Gwg: I've said it once and I shall say it again, ya'll are the best! Thanks for all the reviews and I really am sorry that I kept you guys waiting so long, but since I'm outta school now maybe I can start updating quicker, who knows? Anyways, here is the next installment of Sakura Blossoms and Kisses.

He sits behind a desk of mahogany
He whispers dreams into my ear
Though I've given him his empire
He delivers me my fear. - - Half A Week Before The Winter by Vanessa Carlton

Sakura Blossoms and Kisses: Chapter 18

Inuyasha knew, even before the Tetsusaiga connected with Naraku's spider mark that he wouldn't be able to survive. The enchanted fang was glowing an eerie red as it connected with the spider upon the hanyou's back. It pierced deep, and as Naraku's scream of pain sounded everything else became quiet. Sesshomaru quickly moved forward as he pulled out the Toukijin, bringing the sword down in one swift movement to destroy what was left of the half-breed.

To add to the attacks already made, Kagome fired one of her sacred arrows at Naraku's heart as soon as it was exposed. The arrow pierced the half-breed's black heart and disintegrated it on impact. Silence...and then the air erupted with the cheers of those still alive. Naraku no longer existed, the half-breed that had plagued them for so long was now dead. A smile of happiness was on Kagome's face as she picked up the squealing Shippou and threw him up into the air with a laugh.

A roar of triumph sounded from Kirara as the fire cat sounded the call of victory. Sango felt tears pricking at the corner of her eyes as she watched Miroku look at his hand where the Wind Tunnel had once been. Koga was laughing with Ginta and Hakkaku as the two wolves sighed in relief. Kagura's hand slowly reached to her chest, the feel of her heart beating within it giving her a feeling of joy than nothing could take away. The vacant look remained in Kanna's eyes, but she could see the happiness of the others...and inside it made her happy as well.

Kikyo turned to look back at Inuyasha, a gentle smile gracing her features for a moment as her eyes danced with contentment. No longer did she hold a grudge against Inuyasha...and no longer did she wish for the hanyou to travel to hell with her. She knew that she no longer held a place in his heart as she had for so many years. The only one missing from the celebration was Kohaku...a boy who had went missing a few months back. Sango's mind was on her little brother, but as she was kissed by Miroku she knew that he was already in heaven.

Amber eyes burned with the fire of passion as their owner turned to stare at the amber eyed hanyou that was close by. Inuyasha's eyes were trained on the joy of his friends as he watched them celebrate with the others. A gentle smile danced about Sesshomaru's features as he took a few steps forward and wrapped his arms around his brother. Everything was slowly beginning to settle into place within his heart and his world.

Inuyasha turned his head slightly to look back at his older brother, a smirk on his face. Sesshomaru returned the smirk as he bent down and kissed his younger brother. The second cheer that went up was lost on the two brothers as Inuyasha eagerly returned the kiss. To them, this was the closest to heaven that they would ever get...and they couldn't want anything more...

Gwg/sniffs/ This is the last chapter of the story itself, but there shall be an epilogue coming soon. I would like to thank everyone who has stayed with me during this fic, especially when I didn't update it for a very long time. All of you made this story possible, and I really appreciate it. Until the next time, ja ne...