purifying powers with it too. He was no longer fighting in two separate forms, but rather he was fighting in one united one. His hands reached up into the air and his blood sword formed in his hand, "Let it end here."

The land shook as the two titans collided with each other. Inuyasha and the rest of the gang stood together on the edge of the poison fog, hoping to catch a glimpse of the fight. Kagome, Kyoko, and Iluska had joined the rest of the group since they wanted to do what they could to help.

Kyoko sat with her brother as her hands gripped her bow, "I hope he's ok...I don't want to see him hurt again."

Keiji listened to his sister silently for a moment. His eyes caught a glimpse of a single tear roll down her cheek. Keiji had never see Kyoko cry, but he knew how she felt, "Kyoko, he'll come back. That's why we're all sitting here."

Kyoko smiled to him lightly, "Thank you."

"So, Iluska. Did you finally realize something about Kisho?" Shippo asked her while she stood silently with her back facing him.

"No...I always knew everything about Kisho, but that wasn't enough. Even though I knew everything, it didn't mean I understood everything. I finally realized that when he fought me. I don't know what to think anymore..."

"Inuyasha," Kagome said lightly as she approached him.

Inuyasha had been sitting away from everyone, but once he saw Kagome he instantly went to her, "Kagome...are you ok? I didn't want you here..."

"I know, but I can't just stand by. Naraku has to pay for all this!"

Inuyasha placed his claws gently on her shoulders silently. Some things didn't need words and Kagome understood perfect what Inuyasha was saying to her. He missed her and he didn't want her to dwell on Naraku any further. As the two stood silently with each other another rumble erupted, "Sounds like Kisho has his hands full."

Kisho indeed had his hands fully, but he was holding up well. He rolled across the ground after Naraku had managed to throw him. As his body skidded against the rough rocks, Kisho twisted his wrist around and sprung back up to his feet. His chest heaved to taste fresh air, but the only thing he was able to breathe was the foul poison air.

"I see, you're getting tired."

Kisho wiped his face of the dirt as he chuckled lightly, "Hardly. I can adapt to anything after all."

Naraku narrowed his eyes as he lifted his hands, "I doubt that, but let's just see."

Kisho raised an eyebrow to what he said, but before he could think much about it a burst of flames shot out from Naraku and engulfed the entire area around Kisho. The orange and red flames danced around Kisho's body as it nipped at his face. Kisho took a step back, but the heat was too intense for him to move any further. Instead he crossed his arms over his face as he let the flames roll over his body.

"How long do you expect to stand there?" Naraku asked he continued to let the flames flow from his hand.

Kisho didn't answer, but instead he broke his crossed arms apart and sliced through the air with his claws. The intense power sliced the flames right in two so the flames would split away from Kisho.

Naraku clutched his hands to extinguish the flame but he was quick to counter with his next attack. His hands shot out long tree roots and grabbed Kisho by one of his arms. He had expected Kisho to strike his arm, so he was quick to throw Kisho into the sky.

The boy tumbled through the air as he tried to get his bearings. It was difficult to tell where the sky was and the ground. Naraku smirked lightly and he threw a rain of sharp icicles at Kisho while he was still in the air.

Once again Kisho somehow managed to foil Naraku's attack. As the icy attack neared him he lashed out with one of his claws and knocking the icicles away except for one that struck him right in his leg. Kisho yelled out in pain just as he hit against the ground.

"Pitiful boy, you spoke so highly of your abilities," Naraku said as he picked Kisho up in his tree like hands. The long root like fingers wrapped around Kisho's fragile body, "Such a weak body, so easily broken."

Naraku tightened his hold on Kisho to hear the boy scream. Kisho yelled out in pain, but mixed in his yells was a laugh that grew louder and louder. Naraku's eyes grew wide as he stared at him, "Why are you laughing?"

The corner of Kisho's mouth leaked a small stream of blood as he laughed. He paused a moment to lick the blood away as his narrowed eyes stared directly to Naraku. His claws suddenly overcame Naraku's grip as he teared right through him until his claws struck Naraku inside his chest. Naraku's mouth hung open as he saw pieces of his own flash being torn away right before his eyes. Kisho's eyes expressed no emotion what so ever, but as Naraku stared into them he could sense the raging anger that boiled in the Inu's heart.

"You want to know why I am laughing." Kisho said in a sinister tone as he kept his hand inside Naraku's chest. Naraku was paralyzed from head to toe as his mouth hung opened in shock still. Kisho leaned closer and whispered into his ear, "Because I knew you would try to strangle me to death. Everything I did was carefully planned out. I even took one of your attacks, but let's not forget one important detail. Look to the sky."

Naraku's gaze slowly lifted to the sky to see that he was no longer inside the thick poison fog.

"Now it ends here," Kisho turned his head towards his friends who were all standing together, side by side, "Attack! Do it now while I have him!"

"What about you!?" Miroku called out as he leaned against his staff.

"Just do it! I'll be fine."

There was a brief paused before Sesshomaru stepped forward. He raised Tokijin and released its power. As the swords power shot out, Shippo used his fox fire to combine the attacks. Each and every one of them shot out their attacks to form one larger one. Inuyasha released his Wind Scar to give the attack the final push it needed as it struck both Naraku and Kisho. Naraku felt the attack begin to tear him apart and his dark eyes shot to Kisho, "You'll die too."

Kisho had his eyes shut when he heard Naraku, "If it means your death, then so be it."

The large energy rolled over the two fighters while everyone watched. Inuyasha felt himself hold his breath as he waited for the energy of their attack to die down. Everyone else had done the same. They all feared that Naraku may have survived the attack.

"Look!" Keiji yelled as he pointed to the long figure slowly stepping forward.

Inuyasha's eyes narrowed as he forced his eyes to focus on whoever was stepping forward. The first thing his amber eyes saw was the person's long black hair. Inuyasha quickly raised his sword to attack again.

"Wait," Sesshomaru demanded as he raised his hand up, "Are you that much of a fool, Inuyasha?"

Inuyasha growled at his older brother, but he looked at the figure again to see it was really Kisho who was stepping forward. His hair had changed back to a darker black and it had grown longer in length. He collapsed down to his knees as his left hand gripped his right arm. Kagome quickly moved past everyone and knelt down to Kisho, "What's happening to you?"

Kisho opened his right hand up slowly to reveal the tainted Shikon Jewel, "I can't purify it. It sucked most of my powers."

Kagome placed her hand over the jewel, "I'll help you then."

Kisho nodded his head lightly as the jewel slowly began to change back to its bright and glowing color. As the jewel began to glow brightly again Kisho fell backwards and collapsed. Everyone rushed to his side, but they were all relived to know that he was just tired and not really injured.

Inuyasha picked Kisho up while Kagome held onto the jewel, "Let's go home."

Inuyasha led everyone back to the village. Even Tora followed behind with Keiji guiding him along.

"I don't understand something. How did he survive that attack and how come Naraku didn't?" Keiji asked himself out loud.

"The jewel," Tora whispered as he walked with Keiji.

"Huh?"

"Kisho had his grip on the jewel when his hand was inside Naraku's chest. He must have used all his energy to get the jewel to react to his powers instead of Naraku's. Which is why he was protected and Naraku was not."

"How the hell do you know that? You weren't even there."

Tora chuckled lightly, "When you're blind you gain other powers."

Keiji snorted as he continued to walk on.

Kisho was in a blissful sleep. He had never slept so well in his life. His dreams were filled with happy times with his new friends and family. He had helped do the impossible and yet he still felt weak...

After a few days rest Kisho was back on his feet again. His hair had reverted back to its snowy white in color, but the length remained. He swore he was going to cut it when he got home. For now he left it tied up since he hated the long hair getting in his face.

Kisho was leaning against the old well as he looked around one last time.

"Are you leaving?" Kyoko said as she stepped out from the woods.

Kisho nearly had a heart attack when she appeared, "Damn! Would you stop sneaking up on me?"

"Answer me."

"Huh? Yeah, I'm leaving soon just not yet. I'll come back. I'm sure people in my own time are worried about me."

Kyoko crossed her arms as she snorted, "You better come back, I won't forgive you if you don't. Now come back to the village."

Kyoko got back up and began heading back. Kisho got back on his feet and began to follow her. He paused a brief moment as he stared at the torn up field, "So it's really over...somehow things just don't feel like that are over."

"Hurry up mutt!" Keiji shouted.

"Grr...stop calling me that," Kisho said with a sneer as he ran back towards the village. It wasn't clear if his journey was really over or that this was just the beginning.