Chapter 4: Kikyo's ashes returned

It was late morning when Inuyasha and company walked over the hills into Kaede's village. Kaede was busy tending to an injured farmer when she heard the shouts

"Do you see that? They have Kikyo's body!"

"Is she dead? Did they kill her?"

"Wasn't see turned evil by that witch, Urasue?"

Kaede walked out of the hut to great her friends and to see what this business with Kikyo was all about. As she looked at Inuyasha she saw her sister slumped over Inuyasha's shoulder, Inuyasha's free hand holding Kagome's.

"Why are ye carrying Kikyo? Does she live, or is she dead? Did ye kill her, Inuyasha?" asked Kaede.

"Kaede…you sister is dead. Before she died she said she found peace. It looks like she finally let go of her hate…" answered Inuyasha.

"I think she felt bad about all that she had done, she looked sad and ashamed before she died…" said Kagome, in a soft voice.

"It is that sadness, then, that freed her and allowed her to find peace. Kikyo's anger and hatred were keeping her in this world, if ye were able to have her feel remorse, then Kikyo's spirit would have indeed been released. I thank ye for this, and for bringing back her body."

"It was the least I could do…she wanted my love in life, and my life in death…but now that is impossible…"

Kaede looked at Inuyasha clasping Kagome's hand. So they have finally acknowledged their feelings for each other

"Granny Kaede, Inuyasha and Kagome are gonna get married!" Shippo blurted out.

"Really? I was hoping that it would come to this, I am a bit surprised though, for Inuyasha is foolish and proud."

"Indeed," said Miroku, "Inuyasha is a fool, He and Kagome have been in love for some time now, yet each one were both too proud to admit it and too ignorant to read the other's feelings"

"I just think its about time, if those two went on much longer how they were, they might never have gotten the courage or the brains to get together, "Sango casually remarked.

"ARE YOU ALL DONE?" asked Inuyasha, his face full of fury.

"That's the last time we tell you two anything! Hump!" said a flustered Kagome.

…………….

Later that night the entire village attended the funeral of Kikyo. It was decided that she should once again be cremated. Inuyasha and Kagome looked on with peaceful expressions. Each of them were connected to Kikyo in a very special way, and seeing her remains but to rest, knowing that her spirit was at peace, gave them comfort. After her body had been utterly consumed by the flames Kaede gathered her ashes and buried them at the spot that used to be her grave. After saying rights over her grave Miroku and Kaede set up a barrier around her grave to keep any other demons like Urasue from stealing her remains once again. After the funeral was over they retired to Kaede's house for rest, Inuyasha sleeping close by his woman, as the two drifted into a peaceful slumber.

When Morning broke, Kagome and Inuyasha prepared for their trip to the future.

"How long will you be gone, Kagome," asked Sango.

"I donno, maybe a few days, maybe up to a week or two…If we are gone for more than a week either Inuyasha or myself will come back to give you an update. If you are away I'll leave the message with Kaede"

"Take your time you two, Naraku has disapreard again, just like before, we don't have any leads right now and cant' start moving again until we find some more information." Said Miroku.

"Alright, we'll be back after we settle things with my family"

"Good bye Kagome, Inuyasha," waved Sango.

"Good bye you two," waived Miroku.

"Kagome, come back soon" whimpered Shippo

Kagome got on Inuyasha's back and the two of them sped off towards the bone eater's well.

"Is there anything more wonderful than seeing two young lovers?" asked Miroku.

Slap

"Keep your hands to your self, Monk!"

Miroku sighed and brought his hand from Sango's bottom, with a dreamy look on his face.