Chapter Eight: The End of All Things

Morning came. The shadows and the mists of night dissipated, as an ethereal calm and silnce covered the earth. Suddenly, the silence was broken by the clash of swords, and the rustling of hooves as they beat down on the ground. The battle had begun.

Naraku's dead warriors engaged Inu-yasha's army at the base of the mountain. Fuji had become a battle field.

Just as planned, Inu-yasha and his friends kept Naraku distracted. They came over the hills just as Naraku's zombies had passed one of the great five lakes. The Millennium Bearers used their powers over time, the mind, and space to paralyze rotting soldiers a they cut them down or blew them away. Meanwhile, Kaede and Kagome's archers sent down a deadly rain.

And while all was chaos around them, Inu-yasha sought out Naraku. He dodged arrows form enemies and allies alike, as he searched and slashed down the ranks.

"Naraku!" he cried, "I know you're here! No more hiding!" he emphasized with a stab top dead warrior, "No more games! I want you to fight me!"

"It shall be as you wish…" said the hated voice as the dust of war grew thicker around him. "Half-breed!" Naraku cried as he brought down his evil, curse filled sword down to slice off Inu-yasha;s head, but Inu-yasha smelled him first. He brought up in one swift motion both the Tetsusaiga and the sword of Amateratsu, blocking the dark blade.

"What?" Naraku gasped. "It was a legend. It does not exist!"

"Are you tired of always being wrong?" Inu-yasha asked, pushing him back and charging. Every time Narkau made a thrust, a jab, a cut, any move, Inu-yasha blocked it with one sword and made an attack of his own with the other, upper cutting, spinning and hacking away at Naraku.

Then, Inu-yasha made a thrust, and cut the side of Naraku's neck, and as the dead stolen skin was hewned away, taking a chunk of hair with it, Naraku moved to counter, but Inu-yasha took the chance I his enemy's shock to stab him straight in the stomach with his father's sword.

As the old blade went through his body, Naraku grunted. "So… this is the power I have so long sought… but can never have…?"

Inu-yasha withdrew the sword, and with one final, clean cut, Inu-yasha tool off Naraku's head. And from the neck down, he disintegrated, and his ashes were scattered to the wind. All that remained was a burned skull. And within that skull… glowed the Shikon no Tama.

"Inu-yasha!" Kagome cried as the undead warriors fell back into the dust of the earth.

"Kagome," he called back. "I found it." She hurried to his side, and he kicked aside the skull. On the ground was their long sought prize. Carefully, unbelieving, Kagome knelt and pcked up the sacred Jewel. She took out her Jewel Shards, and pressed all into her palm. When she opened it, her hands glowing form the magic inside her and the Jewel, there was only one small sliver left open.

"Kohaku!" Sango's voice called in the distance. "Kohaku! Where are you? It's me, Sango, you're sister! Where are you?" They turned, and saw their friend searching through the bodies, and around the battle field. Tears streaked down her face as she searched in vain, for Kohaku was not there. When she dropped to her knees in despair, Miroku went to her and held her until her cries silenced.

Transition

It had been that way from every corner of the land. Soon, the cry went out to all creatures that Naraku, the menace, the great spider who lurked always in the shadows, was finally, truly dead, brought down by his mortal enemy at long last. When the message reached the encampment of women and children, they returned to their homes, and met with the great army as the men returned also. And when Inu-yasha, King Yami, and Oda Nobunaga met again, it was rejoice in victory and say goodbye.

"So, friend," Nobunaga said as they sat together around a banquet table in his camp, "Have you considered my offer? To be one of my generals?"

"Yeah," Inu-yasha said. "I've thought it over, and right now, I've still got too much on my plate. I still got that last Jewel Shard to look for, and I still have my people to protect, and I still have to many promises to keep. But if you ever need me, I'll be there. But until then, I want you to have this," Inu-yasha said, standing up and taking the Sword of the Sun Goddess from his belt. He knelt before Oda Nobunaga and without any regrets, passed the sword to him. "With this sword you can reunite Japan, and we can become the country we always should have been."

"I will cherish and protect this sacred treasure all my days, and my line after me as well." the great man said, accepting the gift.

"Speaking of gifts," Souta said. "Kaede, can we talk outside?"

"Of course lad," she replied following the boy. When they were out of earshot, Souta opened his arms, and he transformed into the image of a tall man with shaggy long red hair, covered in the pelts of countless, nameless animals. "Ye must be Loki," she said.

"Yes, this is my true form," Loki replied. "I have an offer for you. For a week you have lived with your restored youth and strength, knowing it would not last. Would you like it to last?"

"What are ye asking of me?" she asked.

"I am asking you to let me keep you young. I could even restore your eye. Would you like that? A second chance for a peaceful life?"

"I am grateful for your offer, but nay," she replied. "Now that my curse is broken, and my sister's true killer slain at last, I wish to return to my true age and form. What need have I for youth and the troubles it brings? I have tasted a full life. T'would not be fair to fill my cup again when there are still so many other who's cups are empty."

"Then at least grant let me restore your eyes. I know in your old form you were slowly losing in your good eye. Please, let me heal both, to repay you for the kindness you've done my sister?"

Kaede laughed, "I would never have thought a great celestial being would call a mortal woman his sister after just eight years of life as a human. Very well then. You may restore my sight completely."

Then, with a loud sound as a thunder clap, Loki slapped his hands together, and Kaede's body began to glow. "By morning you will return to your proper age. Savor this night." And with that he became the Souta again, shrinking into his second form.

Transition

"Where were you?" Inu-yasha asked Souta and Kaede as they returned.

"Just having a talk," Kaede said. "By the way, Inu-yasha, there was something I've have always wished to do, ever since I was a child."

"Huh?" he muttered as she walked and grabbed his ear, tweaking them. "Why you old bat! Let go!" he growled, shaking his head violently.

From across the table, Joey burst out laughing, "You should open up a booth! I get out of that every time!"

"How would you like me to give you a kick every time?" Inu-yasha threatened.

"Sit boy," Kagome said. FLASH WHAM! He fell across table.

Oda Nobunaga. Then looked to Yami. "And what will you do now that your war with Naraku is over? Are you returning to your lands in the west?"

"Hmmm?" went all of Yugi's friends.

"I… I'm not sure," Yugi/Yami said. "With the summer coming, and school ending soon… I suppose…"

"Yugi, man, what about our plan?" Joey asked.

"Yeah dude," Tristan added, "We we were gonna try to figure out the mysteries of your past."

"If there is one thing my adventures with Inu-yasha has taught me, Joey, Tristan, Tea, Mai, Serenity, Bakura, Duke, Mokuba, Kaiba, is that my past does not matter. My destiny lies elsewhere. Our friendship will never end, but I know you all have your own dreams. And I would see them fulfilled than have you give them up for my sake."

"But Yugi," Tea said, getting aup and sitting beside him, her hands resting on his arm. "If I go to New York and join the ballet, we might never see each other again."

"Not all good byes are forever, Tea. My journeys may bring me to your doorstep, someday Tea," he answered, lifting her chin up with his hand. "But we have the summer together, and who knows what adventures await us?"

Transition

The next morning, Kagome woke to the sound of someone else stirring in the camp. She got up and left her tent to see who coulf be up so early.

"Oh Kaede," she said, as the sun in front of them. "You're changed back to normal."

"Not entirely, my child. Not entirely." said the old woman, as she removed the eye patch she had worn since she was nine years old. She blinked, and rubbed her eyes, then turned to Kagome and smiled ash she saw her and the world clearer than ever.

Transition

After the armies or Oda Nobunaga had left, Yugi and the others from the present gathered their packs for what they knew would be the last time.

"Are ye certain ye shall not return here, King Yami?" Kaede asked.

"The Chaos Wars are over," Yugi/Yami answered, "There is no need for us to return. And our future lie elsewhere. It's time for us to go home and find our own way in life."

"We'll miss Kaede," Tea and Serenity said, hugging her. Then Joey came hugged her too.

"I'll miss your stew," he whimpered. "You can't get good eats like that anywhere else. No one else uses those seasonins."

"Oh brother," Mai said. Miroku, standing next to her got a look in his eye.

"Oh no you don't," Sango stopping him before he could start. "If you must, then here," she said, grabbing hand.

"Are you sure? You're not going to it me are you?" he asked.

"Of course not, we're an item now." Sango said. And Miroku grinned ear to ear as he rested his hand firmly where it always belonged.

"Kaede, I'd like to ask you a favor," Bakura said.

"Aye?"

"Please, can you take this? With Naraku dead, I don't know what he can do, and I don't want to risk it," Bakura said, giving the Millennium Ring. "I know you can keep it hidden."

"I shall guard it with my life, Young Bakura."

"Well," Yugi/Yami, turning to Inu-yasha, "I suppose we'll never stand together in this Era again."

"No, but I'll be coming back to your era plenty." Inu-yasha said.

"But know if you ever need me, Lord Inu-yasha…"

"Same here bud," and they shook hands at the wrist, like true kings of old.

Transition

When they returned to the present, Yugi and his friends and classmates Graduated Domino High. Their Feudal Friends were there to watch as they accepted their diplomas one by one, and Mai especially was proud of Joey. Tomorrow they would be going to Kagome and Ayumi's graduation in Tokyo, but tonight, they had one last bash at the Kaiba mansion for their friends Sango and Miroku, who finally got married.

"A toast to the happy couple!" Kagome cheered.

"Hurray!" everyone shouted as they popped the corks on Kaiba's best champagne. Sango and Miroku were just as Kagome once imagined them. Sango was in a American style elaborate wedding gown, embroidered with roses around the neckline and hem, and Miroku, in a suit of pure white, went with out his hand covering, free of his curse at last.

"I'm going to miss my Wind Tunnel," Miroku said.

"Maybe your curse also cured your wandering hands," Sango said. Suddenly she felt a familiar squeeze. "I told you to wait for that," she said.

"Old habits die hard," he said, but didn't move it.

"Speakin of weddins," Joey said said as he took and entire cake tier, "Mai…"

"Don't even ask hun," she said, "I have no plans of settling down yet."

"Aw come on," he said. "I mean, the thing is, earlier at graduation, Yugi said he and grandpa were going back to Egypt to help Pegasus with his expeditions, and they needed someone to run their shop while they're gone…"

"Joey, you old card shark," Mai said, "Are you asking me to be your business associate?"

"Well, the thought had crossed my mind. Just one thing thought," he said. Then he got a pair opf keys, "There's more than I need upstairs."

Mai sighed, "Fine, I'll move in. But I pay rent with money, understand?"

"Fine by me," Joey said, cause I ain't got any."

"Oh brother."

"Come'ere," he said, grabbing by the waist and dipping her, planting a huge smooch.

"So I suppose you'll be going back to running your company and funding tournaments and building theme parks, huh?" little Yugi asked Kaiba.

"Actually, I've thought that I'd retire and live the life I've always wanted." Kaiba said. He put down his plate and said, "You might not know this Yugi, but using that old magic has left me a little drained. I feel like I've aged far too fast. I think I actually need to grow down."

"I never thought I'd see the day that Seto Kaiba made a joke," Yugi said.

"Hmph, I guess I've been hanging around you and you're friends too long. Don't go thinking that we're 'pals' or anything. As far as I'm concerned, Yugi,. You're still my greatest rival."

"I wouldn't expect anything less, Kaiba," Yugi said.

From behind him, a pink bubble grew huge, and then started knowing on Kaiba's head. Kaiba got a pen, and soundly popped Shippo's bubble, one last time while Mokuba and Souta rolled on the floor laughing.

Transition

That next afternoon, After Kagome and her classmates received their diplomas, and afterwards Kagome and her friends gathered together in her mother's living room. Her mom was in the kitchen fixing snacks, while Gramps chopped vegetables, and Souta played with Boyou. When Mrs. Higurashi entered with the laden snack tray, everyone went quiet.

"What's this?" she asked. "You didn't stop talking on my account. And just whatre the great adventurers going to do over summer break?"

"Yes indeed," Gramps added. "What's on the schedule this time? A tournament to decide the fate of the world? New demons to slay? Perhaps a trip to a different dimension?"

"Mom, Gramps, I have to tell you something," Kagome said, hanging her head.

"Oh dear, you're not pregnant are you?" her mom said.

Kagome's head jerked up as she blushed and said, "What? No!" while Inu-yasha nearly choked on a biscuit.

"Oh thank goodness," her mom said with relief. "Then what ever it is, I'll understand."

"Well," Kagome said nervously, "You know that everyone else is going on their own adventures soon… Tea's going New York to study ballet, and Bakura's going back to London for college for university…"

"Yes? Those are all wonderful," her mom said. "What's the problem?"

Inu-yasha took her Kagome's hand, giving her courage. "Well, with everyone splitting up, Yuggi in Egypt, and Joey running the game shop, and Tristan going to Tokyo U with Ayumi…"

"Out with it girl," her grandpa said, "It won't help to dance around the issue."

"I won't want to go to college in the fall," she finally spit out.

"That's not a problem," her mom said, "There are always technical colleges."

"Mom," Kagome said, starting to cry, "I'm not gonna be here to go. Inu-yasha and I have decided to go back to the Feudal Era and finish looking for the Jewel Shards."

This made her grandpa stop dead, while her mother stare out blankly.

"You- you can't be serious," Gramps asked. "What about your future? We hardly see you already. Now you tell us you're going to be staying in the past with Inu-yasha?"

"I promise to come back once on a while," she said. "But right now I think this is the right place for me."

"This is too much!" he Gramps protested.

"Father," her mother suddenly said, breaking her long silence. "Let her go."

"What?" Kagome, her grandpa, and Souta all asked.

"We all knew she'd be leaving sooner or later. Just where and when was always a mystery. But I thibk I always knew why would be leaving. Kagome, I always hoped that when you left, it would be with someone you love."

Kagome and Inu-yasha blushed brightly.

"Just remember please to come by once on a while so I won't worry too much."

"I promise," Kagome said, smiling through her tears. Transition

"Why are going on a boat?" Yugi's grandpa asked Pegasus as they loaded their cargo.

"Because I've always wanted to take a slow boat to the west. It's more dramatic this way. Besides, the cost of jet fuel is ridiculous these days." the milionaire answered.

"Maybe I should stay in Japan," Solomon Motou said, boarding anyway.

"Oh no you don't, old man, you're not going to run out on me that easily."

Yugi stood at the docks with his ship in view. It was an impressive ship strong and sturdy and he was sure that he would enjoy the slow cruise to Egypt. His grandfather and Pegasus were waiting for him board. He'd always known that his destiny would take him back to the land of the Pharaohs. Now he was ready to go and discover what his destiny had in store for him. Just as he was about to board though, he wondered just how long he'd be gone. Until now it really didn't seem as if he would really be leaving. Now as he thought about the friends he was leaving behind, Yugi began to worry. Joey would be running the Little Turtle Game store, Mokuba would be running Kaiba Corp. and Kagome was going back to the feuding states era with Inu-yasha until their mission to find all of the shards of the Sacred Jewel was complete.

"Will those guys really be able to get along without me?"

"I think that they will." Yami said standing beside him. "We're going to discover something about ourselves in the days to come that will forever change our perception of the world. Yugi, we've come too far to turn back now. Even though our friends are not with us in caporal form, they are with us in spirit."

"Right." Yugi remembered. Joey, Tristan, Tea, Bakura, Serenity, Kaiba, and the others were all still his friends no matter what. They would remain friends for the rest of the their lives.

Transition

Tea watched as the ship sailed away, taking Yugi with it. She would be flying to New York tomorrow. She held the slip that had Yugi's new mailing address on it. As she watched the love of her life leaving, she vowed that someday, they would find each other. And be together forever.

Transition

Joey and Mai stood in front of the Little Turtle Game Shop. Joey couldn't help but swell with pride as he inserted the key into the front door.

"Ready, tiger?" Mai asked.

"You bet," Joey said as the door swung open. "Mai… I'm home."

The End

(We mean it this time)