Disclaimer: Inuyasha and Zelda do not belong to me . . . I find it insulting.

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The Legend of Kagome: Tessusaiga of Time: Rewritten

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Chapter 12: Of a Sad Farewell and a New Beginning

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Inuyasha felt himself being pulled upward as the never ending ring of light stretched to infinity. He saw everything go black, and then being gently placed on the ground. He saw the God Tree again.

"God Tree." Inuyasha whispered.

"Thou hast demonstrated thy courage. I knew thou wouldst be able to carry out my wishes. You must heed my warning of the demon they call Naraku. This evil man ceaselessly uses his vile, evil powers in search for the Sacred Realm that is connected to Japan. You must never suffer that man with his evil heart to enter the Sacred Realm of legend."

"My end is nigh. Your valiant efforts to break the curse were successful, but I was doomed before you even started. Alas, young Inuyasha, the time has come. I no longer belong in the world of the living. You have granted my wish and for that I am grateful."

"What do you want me to do now?" Inuyasha asked sadly.

"Go to the Higurashi Shrine, there thou will surely meet the Princess of Destiny. I want you to have the stone that man wanted so much, so much he would curse me if I did not give it to him."

A green light encased everything around them and a binding white light came from the God Tree's branches. The wind seemed to blow gently and an emerald with a gold band that cut through the stone fell from the top of the ancient tree. It was placed on Inuyasha's hands.

"I can't." Inuyasha whispered.

"Whatever do you mean, child?"

"I can't take this away from you. The emerald, it's yours."

"Ah, but I gave it to you. The future depends upon thee, thou art courageous. You may miss me, but I certainly won't miss you. I'll always remember the little silvered haired boy who came to my meadow and left me flowers; the little boy that caught butterflies with his net and swam in the lake on hot summer days."

Inuyasha's golden eyes filled with tears. He could feel the God Tree smiling sadly.

"Now leave, Inuyasha, leave and never turn back! Follow the path, and never question your judgment. Remember that Farore, Din, and Naryu are looking after you! I entreat ye . . . Myouga . . . Good . . . bye."

And as soon as he finished, his trunk turned black, his leaves turned brown, and his once soft, curved wooden face disappeared. Inuyasha looked in horror as the once healthy God Tree turned into nothing. He turned away.

"To the Higurashi Shrine, Lord Inuyasha!" Myouga said, as his master slowly made his way back to the village. "Good-bye . . . My God Tree." Myouga whispered and bowed.

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As soon as he reached the entrance to the village, Kouga stopped him, looking as furious as ever.

"You disgusting half-breed! What did you do to the God Tree!"

Inuyasha looked away. "I didn't do anything."

"You're a liar! We all know you killed the God Tree and we ALL know you have the Kokiri's Emerald! I, Kouga, Leader of the Kokiri, ban you, Inuyasha, from this Forest! You can never come back! Now leave! Leave and never come back! Traitor!"

Inuyasha's head sunk. He ran to the entrance, covering his head with his arms. He almost cried, but his pride made him hold the tears inside. He left the forest and was almost done crossing the bridge, when all of the sudden a voice said:

"Aren't you going to say good-bye?"

Inuyasha stopped. He looked from the corner of his eye and saw Sango holding something in her hands, looking sad. He slowly faced her.

"You're leaving . . . I knew . . . that you would leave the forest . . . someday, Inuyasha. Because you are different from me and my friends. But that's okay, because we'll be friends forever."

"I wasn't planning this, Sango." He spoke sadly.

Her hair was out of its usual ponytail, the wind playing with her black tresses. Her chocolate eyes darted nervously and she bit her lip. She slowly walked towards Inuyasha and extended her hands, leaving the package to the open. Inuyasha took it in his hands. It was an ocarina with flowers painted on it.

"I want you to have this Ocarina. Please take good care of it. When you play my ocarina, I hope you will think of me and come back to the forest to visit."

Inuyasha gave Sango a big bear hug.

"Forget me not, Inuyasha." She whispered.

"I'll never forget you, Sango." He whispered back. She laughed softly.

He laughed with her. He looked back at the gateway to the other world.

"I'll be right here waiting for you." She said, as she gently pushed him. "Go on, then. Your future awaits you!"

He looked back at her. And, with a heavy heart, he walked into the unknown.

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You can see the difference in this chapter. Review, please!

Fourth Child of Destiny

7/12/05