I finally got a new computer!!!!!!! This is why it's taking me so long to update, so I could program it, and add all my stuff, but now it's up and running. Not to mention I've been going to family gatherings and stuff. Anyway, I finally have time now to work on the next chapter!!!!
Winter Wonderland
Chapter Twenty-Two
Naraku's eyes widened, his head turning in all directions as he was being surrounded. He felt weak . . . very weak without the Shikon No Tama in his body, he was back to his old self, just a shape shifter who could use poison.
"Rin," whispered Sesshoumaru.
"Yes?"
"Go hide in the trees,"
"Okay," Rin ran to the trees with Shippo following her.
Inu-Yasha smiled as he drew his Tetsusaiga, fully transformed, "This is it,"
"Hmm, Inu-Yasha even with out the jewel, do you really thing you can defeat me?"
Inu-Yasha smirked, and glanced at everyone before they all charged forward. Naraku had no chance of escaping with everyone surrounding him. Sango attacked first, taking off Naraku's arm with her Hiraikotsu, then came Miroku taking off Naraku's other arm with his staff. Kagome fired her arrow, hitting Naraku in the stomach, but the blast from her miko powers took off everything from the waist down. Sesshoumaru came next drawing Tokijin, cutting Naraku across the shoulder and Kouga swiping Naraku with his claws across the chest. Inu-Yasha approached slowly, a huge smirk on his face.
"This is the end of you Naraku,"
"Inu-Yasha. . . you fool . . . do you not think that I wouldn't have come up with something in case I was almost defeated?"
"This isn't going to be like last time when you abducted Rin, you don't have anyone else you can use as a hostage,"
"Oh, so you have forgotten about Kikyo?"
"Kikyo?"
"Yes, I have the dead priestess with one of my other detachments," chuckled Naraku.
"Well Naraku, I hate to disappoint you, but Kikyo is already gone from this world,"
"What?"
"I rested her soul to peace, she is no longer wandering the world of the living,"
" . . ."
"Say your prayers . . ."
"Wait! I know a way to bring Kohaku back to life, even with out the Shikon no Tama,"
"Feh, are you blind?" chuckled Inu-Yasha pointing over his shoulder. Kohaku stood beside Rin and Shippo, looking perfectly fine.
"No . . ."
"Die Naraku! Kaze no Kizu!"
Naraku screamed as he was hit with the wind scar, but as the dust settled Naraku was still alive, "Is that all you've got?"
"The wind scar didn't work?" cried Miroku.
"Kagome, try your arrow," said Inu-Yasha.
Kagome grabbed another arrow and fired embedding it in Naraku's chest. Miko power exploded from the arrow, but Naraku was still alive, only his head remaining "See I will not be destroyed that easily!"
"Inu-Yasha,"
The half demon looked up to see Sesshoumaru standing on the opposite side on him, holding up his sword.
"If the wind scar won't work, use Tetsusaiga's ultimate attack," said Sesshoumaru, thrusting his sword down, and the demon energy heading right for Inu-Yasha.
Inu-Yasha understood what Sesshoumaru was doing. In order for him to use the Bakuruyhaa, he needed to thrust the wind scar into the demon energy of his opponent, but since Naraku was too weak, Sesshoumaru was doing it for him.
"Bakuruyhaa!" screamed Inu-Yasha, sending the attack towards Naraku.
Sesshoumaru moved out of the way just in time as Tetsusaiga's ultimate attack consumed and finally destroyed Naraku. When the dust settled and everyone was back on their feet, nothing was left of Naraku except a huge crater from where he once stood. No one moved, or breathed as they stared at the crater before them. Everyone almost jumped out of their skin when Kagome cried out, "We did it!"
Rin came running out of the trees followed by Shippo, Kohaku, and Jaken. She hugged Sesshoumaru around the waist, which surprised everyone including the lord himself. Kohaku ran to his big sister and just like Rin gave her a big hug. Sango had tears rolling down he eyes as she embraced her little brother. Miroku smiled, and joined the small group hug.
Inu-Yasha smiled watching the scenes before him, but his thoughts were interrupted when a pair of arms wrapped around him from behind.
"It's over," whispered Kagome, into Inu-Yasha's hair.
"Yeah, it's finally over," he whispered, turning around so he could hug his mate properly.
Shippo soon joined Inu-Yasha and Kagome, as well as Kirara. Suddenly, a flash of pink light suddenly came from Kagome that caused Inu-Yasha to release her. All eyes were on her as Kagome was engulfed in pink flames like before.
"Kagome!" screamed Inu-Yasha, reaching out to touch her but was thrown back by the immense miko power.
"You have finally defeated him then . . ."
"Kagome?" asked Inu-Yasha.
"No, I am Midoriko . . ." said Kagome's form.
Everyone was silent once again as everyone stared at Kagome's form.
"Kikyo, was my reincarnation, and so Kaogme's soul, Kikyo's, and mine are one," she waved her hand over hip where the jewel had burst from Kagome's body, "The jewel has returned to it's rightful place . . . however it still has the power left for one more wish before it disappears forever. Kagome has already made her wish . . . so Inu-Yasha you still have to make yours,"
"Me?" asked Inu-Yasha.
"Yes . . . you two were the original group to bring the Shikon Jewel together, and so as a reward you get one wish,"
"But what will happen to Kagome!" asked Shippo.
"Do not worry, she will be fine, and I will be able to rest in peace after all these years once the jewel is back in its protectors body,"
Inu-Yasha stared at the ground, "I have one question,"
"Then ask,"
"The Jewel was used to bring Kagome here, once it is gone . . . will the well be sealed?"
"I'm afraid so . . ."
"Then my wish is that the well will never closed, that it will always remain open to both worlds,"
"What about your wish to become a full fledged demon?"
"No, this is my wish,"
Midoriko smiled, "Very well . . ." Kagome began to glow a bright pink that caused everyone to shield their eyes. Once the light dimmed, Kagome's form collapsed to the ground.
"Kagome!" screamed Inu-Yasha, running to his mate's side, and pulling her body into his arms, "Kagome?"
Her blue-gray eyes fluttered open, staring into Inu-Yasha's golden ones.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," whispered Kagome, her hand stroking his cheek.
Sesshoumaru gave a small grunt before turning to the forest, followed by Rin and Jaken.
"Sesshoumaru!" called Inu-Yasha.
"Hmm?"
"I hate to say this but . . . thanks for your help . . ."
Sesshoumaru just nodded and continued walking into the trees with Rin and Jaken at his heals.
Everyone headed back down to the village to reveal the good news to Kaede that Naraku had finally been defeated.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The wind blew softly, causing Kagome's hair to move in different directions as she stood on top of a hill facing Kouga. Inu-Yasha had promised to wait in Kaede's village while she said good-bye to Kouga.
"Kagome . . ."
"Kouga, you know that . . . I love Inu-Yasha . . . I find you one of my best friends,"
"I know . . . but . . ."
"Kouga please . . . I've made my decision,"
"Can I still visit you though? Me and Ayame?"
Kagome smiled, "Of course you can," She walked forward and gave Kouga a hug, "Good-bye,"
Kouga hugged Kagome back and quickly kissed her on the cheek, "Bye," releasing Kagome; the leader of the wolf demon tribe took off into the horizon, but not running as fast as he used to when he had the jewel shards. Smiling, Kagome tightened her grip on her jacket and headed back to Kaede's village where Inu-Yasha and the others were waiting.
There was no more danger, no more Shikon No Tama, and no more Naraku, which they had defeated early that morning. Kagome sighed as she walked down the hill, finally her and Inu-Yasha could settle down and start their new lives together. Miroku, Sango, and Kohaku would be heading to the exterminators village to bury her father and their other fellow villagers with others like Sango had promised when the mission for the jewel was over (Episode 49 if you reviewers are curious). Kagome would be heading back home tomorrow since today was the last day for Christmas holidays, and of course Inu-Yasha would be making a big deal about it. She started to wonder how many times she would have to sit him in order for her to go home . . . or the easiest way was to just invite him along. Kagome sighed as she looked up at the clear blue sky, *I'm definitely going to have to face Hojo tomorrow, plus Eri and Yuka*. (Okay, so I lied about Hojo not making another appearance in my story, but hey I still need a villain till the very end)
Inu-Yasha waited patiently for Kagome outside of Kaede's hut. *If that wolf kidnapped her again I swear to god I'll slit his throat* thought Inu-Yasha, but was relieved when he saw Kagome coming into the village. Smiling, Inu-Yasha ran towards Kagome and scooped her up into his arms and planting a gentle kiss on her cherry lips.
"So?" asked Inu-Yasha, pressing his forehead against hers.
"He said he and Ayame would come visit us the odd time," whispered Kagome.
"Well at least he didn't try to kidnap you,"
Kagome giggled and snuggled into Inu-Yasha's warm chest, "Inu-Yasha?"
"Hmm?"
"I have to go home tomorrow,"
"What? No way!"
"Please? You can come with me if you like,"
Inu-Yasha scowl changed into a goofy smile, "Well . . . I guess I can settle for that,"
Kagome smiled and wrapped her arms around Inu-Yasha's neck as he carried Kagome back to Kaede's so they could say good-bye to Sango and the others.
Shippo was crying his eyes out on Miroku's shoulder as Sango was gathering her stuff, preparing to leave.
"Now Shippo we won't be gone that long," sighed Miroku, trying to pry the little demon off of him.
Kagome and Inu-Yasha walked in through the hut door just as Miroku managed to get Shippo off of him.
"So when are you guys coming back?" asked Inu-Yasha, setting Kagome down.
"In about a few weeks, we're going to make sure that no one finds the resting place of Sango's old village."
Inu-Yasha nodded, and was at first hesitant at first, but finally stepped forward and embraced Miroku. Of course the monk was shocked at first, but smiled and hugged his friend back.
"You three be safe okay?" growled Inu-Yasha.
"But of course old friend," said Miroku.
The two released from their hug so Inu-Yasha could give Sango a hug, and Kagome do the same to Miroku. Once hugs were done being exchanged, Miroku, Sango, Kirara, and Kohaku headed out the door and waved good-bye to their friends until they could no longer be seen. Shippo was perched on Kagome's shoulder and Inu-Yasha stood behind his mate, embracing her from behind.
"Kagome, can I come with you and Inu-Yasha back to your time?" asked Shippo.
"No, I'm afraid not, but you can stay here with Kaede,"
"But. . ."
"Look squirt, Kagome has to concentrate on her school work and with you there you would only distract her. How about once her tests are over I'll come and get you?" asked Inu-Yasha.
Shippo's eyes lit up before jumping up and hugging Inu-Yasha around the neck, "Thank you!" he squealed.
"Yeah, yeah, get off of me," growled the half demon.
Kagome only smiled before releasing Inu-Yasha's arms from her waist and heading into Kaede's hut to grab her things, "Well shall we get going?"
Inu-Yasha nodded and took Kagome's hand in his as they made their way to the well.
"Bye Shippo! Be good!" called Kagome.
Shippo waved good-bye to the two happy to see that they were finally together. Even though he sort of felt left behind, he would hold Inu-Yasha to his word. Smiling, Shippo headed back into Kaede's hut.
TBC . . .
Okay, sorry, sorry, sorry! I felt so bad for not updating, but hey it's Christmas and I was busy, plus today was my first day at work as a cashier. It went better than I expected it to, and so as I download Inu-Yasha videos, I was writing this. Now the next chapter can be of two things, one Inu-Yasha and Kagome in her world, or a sort of thing that kind of threatens to break Sango and Miroku apart. Both of these will occur, but you get to decide what happens first. So review!
Lynns