Konnichiwa, minna! Well, this one was out fast, doncha think? Tell me what you think of this ending. Not too bad, I hope. I'm worried it moved too fast.

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha, even in my final days…er…chapters…

Kaede slid off of Kyoko's back. Miroku hopped off of Kirara, Shippou on his shoulder, to stand beside Sango. The inu-gang was back! New hope surged through Inuyasha and he held tighter to Kagome, a grin splitting his face. Immediately, all turned to the writhing maimed hanyou. Kirara roared and bit down on Naraku's tentacles. Sango threw her Hiraikotsu at him. Neither seemed to affect him much. He was in much more pain from the slowly spreading purple stain in his chest. Miroku ran around to the other side and let three ofudas fly, landing on three of his tentacles. Naraku howled as they burned his skin away. Kyoko and Shippou fired a jet of green flames into Naraku's face. He brushed it away, his stumpy arm blistering from the heat. Still, Naraku lived. A brown arrow surrounded by a faint pinkish light thudded into Naraku's side and he cried, yanking out the arrow and tossing it aside. Kaede, frozen in her shooting position, gasped. He was almost stronger now that he was half-dead. But he still clawed frantically at the purple light under his skin. It was causing him more pain than all the inu-gang's attacks together. Only the gaping wound in his stomach rivaled the pain.

Sango hurried over to Inuyasha. "Did you give him that wound in his stomach?" she asked in awe.

Inuyasha shook his head and indicated grimly to his hostage. "She did."

"Kagome?" Sango asked in surprise.

Inuyasha nodded. Her demon blood took control, but it seems her miko powers have resurfaced and mixed with her demon ones. Hence, the dark purple light in his chest."

Sango nodded, "I see." She looked at Kagome with pitiful eyes. "We'll be able to bring her back," she assured the hanyou. "For now, let's focus on Naraku."

"Yes," Inuyasha nodded.

Sango turned around to face Naraku once more. "Hiraikotsu!" The boomerang whizzed through the air, striking Naraku across the face. His head snapped back, but he straightened it again. Sangos' eyes widened as the hanyou clawed at his chest punctures. "Nothing affects him!" she called out.

"We know!" Miroku answered.

---

Kaede made her way over to the congregation. "Inuyasha," she spoke sincerely and quickly. "Do you see that light in his chest? That is a mix of Kagome's-"

"Demon power and miko power. I know, I've already figured that out," Inuyasja interrupted.

Kaede looked mildly surprised. "Oh good. Well, it is more of her demon power, which is dark. Her power is great, but not enough. It needs more of her miko power. Bring her back and let her shoot an arrow at him. It is the only way."

"Are you sure?"

Kaede nodded, "Yes."

Inuyasha sighed, "Alright. Here goes nothing." He looked at Kouga. "We need to bring her further away from the battle. Maybe that will calm her a bit."

Kouga nodded and began to walk backwards. "Good idea. Come on."

Inuyasha matched his pace and together they pulled Kagome away, despite her incessant struggling. "Kagome," he spoke to her calmly, "You need to come back. Find your human blood and hold on to it. You're demon blood has already done its part. If you want to defeat Naraku, your human side needs to come out."

Kagome shook her head like an animal, not understanding a word.

"Kagome," Kouga tried. "Listen to Inuyasha. You have to listen to him! Do it for me, for him, for everyone you want to avenge."

"Sango and Shippou and everyone else are alive, Kagome!"

Kagome only struggled more.

Kouga sighed finally and looked at Inuyasha. "There's only one way she's going to hear us."

"How?" Inuyasha asked impatiently.

Kouga reluctantly explained. "You've got to kiss her." He swallowed painfully. "She'll be able to understand that."

Inuyasha looked at Kouga with something akin to respect. "I'll try it," he said almost kindly.

Kouga nodded. "Do you still need me to hold her?"

Inuyasha shook his head, at last understanding how Kouga must feel. "You can go."

"Thank you, Inuyasha."

Inuyasha nodded and grabbed Kagome's other arm. He loosened his grip and repositioned her arms so they were in front of her body instead. He tightened his grip again on her elbows. "Kagome," he began. "Please listen to me. You need to come back if we're going to win, and you need to come back because I need you. Don't let go; you have to hold on! Because…because, I love you!" Even though he had already said it, it was still an uncomfortable set of words for his mouth to form. They had caused him pain before, but he knew in his heart of hearts these were the final ones. Inuyasha leaned forward and pressed his lips to Kagome's, gently at first. She instantly calmed and ceased to struggle. Inuyasha took a step closer. Kagome's red eyes closed and she sighed contentedly against his lips. Inuyasha could feel her fangs retracting and pulled her even closer, kissing her harder. Kagome responded, opening her mouth as an invitation. Inuyasha dove right in and their passion was ignited. Everything else dissolved away, leaving only two people in an empty world. Their tongues mingled and danced amongst the heat building in their mouths and their bodies. Inuyasha's hands reached for her hair and tangled themselves within it. Kagome's arms wrapped around his neck, doing her best to pull him in. They remained this way for another minute, when finally, both lost too much air and had to pull away from each other. They gasped for breath. Inuyasha's hand still in her hair, pulled her close again and they leaned their foreheads against each other, still breathing deeply.

---

Kouga watched them from a distance; his eyes swimming with unshed tears. He wiped his arm across them and wiped them away, the same way he vowed to wipe away his unrequited devotion to Kagome. He could never have her heart; he knew that a long time ago, but the least he could do was try to move on. Maybe he could find some semblance of love in another. Kouga sighed and faced the battle against Naraku. Life would go on, regardless, and he would move with it.

---

"I love you, Kagome," Inuyasha repeated.

Kagome gave him a chaste kiss on the lips, "I love you, too, Inuyasha. I always have, even while you were…when you loved…"

"I never loved Kikyou," Inuyasha interrupted. "I realize that now. It was always you. I just didn't want to accept it."

Kagome smiled nervously and embraced him tightly. He held her close and then they both let go at the same time. "Thank you, Inuyasha."

"For what?" he asked, confused.

Kagome smiled, "For everything. For bringing me back, for always protecting me, and for loving me."

Inuyasha turned slightly pink and Kagome giggled. "Alright," he replied gruffly, "We have things to do."

"Right. So Naraku hasn't been defeated yet? I can't remember a thing from the past hour, though I have no idea why."

Inuyasha's eyes darted away. "I'll tell you why later. For now, we have a battle to win. You've already wounded Naraku very badly. All you need to do now is shoot an arrow at him."

Kagome's face sobered. "I don't have my miko powers anymore."

Inuyasha lifted her chin with his fingers. "Just trust in yourself. You can do it."

Kagome looked dubious. "How can it possibly work?"

"There's no time now," Inuyasha answered impatiently. "Do you trust me?"

Kagome nodded immediately. "Of course."

"Then just do as I say, dammnit!"

Kagome sighed, "Fine, but if it doesn't work, it's your fault."

Inuyasha shrugged. "Whatever."

Kagome began to walk forward and then stopped. "Wait, I don't have a bow or any arrows. I stopped carrying them when I lost my miko powers."

Inuyasha held out a bow and two arrows that seemed to have magically appeared. "This good?"

"How…?" Kagome asked incredulously.

Inuyasha smiled mysteriously.

Kagome huffed at his silence and took one of the arrows, positioning it on the bow. She pulled the string taut and aimed the arrow at Naraku. "Any particular place?"

"The purple puncture marks on his chest."

Kagome groaned. "I just hope I can hit it."

"Believe in yourself," Inuyasha offered.

Kagome nodded and lined the arrow up with Naraku's chest. "Hit the mark!" she prayed aloud and let the arrow loose. It flew straight and true, disproving all of Kagome's fears that she had lost her archery abilities through non-use.

---

The arrow struck Naraku right between the two sets of claw marks and a bright pinkish-purple light spread rapidly throughout his body, intermingling with the dark purple stain. Naraku roared in pure anguish. His body burned on the inside and he felt his skin peel away. He had never felt anything so intensely painful. It was so great, he felt himself teeter on the brink of consciousness, tipping slowly into oblivion. Stars spun before his eyes and imaginary lights blinked around him. He couldn't think or speak. The center of his torso burst open and dissolved into a black mist. The purple light continued to spread. Naraku's voice was gone and his eyes widened in horror as he saw his body disappear. He gave one last great wail of distress and torment, sounding to the world like a suffering animal. Everybody's hairs stood on end at the blood-curdling cry. He clutched the empty air within himself. Suddenly, with a burst of bright pink light, his entire body exploded, shattering into thousands of tiny pieces. They seemed to melt into thin air before any actually touched the ground. And so the evil reign of Naraku ended. Kagome smiled as she, Inuyasha, and Kouga cheered. She stopped in surprise as five more familiar voices joined in. Five familiar figures walked toward her and Kagome rubbed her eyes to make sure they were not deceiving her. "Oh my god," she whispered.

Inuyasha smiled at her, but she was too distracted by the scene before her.

---

Sango reached her first, throwing her arms around her best friend. "Kagome!"

Kagome stood stock-still and then relaxed into her friend's embrace. Tears ran down her face. "Sango… Oh, Sango, I thought you were dead!"

Sango shook her head, also crying. "I thought I would never see you again, Kagome. Oh, I missed you so much!"

They stepped back from each other and laughed at the other's tears, though neither stopped crying.

Miroku was right behind his fiancée. "Kagome!" He hugged her; this time not allowing his hands anywhere near the lecherous area.

"Miroku! Are you okay?"

Miroku nodded as he held her forearms. "Just fine. And you?"

"Perfectly unhurt."

"Wonderful. Not for long, though," he said, smirking.

"What do you mean?" she asked, but her question was answered when a ball of fur barreled into her. "Kagooomee!"

Kagome laughed, "Shippou! I missed you!"

"Are you alright?" he asked her worriedly.

Kagome smiled at him, "I'm just fine." She hugged him tightly. "It's so good to see you." She looked at the whole group. "It's so good to see all of you."

Shippou sat comfortably on Kagome's shoulder when Kaede came. Kagome gave Kaede a big hug. Her mind was overwhelmed by how they could all be alive. Then, the biggest shock of all stepped forward. Kagome gasped as Kyoko stood before her. Inuyasha also looked slightly surprised, though he had seen her briefly during the fight. Kagome hugged Kyoko quickly and the two women smiled at each other. "How are you here?" Kagome asked, slightly frazzled. "I saw you die!"

The group all stopped and looked to Kyoko for an answer. Kyoko turned slightly pink and smiled shyly. "Well…"

"She saved us all!" Shippou piped up.

"How?" Inuyasha asked this time.

Kyoko took a deep breath. "Well, when Kagura first attacked me, before you came, I fought her back, but she was very strong. Then, she caught me by surprise and I knew I was done for. I suddenly had this great idea and faked my own death to fool her. I hid in the bushes and cast my illusion. Kagura fought my illusion, and then you saw my illusion die. If you look in my grave, it'll be empty. I couldn't reveal myself, in case Naraku noticed. I'm sorry."

Kagome's eyes widened in understanding, "Your last words! Now I understand!"

Kyoko chuckled, "Well, not really my last ones, but, yes, you're right. Then, I followed you guys around. I didn't really have anywhere else to go, and I wanted to keep an eye on my Shippou. Then, everytime someone was in a battle, right before it looked like they were going to die, or sometimes before that, I saved them and cast their illusion. That's how everyone is alive. I could only save Kaede near the end, so she's in the worst condition."

Kagome smiled, "You are brilliant! I can't believe this! It's like a dream come true."

Kyoko corrected, "Or an illusion come true."

They all laughed at that.

Kagome turned to Kaede. "I have a question for you, Kaede. How are my miko powers back?"

"You are a hanyou," she replied, "meaning half-demon and half-human. You're human side is a miko; it is in your blood. However, when you were turned into a hanyou, your miko powers were suppressed and sealed away. It needed some coaxing to come out of its shell. Naraku realized this and set off these events to make you so furious, hey would be awakened, not unlike your youkai powers."

Kagome nodded, "I see." She turned to Inuyasha, "And why don't I remember hitting Naraku, except with my arrow?"

Inuyasha looked uncomfortable for a second. "Y'see…you sorta…turned youkai."

Kagome's hand flew to her mouth. "Oh no."

"You were really…insane. You fought Naraku all by yourself, cutting off his hand and arm and stuff like that. That's why he's got no hands."

"Oh my god," she gasped in a quiet voice.

"You made that gaping wound in his stomach, and then sliced off Kagura's head."

"What!" she shrieked. "Me?"

"Yes," Kouga answered.

"Oh god. I'm a murderer…"

Kouga took her hand, "No, you're not. We've already been over this."

"There's more," Inuyasha added. "You then clawed his chest, but your nails turned purple. I thought it was poison at first, like Sesshomaru's claws, but actually is a mix of your youkai and miko powers flowing into Naraku through the claw marks. That was what weakened him the most."

Kagome nodded numbly. "I can't believe I did all that…"

Kouga smiled at her, "You saved all of Japan from Naraku. You're a hero, Kagome."

"Heroine," Sango corrected good-humoredly.

Kagome smiled weakly, "Thanks, guys."

Inuyasha offered her a smile, but made no move toward her. The two were content to simply be near each other.

The group had been moving slowly toward Naraku, and they finally stopped before the mutilated body. Kagome took a deep breath and reached into the carnage with her hands, poking about for the jewel shards. Now that her miko powers had been awakened, this was a much easier job. She picked up all the small shards Naraku had placed in his body, and then quickly located the large chunk of the jewel he already owned. Kagome placed the pieces in her hand along with her own shards and they melded together. She gasped. "It's almost complete!" she smiled. "Only three more pieces."

"Great!" Miroku answered. "That shouldn't be too hard. We know where they are." The monk eyed Kouga meaningfully.

Kouga sighed and pulled his own two shards from his legs. "Alright, alright. Here." He passed them to Kagome and she gave him a grateful smile. Now the jewel was almost whole again. A small indent remained; the final shard awaited them in Kohaku's back.

Kagome suddenly turned away and her face grew solemn.

"What's the matter?" Sango asked her, but Inuyasha immediately understood.

"Naraku," she swallowed, "killed Kikyou. We need to give her a proper burial."

The atmosphere grew somber. The inu-gumi followed Kagome and Inuyasha to site of Kikyou's lifeless body. "I don't suppose this is also an illusion, is it?"

Kyoko shook her head sadly. "No. I didn't even know her and yet I feel her loss all the same."

Kagome patted her elbow. "She was not so kind to me, but in life she was a good woman. Death took its toll on her."

Inuyasha just watched Kikyou's body silently.

Kagome bent down and began to dig. Her claws raked the ground, throwing a small pile of dirt to the side. Inuyasha crouched down alongside her and also began to dig. The hole slowly began to take shape, though it was not deep enough yet. Kyoko knelt beside Kagome and also helped. Miroku followed with his hands, and Sango followed his lead. Finally, Shippou went to try and assist his mother. Only Kaede, who was too hurt to bend over, watched. The inu-gumi worked together, all showing their condolences for the dead miko. It was a quiet moment of community unlike one any had felt for months.

Soon, the pit had been dug deep enough to be satisfactory. Around them, the last of Naraku's castle faded away as if it had been only a mirage. They were left with a dreary rocky flatland with dark forests around. Everyone stood up, dusted their hands off, and stepped back, while Inuyasha picked up Kikyou's body and placed her reverently in the hole. He bent down and kissed her gently on her cold forehead and stood up, stepping back. Kagome came forward this time, covering her corpse with the knee-high pile of dirt they had accumulated. Every single member bent his or her head in prayer and the moment ended.

---

Inuyasha wiped his eyes and they all turned to their new surroundings. Sango exclaimed all of a sudden and began to run away. Kagome and Miroku were the first to follow, the others close behind. Sango fell to her knees, sobbing over the body of a small boy. The others saw it was Kohaku, her beloved younger brother.

"Why?" she wailed.

Kaede answered her question. "When Naraku died, his minions must have followed him."

Kagome put her hand on her best friend's shoulder. "He can rest in peace now. He was gone when Naraku first found him."

Sango nodded, still crying, but clutched the boy tighter to her.

Miroku came over and hugged his fiancée. "Oh my Sango. Do not be sad over his death, but happy over the fact his miserable life is finished. He is now truly free of Naraku."

Sango finally let Kohaku's head fall to her lap and embraced her fiancée. Miroku held her tightly for a moment, stroking her hair, and then released her. She grabbed Miroku's arm and tore off the purple cloth and blue prayer beads.

"What are you doing?" Miroku asked her worriedly.

Sango smiled slightly as there appeared a normal human hand, devoid of any wind tunnel.

"It's gone!" Miroku exclaimed. He hugged Sango again in joy. Sango, happy for her love, grinned for him, but it soon left her face as she remember Kohaku. Tears gathered at the corners of her eyes again. Sango turned to her other side and hugged Kagome, seeking comfort from her as well. The others clustered about, offering their strength.

At last, Sango dried her eyes and, laying Kohaku gently on the ground, stood up. "I want to bury him with the rest of my village," she announced.

Miroku nodded, "I'd be happy to accompany you now if you wish to go."

Sango smiled at him. "Thank you, Miroku."

Miroku put an arm around her shoulders. "Anything for you. Why don't we go now?"

Sango nodded, still choked up, and bent down. First, she put her hand on his back and pulled out a small pink shard, and then picked Kohaku's body up in her arms, holding him as if he were an oversized baby. She set the shard down in Kagome's palm. "I'll see you later," she said with a sad smile and left with Miroku and Kirara to fly to the site of her home village.

"Thank you!" Kagome answered softly.

---

Kagome looked to the side and spotted Kanna's body. "Look, it's that little girl, Kanna," Kagome pointed out. "The one with the mirror."

Inuyasha shrugged. "And?"

Kagome huffed, "She's dead and she's just lying there. We should at least place her beside her sister."

"No. I'm not going to bury any of Naraku's minions," he answered adamantly.

Kagome sighed; she knew he would not relent on this. "Fine. May I simply lay her next to Kagura, then? Above ground?"

Inuyasha scowled. "If you must."

Kagome went over and carried Kanna's small body over to Kagura's decapitated one. Kanna's was starkly white against the ground, while Kagura's, though adorned with a colorful kimono, was covered in black dried blood and not so noticeable.

Kagome returned to Inuyasha. She placed the shard into its spot on the jewel and it seemed to melt together. The jewel was finally complete. It glowed a brilliant pink in her hand. Kagome gasped. "I never thought I would see this day," she exclaimed.

"Me neither," Inuyasha agreed.

Kagome faced Inuyasha. "Here. Do what you want." She held the small sphere out to him.

Inuyasha stared at it. "What are you doing?" he whispered.

"Giving you the jewel," she replied, slightly confused.

Inuyasha waited a moment and then shook his head, closing her fingers around the jewel with his hand. "I don't want it."

"What?" Kagome asked.

"Are you serious?" Shippou interjected.

Inuyasha nodded. "I'm sure. I've thought about it, and I don't want it anymore. I don't want to be a youkai."

Kagome smiled in relief. "But you still deserve it. You can make a wish, Inuyasha. Really, it's ok."

Inuyasha opened his mouth to say he did not want anything when a tall white figure strode regally seemingly out of nowhere. "Inuyasha," its voice boomed.

The remaining six turned and stared. "Sesshomaru?" Inuyasha asked.

The figure made no reply, but stalked silently over to the group. "I felt Naraku's presence leave and another huge power take his place," he explained monotonously.

Kagome nodded. "I see. Naraku is dead, and the jewel is complete."

"I see," Sesshomaru said this time. "I shall be going, then." He stopped. "Who was it that defeated Naraku in the end? Not Inuyasha, I'm assuming."

Inuyasha growled, but Kagome put a hand on his arm. "I did," she said clearly.

Sesshomaru's eyebrows raised and he looked surprised for a moment before quickly masking the emotion.

"Lord Sesshomaru!" a young girl's voice called.

Sesshomaru spared the group, especially Kagome, one last look, and turned his back on them, gliding mysteriously to the waving girl, Rin, and the toad demon, Jakken, panting next to her. The three disappeared off into the dark expanse of trees.

---

Kagome looked at Inuyasha. "That was interesting," she commented.

Inuyasha nodded, "Yeah."

Shippou, on his mother's shoulder, changed the subject. "So, what are you going to wish for, Inuyasha?"

"Nothing, I already told you that!" he answered, annoyed.

Kagome looked at the jewel. "Is there anything we all want? Naraku is dead, you don't want Kikyou back, you want to stay a hanyou, what else is there?"

Kyoko shook her head. "I don't want anything."

Shippou nodded, "Me neither."

Kaede said the same. "It is better Kikyou rests in peace now. I would advise against bringing her back to life."

Kagome looked at Kouga. He spread his arms wide. "I don't want anything either."

Kagome looked to the sky. "I can think of three things."

Inuyasha gave her a quetioning look. "Like what?"

"Well, she answered, I could wish that Kohaku comes back to life, for Sango's sake."

"Don't raise the dead," Kaede warned.

Kagome nodded, "Ok, that one's out. I could wish that…" she lowered her voice, "that Kouga falls in love with someone else. He is in enough pain as it is."

Again, Kaede shook her head. "Ye of all people should know from experience. Do not tamper with love, Kagome."

Kagome nodded with a sigh, "Alright. I won't then. Or, I could wish that all my friends could pass through the well with me."

Inuyasha smiled, "I like that one."

"Me too!" Shippou cried.

"So do I," Kouga grinned.

Kagome smiled. "It's settled, then." She squeezed the jewel tightly in her fist and closed her eyes. "Shikon jewel, I wish that any and all that I deem to be my friend can pass through the well to my time period and back here to this time period." The jewel glowed intensely and they all had to shield their eyes. The area was bathed in a pinkish-purple light. Finally, it dimmed and faded away. Kagome looked at the dulled jewel in her hand. Her fingers closed over it again, hiding it from view. "Now you all can see my time period!"

They all cheered and laughed.

Then, the group moved away from the site, ready to return home, wherever home was. As they walked toward the forest, Kouga held Kagome back. Inuyasha sensed this and watched them from a distance. "Thank you, Kagome."

"For what?" she asked.

"For trying to help me. Maybe I'll find another, I hope so, but know that no matter what, we will always be friends, if nothing else."

Kagome smiled at him. "I know. I'm glad our friendship hasn't been compensated." She reached up and gave her friend a big hug. Kouga returned it willingly.

---

Inuyasha, meanwhile, was boiling with jealousy.

---

The two pulled apart and hurried to catch up with the others. One look from Kagome told Inuyasha not to say anything, so he brooded in silence. Kagome smiled amusedly at his mood and took his hand comfortingly, squeezing it. Finally, the battle was over and the victory had truly been won.

So…was it as bad as I thought it was? The epilogue is coming up! I'll try and get it out as a Holiday gift.

Personal Reviews:

Mizuumi13 – Wow, so observant! Personally, I never would have recognized them (actually I don't know if I would or wouldn't…), so I applaud you hehe. In case it wasn't clear, yes, I did. But aren't such cool names?

Lord of the Blades – 9/10! I'm so proud! I put Sesshy in there just for you! Hope his appearance was sufficient… Yes this is the last chapter save for the epilogue.

Bailey – Hehe, so am I assuming that you are, in fact, not a blonde? Thank you! I hope we can keep emailing! I'm sure it'll be interesting haha.

iluvkougaandinuyasha – Thanks! I tried my hardest on that battle scene…I'm so relieved it came out well after all. Yay! You're so sweet!

Little Tormented Angel – Thanks! I know this one's shorter…but I hope it was still good…

jeevesandwooster – To my no longer scary fan…haha Woah, long review! And I'm not about to complain! I LOVE long reviews haha. Thanks. Yes, stupid cartoon network…Of course I understand. Me too. I decided to end it "happy" with her haha. (See the quotes?) You're a poet and you didn't even know it! (unless you did, but I hope you didn't, because then it wouldn't rhyme!) Haha, well, I thought cliché Naraku was hilarious. If there isn't a club like that, we should totally start one for them. Haha like the members. I'll think about that sword. –rubs imaginary beard…(because I am, in fact, a girl, so I can't have a beard, and if I did, I wouldn't be writing, I'd be in a circus…- Of course I brought them back. I'm happy you had faith in me! Aww thank you! -pauses and looks over response- Jeez louise, I really loaded you down with comments this time, didn't I? (hehehe)