Journey's End
a/n: I do not own Inuyasha
Epilogue
The preparations had been finished. Kagome smiled at the stoic Inuyasha that stood next to her. Kagome had insisted he bathe before the ceremony, and he was still miffed about it. But his hair shone in the morning sun, and he almost looked proud as he stood next to her.
Kagome had decided to change into something more like Kaede wore. Her black hair was pulled back, and the priestess clothing she wore looked at home on her slim body. Everyone stood in a circle around a low table, where the jewel glinted brightly back at them.
"All right Kagome, let's do this," Inuyasha said gruffly. Kagome knelt in front of the low table, and Inuyasha followed suit. Kagome placed both of her hands on the jewel and closed her eyes. She concentrated hard until the jewel began to glow bright pink. Then it began to pulse slowly. As the pulsing grew in frequency, the light grew brighter until it was incandescent. And then Midoriko stood in front of them, blood stained from her eternal war.
"Thank you Kagome," Midoriko simply stated.
"Is it over now?" Kagome asked.
"My soul has won the war, and your selfless wish has been granted. I can now rest in peace. You have done well, Inuyasha. I am proud of you," Midoriko faded, and the jewel faded with her. Kagome faced a still-shocked Inuyasha. Kagome placed her hands on his shoulders and forced him to look at her.
"It is time," Kagome nodded as she spoke the words, and then she lifted the rosary over Inuyasha's head. Kagome held the still-warm beads in her hands and muttered the words Kaede had taught her only a few days ago. The rosary glowed pink, and then it was only an ordinary beaded necklace. Kagome placed it back around Inuyasha's neck and then spoke again, "Sit boy"
Inuyasha braced for impact, but none came. He looked gently at Kagome and breathed her name. Then he hugged her tightly. The others walked away, leaving the half demon and priestess alone.
"Inuyasha?"
"What is it, Kagome?"
"Do you think we made the right decision?" Kagome bit her lower lip worriedly.
"Keh, yeah, I think so," Inuyasha replied, "Do you want to go see if the well sealed?"
"I suppose I should," Kagome sighed as she slipped out of Inuyasha's arms and stood up.
"Would it really be so bad to have to stay with me?" Inuyasha protested.
"Do you want me to stay with you?" Kagome asked, turning completely serious for a moment.
"Keh, wench, what do you think?" Inuyasha reached out for Kagome and held her tight.
"I don't know, if you cannot give me a straight answer…" Kagome's voice trailed off as she looked deep into those amber eyes. Inuyasha gave Kagome his answer then, without saying another word.