InuYasha

Final Journey

Authors Note:

Greetings. If you've stumbled across this fanfiction, you're in luck. I am very interested in this story, as it will be my own version of the ended anime series.

As the title suggests, it is the final adventure of Inuyasha, and his comrades. A journey to gather the remaining fragments of the Shikon Jewel, and defeat Naraku and his incarnations.

Each and every character is expected to play a vital role in this story, if I can squeeze something in. As a bit of a spoiler, mid-way through the story, I will also try to bring the Shichinin-tai back, this time on the good side, since they were already deceived by Naraku. Not making any promises, though. So don't get your hopes up.

The story will take place sometime after the last episode of the anime, though not directly after. If you have not seen the entire anime series, I suggest you either go back a page, or look up whatever episodes you did not see. Otherwise, you may be extremely confused.

Also, I have not read any of the manga, and I am quite aware the manga continues on even after the anime ends. So, if I should put something on this story that happens later on in the anime, and I do not know about, a tip would be greatly appreciated.

I'll close the note with a: please read, and review! I hate to be working on a story, and think people are not reading my work.

Brand New Journey.

The sun slowly began to rise, rising every slowly in the distance. It parted the clouds, scattering colors of purple, golden yellow, pink, and other such colors across the sky. Birds in the distance began to sing merely, as they began to awake for another day's activity. The morning air was crisp and cool, droplets of dew still clinging to the grass and trees, as the sun had not yet fully risen.

Kaede's hut. Within, comrades and long-time allies all slept soundly. All but one. Kagome rose up from her sitting position on her sleeping bag. Parting the curtain-doors of the hut, she waltzed out of the hut, stretching her arms outward toward the sky. Her nose was soon filled with the crisp smell of the fresh morning air. "A new day…" she said to no one in particular. 'Today is the day.' She thought.

Today, they were going to set out once again for Naraku's castle. Although, not even Inuyasha himself knew where the damn thing was! However, the Shikon Jewel was nearly complete, with only a few shards left. After their previous vow of, 'We will follow Naraku to the ends of the Earth!', it was too late to turn back now. Naraku had done so many horrible things, wronged so many souls.

Inuyasha and Kikyou – Both were deceived by the foul youkai, Naraku. Naraku himself disguised himself as Inuyasha, and cut down Kikyou, making the miko think that Inuyasha had deceived her. Because of this, the two began to quarrel, and soon were treating each other as archenemies. Inuyasha, driven by the sudden treachery of the woman he wished to be with, attempted to steal the Sacred Jewel, in order to become a youkai. But was sealed to the Sacred Tree by Kikyou's Fuin no Ya, (sealing arrow) and would lay dormant there for 50 years. Kikyou also suffered from serious injures from a previous fight with the hanyou, and died thereafter.

Miroku – The houshi with the cursed wind void in his hand. Many years ago, Naraku disguised himself as a demon overlord, whom was challenged to a duel by Miroku's ancestor. Taking the form of many youkai, Naraku defeated the ancient Buddhist, and pierced his right hand, which would soon become the Kazaana. (wind void) This curse would be passed down through the generations of the houshi, including Miroku's, until Naraku was ultimately defeated.

Sango – The last, and strongest of the youkai TaijiYa. A sadistic plot lured many of the TaijiYa to Naraku's castle, where the youkai disguised himself as a human lord, Kagawaki. Sango's younger sibling, Kohaku, their father, and even Sango herself were among the many lured to the castle. There, the TaijiYa battled with a giant spider youkai. After the beast was slain, Naraku took hold of young Kohaku's mind. And, using the boy, slaughtered the TaijiYa's, including his own father! Sango was the only one left alive. Kohaku was slain by the castle guards, but was later brought back by Naraku. 'Kagawaki' decided to spare Sango, and even dressed her injuries.

Sesshoumaru – Inuyasha's older brother. While in his weaker hanyou state, Naraku offered a mortal arm to Sesshoumaru, which had a Shikon fragment embedded into it. This would allow the Tai-youkai to wield Inuyasha's blade, Tetsusaiga, without fail. The true purpose of the arm was to devour Sesshoumaru's entire being. Because of this, and many other atrocities, Sesshoumaru has vowed to see Naraku dead.

Kouga – The wolf youkai. Naraku tempted Kouga's wolf demon tribe, when he lured them to a false castle, by offering them countless Shikon fragments. Many of the tribe went to the castle, Kouga himself, and a few others remained behind. When the wolf youkai arrived at the castle, they were slaughtered by Naraku's late incarnation: the wind sorceress, Kagura. Because of the relentless killing of his entire tribe, Kouga intends to kill Naraku himself.

Kagome was almost certain there were many other people and youkai that Naraku had deceived. She was so caught up in thoughts, she had not even noticed that, by this time, the sun was rising above the mountains, bathing the entire Warring States era in golden sunshine. Almost the exact second the rays hit Kaede's hut, Kagome could hear Inuyasha stirring about in the corner, waking up.

'Great,' Kagome said in her mind, 'He'll want to set off right away.'

Inuyasha was, after all, always eager to travel, if it meant finally destroying Naraku, and forming the entire Shikon Jewel once again. With a sigh, Kagome took a step backward, and began to lean against the wooden hut. A fair breeze began to blow, blowing her blue-black bangs across her eyes. Inuyasha soon emerged from the hut, one arm stretched far above his head, mouth widely ajar, releasing a long yawn. After which he jerked his head to one side, then the other, both times a bone cracking loudly at the base of his neck.

"Why are you awake?" He asked smugly, looking over at Kagome.

"…" She said nothing at first, trying to ignore the hanyou.

Inuyasha took on an irritated look, and clenched a fist, "Hey! I'm talking to--!"

"Osuwari!"

The hanyou was soon kissing the dirt, literally. Ever since their previous encounter with Naraku, Inuyasha seemed to always be cocky. Especially since he had learned yet another technique, the KongouSouha. (diamond spear wave) This powerful attack was given as a gift by Housenki, and is able to shatter Naraku's new, more powerful barriers.

Inuyasha rose back to his feet, shaking clumps of dirt from his hair. Kagome finally looked over at him, and answered, "I'm just thinking is all, Inuyasha. No need to get so smug."

"What the hell are you talking about? There must be some reason."

Kagome sighed, this one was always so cranky and stubborn in the morning. "I just woke up too early, was all. We are going after Naraku and the remaining shards today, right?"

At that, the hanyou snorted, folding his arms within the flowing red sleeved of this haori. "As soon as the other dolts wake up, we'll be on our way."

"Inuyasha… we can't just set out right when the others wake up. We won't travel far if we do. We have to completely wake up, otherwise traveling is useless." Kagome spoke softly, now turning to fully face the hanyou.

"Keh, spare me, would ya'? You humans are so weak, it's pathetic!" Inuyasha said, turning away from the girl.

Kagome scowled, "And exactly what is THAT supposed to mean?" She pointed a finger at him, "You're not the only one here who can fight, you know! We do just fine by ourselves!"

"Oh yeah? Well, exactly WHO is it that always ends up being attacked, or kidnapped? Who has to save you then? ME!" The other retorted.

"Yeah? Well, I'M the one who has to purify and sense the shards for you! Without me, you wouldn't have gotten far!" She paused, and smiled an evil and mischievous grin. "Besides… if you really don't want me, I guess I'll go help Kouga, then…" The girl turned, and started off, as if she really was going to leave. She didn't get far, however, because a clawed hand quickly grabbed her shoulder, and spun her back around.

"What's so great about that flea-infested puppy anyway? If you like him so much, then go! We don't need you! We'll do just fine on our--!"

"Osuwari!"

Bam, faceplant.

"You know you wouldn't get far without me, Inuyasha!"

Before another word could be spoken, a violent –smack!- sound was heard within the hut, followed by a yelp of shock, and pain.

Kagome looked almost knowingly at the hut door, and peaked inside. Sure enough, there was the houshi, laid out on the ground, a throbbing red palm print on his left cheek. Sango looming over him, a death glare on her face, "Hentai!" she screamed.

Shaking her head, Kagome stepped inside, fully, offering a smile toward the TaijiYa, "Good morning, Sango-chan,"

Sango looked up at the reincarnated miko, her gaze softening, "Good morning to you also, Kagome-chan!"

Recovering from the hit, Miroku shot up to his feet, using his concealed right hand to rub the back of his head, "Morning, Kagome-sama!" He grinned.

Kagome only nodded toward the houshi, and bent downward to pick up the half-awake kitsune, Shippou. She nudged him lightly, "Shippou-chan, wake up." Nudge, nudge.

Knowingly, the kitsune child rolled over one to one side, giving the 'Just five more minutes' line. Meanwhile, the neko youkai, Kirara, was already wide awake, and rubbing affectionately against the Taijiya's shoulder.

"I'm sure he'll wake up, once Kaede-sama starts a meal for us," Miroku retorted, slipping downward into a sitting position.

Kagome looked around the hut, and noticed the old Miko was nowhere to be seen. "Houshi-sama, where IS Kaede-sama?"

The Buddhist shrugged, "I imagine she is sleeping elsewhere."

At that time, Inuyasha came through the curtain-doors, and immediately plopped himself in a corner, huffing impatiently. "Where is that old hag, anyway?"

"Inuyasha… you should have more respect for your elders," Sango spoke softly. Before another word could be spoken, however, the old Miko came strolling through the door, a solemn smile on her old face. "Good morning, everyone. I trust ye are all ready to go?"

"Good morning to you also, Kaede-sama," Kagome returned, whilst the others nodded. "We were planning on setting out, once we had a meal. We won't travel far with empty stomachs, you know?"

"Ahh, I see," The old woman replied, "Well, then, I shall prepare some hot stew, and warm bread for you." Then left the room, to fetch the pots, and such.

And at the words 'stew', and 'bread', Shippou jumped almost directly out of Kagome's arms. "I'm awake!"

(fin)

I think this chapter turned up decent, length-wise. R & R!