The End of an Era
When the light receded Inuyasha was human. His newly black hair hung over his grey eyes. The Wraith shrieked, "What have you done?"
"I have destroyed the thing that has caused so much suffering." Inuyasha laughed.
"Kill him now, Slave!" The Wraith screamed at Sesshoumaru.
A deadly smile came over Sesshoumaru's face. "My brother's foolish act has freed me. You were a half-wit not to realize once I was liberated that I would kill you."
The Sesshoumaru calmly strode towards the Wraith. He drew back his arm and let the Tokijin fall. The stroke would have sliced him in half, had it struck true. However, the blow simply glanced off.
"Fool, you may not be my slave anymore, but I am still invincible. After the destruction of my life I used my Amulet to make myself safe from harm." The Wraith laughed slightly.
"Sesshoumaru, untie me." Inuyasha called to his brother.
"You will be able to do nothing now that you are only human." Sesshoumaru stated. He said this not with malice, but simply as a fact.
As Sesshoumaru launched another futile attack on the Wraith, a voice called out. "Hang on Kagome!" It was Sango and she hurled her hiraikotsu towards the ground.
Sesshoumaru leapt out of the way. "Sango, don't hurt him. The one with the scar is our real enemy." Kagome shouted to her.
Kirara landed and Sango, Miroku, and Shippo hopped off her back. "We looked for you two everywhere. We're sorry we didn't find you sooner. Where's Inuyasha?" Miroku asked, cutting Kagome loose.
Kagome nodded her head towards where Inuyasha was still fuming. "He's over there." All three of her friends nodded, understanding immediately.
"We brought you your bow Kagome," Shippo said. He handed them to her.
"Thank you Shippo. Will you untie Inuyasha?"
"Yes we will, but what will you do?" Sango asked.
"I'm going to end this."
"End what?" Miroku asked, bewildered.
Kagome did not respond out loud. I am going to end all the suffering that this Jewel has caused. If I destroy Kisho, then this whole thing will be ended. All this argument over a piece of jewelry will have to be finished.
She quickly strung her bow and took aim. Sesshoumaru was still fighting with the Wraith, though he was doing nothing. The Wraith just stood there and took the whole thing. But it was not them she was aiming for. Spotting the glint of gold on the Wraith's chest, Kagome fired.
The glowing arrow whistled over Sesshoumaru's left shoulder. It struck the Amulet, and like the jewel over four years ago, it shattered. Nevertheless, it did not break into pieces. Instead the Amulet disintegrated into dust.
Immediately a change came over the Wraith. A deep cut appeared from his shoulder to his hip. This was obviously the stroke Sesshoumaru had made earlier. Then, numerous other cuts appeared over the Wraith's body. It seemed that every cut he had ever sustained, and never suffered for was appearing on his body. The Wraith could not even utter final words he died so quickly.
For awhile the world seemed to stand still for Kagome, but then she sunk to her knees. She had finished the last hunter of the Shikon no Tama. The story of the jewel had finally been ended.
Later she could sense Inuyasha behind her. He helped her to her feet and then turned her to face him. "It's finished Inuyasha. It's finished," was all she could manage.
"Yes, it is Kagome." He murmured back.
They embraced each other like they had not since the last day they saw each other. Then, finally, Kagome broke the silence, "Inuyasha?"
"Yes Kagome." He whispered in her ear.
"Do you realize that you were Kisho's Naraku?" She asked gently.
"I was his what?" Inuyasha asked, pulling back fro the embrace.
"You killed destroyed his life by killing his lover. Then he vowed to take revenge on you." Kagome explained softly.
"Then I might as well have just been a cold blooded killer." Inuyasha muttered unhappily.
"But don't you understand Inuyasha? You are not the same as Naraku."
"How am I different then?" He asked.
"You are different because of the choices you made. Naraku was a heartless monster to the end. You Inuyasha have never been that way. You made the choice to use the jewel to become human. Naraku never would have done that."
"Are you happy that I made the choice to become human Kagome?"
"I am happy you made the choice to end all people's suffering over this jewel. As to your shape, you could be four legged alien, and I would still love you Inuyasha."
"I love you too Kagome." He whispered, pulling her to him and kissing her.
Well, I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I enjoyed writing it. Only one or two more chapters to go!