This chapter has another one of those little surprises/plot twists I mention that I was excited about, so I'm eager for you all to read it!
This chapter is named after the song "Won't Go Home Without You" by Maroon 5.
Chapter 18: Won't Go Home Without You
The pain didn't lessen.
Inuyasha stayed up in the tree for most of the evening, waiting for some sort of sign for what he should do next.
His sobs had let up a bit, his misery fading into just two twin streams of tears running down his cheek, sometimes lightly, sometimes heavily, but always painfully.
Sighing and leaning his head back against the tree, Inuyasha knew he didn't need a sign for what he had to do next. He needed to set off for Sesshomaru's castle soon for his trial the next day, which was a whole other thing he was dreading.
It wasn't unlikely that he'd rot in prison for the rest of his life. Regardless of their success against Naraku, Inuyasha didn't think Sesshomaru would take the hanyo's desertion any less lightly than he had when Inuyasha had first returned. Kagome's hope for that, to Inuyasha's dismay, wouldn't prove to be fruitful in the end.
Inuyasha knew that, he'd always known ever since he'd seen his brother for the first time in fifteen years, but the dread he'd felt had faded into a saddened defeat.
Losing Kagome was something he hadn't anticipated, and trying to get through the trial successfully so he could return to her side had been his focus.
But without her, what? He would just return to wandering on his own? A hopeless wanderer with no destination in sight? No real direction for his life?
He thought of what he'd wanted with Kagome. A life, a home, children, many years of happiness and contentment, with freedom to live and do what they wanted without the threat of Naraku.
If he somehow miraculously survived his trial and was granted his freedom, there wouldn't be anything like that to look forward to.
I'm sorry, Kagome, he mused silently, his tears coming a little harder again. I'm sorry we won't get the life we wanted. I'm sorry that I couldn't protect you like I said I would.
Grimacing, a dark feeling of shame began to come over him. He'd let Kagome down. He wasn't able to keep his promise to her, the basic promise of just keeping her safe from Naraku. He hated himself for it, hated that the one thing he'd swore he'd keep from happening from the start, that one constant resolve, had happened.
Even when he was planning to double-cross her in the end, Kagome getting hurt, let alone dying, was never part of the plan.
Cursing softly, he leaned his head back against the tree again, closing his eyes and feeling his tears start to come a little harder again.
The overwhelming question continued to roll around in his mind…
What now?
The trial, and then what? Give up on any sort of happiness or contentment in his future? Spend his days alone in prison?
Kagome's eyes suddenly lit up his mind. The memory of her smile overpowered his whirring, negative thoughts.
If only she were there with him, by his side, where she belonged.
As he allowed thoughts of her to slowly brighten up his mind, he had an epiphany, one he knew Kagome would vocalize if she were still with him.
Kagome would want him to live, and he would try to earn his freedom for her sake. She wouldn't have wanted him to give up.
Even with her gone, Inuyasha would live for her. He wouldn't give up. He couldn't do that to Kagome, regardless of whether or not she was at his side.
He softened, smoothing out the yukata that was still a little damp from his tears. If Kagome were with him and saw the evidence of his sadness, he knew she'd be heartbroken, but also proud.
He wiped his eyes and sniffled, unashamed of his sadness, knowing Kagome would be proud of him for showing such vulnerability, despite the fact that he knew she'd feel terrible that it was in part due to her.
It wasn't her fault, though. It was his. Or rather, he felt like it was.
Was this really what their destiny was meant to turn out to be?
Not wanting to dwell on it anymore, Inuyasha looked up at the sky and focused on the setting sun, watching as its rays waned and its heat began to recede.
Kagome would have loved the sight. She always had.
He missed her so much already.
How was he supposed to get used to a life without her?
o.O.o
It wasn't much later when Inuyasha felt it.
He'd started walking in the direction of Sesshomaru's castle when his sadness, anguish, and sheer heartbreaking melancholy that had only slightly begun to lessen in intensity thanks to his new resolve, were suddenly disturbed by a tingling along his senses. There was a spark of familiarity on the edge of his aura.
His eyes widened. It couldn't be…
He froze and looked around, noticing a bright light coming down from the sky.
Inuyasha watched as it landed on the ground in front of him, blinding his vision for a moment as it got closer. When the light faded, a choked gasp escaped him.
Kagome.
Her smile was bright when their eyes locked, and he saw tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Inuyasha," she said weepily. "Are you okay?"
"Kagome...what…?"
She looked... fine. Normal.
Alive.
She looked like herself, like the woman he'd fallen so deeply in love with in such a short amount of time it was almost unreal. She looked...she looked like herself.
And it was the most beautiful thing Inuyasha had ever seen.
Tears began to fall from his eyes again as he dropped their bags and walked to her, pulling her against him, hugging her tightly and burying his face in her hair.
She wrapped her arms around him and squeezed tightly, holding him close and crying just as much as he was.
"Kagome," he murmured, saying her name over and over. "Kagome, my Kagome…"
"Inuyasha," she whispered. "I'm here. I'm okay. Are you?"
He breathed a shaky breath and brought a hand up to rest on the back of her head, unable to speak to answer her question, instead threading his fingers through her hair and gently running his claws through the locks.
He pulled back after a few moments to look at her, raking his eyes up and down her form to be absolutely positive she didn't have any injuries.
His claws buried themselves in her hair, gently running down the sides of her neck as he determined that, yes, she was uninjured, and yes, she was back at his side.
Right where she belonged.
Kagome was smiling when he started his perusal and was smiling even brighter when his eyes came back up to lock with hers, and he didn't hesitate to kiss her.
His wife's relieved sigh was heavy against his lips as he wrapped her up tightly in his arms, tighter than he'd ever held her. He'd come too close to losing her, and he didn't take that lightly.
But she was here now. She was here and she was okay and they were together. In that moment, that's what mattered to him, to both of them.
"Are you okay, Inuyasha?" she asked. "Are you hurt or anything?"
He shook his head against her, completely floored that she'd been absorbed by Naraku and gone missing for hours, yet she was still focused on his wellbeing.
"I'm fine," he replied, holding her tighter. "What about you? What happened? I...we watched you die. We saw Naraku absorb you and the both of you become purified out of existence."
Kagome shook her head. "No, that's not what happened. Naraku...he's gone. You're right: he was purified out of existence." She smiled. "Me...not so much. I think I almost was, though. I used up every ounce of my spiritual power and I came close to ceasing to exist, just like Naraku, but someone saved me."
Pulling away, Inuyasha looked down at her with wide eyes.
"Someone saved you?" he repeated. "Who?"
Kagome smiled and took his hand, squeezing it gently before placing it on her stomach.
"Our baby."
Inuyasha gaped at her before looking at their hands resting on her belly.
"Our...baby?"
She nodded happily. "I would've been purified out of existence, but the additional purity of something that came from how much we love each other kept that from happening. In the end, that extra bit of power overcame Naraku without harming me or the baby...our daughter. She saved me."
Inuyasha felt his tears change from sheer relief to overwhelming happiness.
"I can't believe it," he said incredulously. "I didn't even know you were pregnant. It must be early. Usually I can't smell it until the first month or two."
Kagome smiled. "It was probably that day by the river when...it felt different, remember?"
Inuyasha rubbed his hand over her stomach before kneeling down to kiss it through her yukata.
"Yeah, and I think that was destiny," he murmured. "Maybe...maybe fate knew we would need it now. Oh, Kagome, I'm so happy." He moved up to hug her again, holding her close as she did the same to him.
She hummed. "Me, too. I'm kind of tired, though. I still used up a lot of power. Can we sit for a little while?"
Inuyasha nodded and immediately helped her get settled on the ground. She must have been exhausted from the ordeal, so he was quick to pull her into his lap and cradle her against his chest.
Her position left her stomach in view, so he wasted no time in placing his hand there and gently rubbing his thumb up and down.
"Do you think you'll still have miko powers?" he asked. "Or did you use them all up? Er, is that possible? I don't know all the logistics of how spiritual powers work."
Kagome paused. "Oh. I hadn't thought of that." She was quiet for a moment, so he figured she was searching within herself for her powers.
"They're still there," she said a moment later. "They're weak, though, but that's not surprising. I think they'll sort of reset themselves, especially as my pregnancy goes on. The baby's spiritual energy will probably help replenish mine."
Inuyasha nodded and smiled. "Soon I'm gonna have two little miko girls around. That should be interesting."
Laughing, his wife wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly. "And soon I'll have two little youkai with me. She'll be half-miko and a quarter-youkai. I wonder what that will be like."
Inuyasha sighed happily. "I can't wait to find out."
As much as the hanyo loved talking about their future daughter, the lingering events of the next day were encroaching on his excited bliss.
Hoping to provide a small comfort, he began to run his claws through Kagome's hair.
"I wish we could just stay like this," he began softly, "but...I have to go to Sesshomaru's castle. The trial is still happening and he told me to be there tomorrow for it."
Kagome's eyes widened as she looked at him in shock. "What? But Naraku is dead! Why is Sesshomaru doing this to you?"
Inuyasha shook his head. "Because he's an ass...but it's still the law. I have to go. I'm sorry."
Kagome sighed in exasperation. "This is unbelievable. I could just…" She made a noise close enough to a growl, and it was enough to almost have Inuyasha smiling. He would have, were it not for the situation that was about to unfold in front of them.
"I'm gonna kick your brother's butt," Kagome said firmly. "I'll give him a piece of my mind and just...ugh!" Busying himself with one hand on her stomach and the other in her hair, Inuyasha held her tighter.
"You're brave," Inuyasha complimented. "Braver than me, but I have to do this. Yeah, it sucks, but...maybe it'll work out okay. It's like you said...defeating Naraku has to count for something."
He grimaced, not believing the words he was saying. He would remain optimistic, though, for Kagome's sake as well as their baby's.
"I don't want to think about it right now," Inuyasha murmured, kissing her cheek. "Right now I just want to hold my wife and go back to thinking about our child."
She leaned up to kiss him, and they spent the rest of the night lost in each other's eyes, hands stroking cheeks and lips brushing and thoughts about their upcoming baby being shared. At least for that short amount of time, they could feel at peace.
Kagome began to doze a bit until a few hours before dawn when Inuyasha reluctantly said they should head to Sesshomaru's castle.
He tugged Kagome onto his back, ignoring her complaints that she could walk.
"Go back to sleep, wife," he said as she got settled with her arms around his neck, her legs around his waist, and her chest against his back. "I'll wake you up when we're close."
"I love you," she murmured as she drifted off. She hummed and kissed the side of his neck. "I'm proud of you, Inuyasha. I...I kinda wish we could just run away, but I know the trial has to happen."
Inuyasha sighed. "Running would just make it worse. It'll be okay. Get some rest." He smiled. "And I love you, too."
O.o.O.o.O
In Kagome's dreams, she saw the light again.
After Naraku absorbed her, it felt like her body had gone dormant.
She didn't feel cold or warm, she didn't feel full or empty, she didn't feel weak or strong.
The Shikon Jewel was purified, but so was Kagome herself. All of her power had been depleted by it as well as her spiritual energy's part in purifying Naraku, just like Sesshomaru had said.
Death was coming upon her, but then…
The purest light she'd ever seen appeared, wrapping her up. Vibrant, pink streaks filled her vision, the warmth of them soothing the chill that had snuck into her body.
And in her heart, she felt an even warmer presence take up a home and somehow knew who it was.
It was her and Inuyasha's baby, their child, whose spiritual power was already strong enough so soon after conception that her powers as well as Kagome's were able to destroy Naraku.
The baby hadn't even been born and Kagome was already in awe of her daughter, whose heart and power were already ingrained so powerfully and deeply in her soul.
It was comforting to know, especially since Inuyasha was nearing his trial.
Kagome couldn't believe Sesshomaru was still forcing it on him. In a way, perhaps she could; his cold nature appeared to know no bounds, it seemed.
But still...Naraku was gone and she was downright furious that they couldn't just take a peaceful breath that lasted more than a single night, and just barely at that.
But this is the last thing standing between us and peace, she reminded herself. I have to keep up hope that it will be okay. I can't afford not to.
But as she slept, her heart was filled with warmth and light, so she saved her anger and worry for the morning, knowing what lay ahead would be harder than she could ever anticipate.
o.O.o
When she woke up, the sun was close to rising and she was still on Inuyasha's back.
"Hi," she murmured, tightening her arms around his neck.
"Hi," he replied. "We're almost there. You must have been exhausted, Kagome. I had to run for a little while and you didn't even stir. Are you feeling more rested now?"
Sighing, Kagome nestled her face in his hair, breathing in the woodsy scent of him.
"I was pretty tired," she admitted. "But, yeah, I'm feeling better now. Thanks for letting me sleep."
He allowed her to turn his head slightly to press a soft kiss to his lips before she released him and lay her head back down on his shoulder, solely to breathe in his scent and relish in his warmth before they were separated for who knew how long.
That was the moment Kagome's fear began to kick in.
When the surroundings became more familiar, Kagome sighed and asked Inuyasha to let her down.
"Let's freshen up," she suggested. "Before you go." Inuyasha nodded and led her to the nearest river.
After they'd stripped down and waded knee-deep into the water, Kagome couldn't help but notice Inuyasha's lingering gaze on her.
"What is it?" she asked.
Inuyasha shook his head. "Nothing, just...you're beautiful."
Kagome blushed and held her arms out. "Come here."
Inuyasha wasted no time in going to her, wrapping her in his arms and kissing her desperately, content to just hold her close, their bare skin pressed together as he hugged her to him.
He seemed to always know just how to bring her the utmost bliss in every aspect of their life together. It was in every touch, every kiss, every gentle caress of her cheek or hand.
And Kagome knew, then, that every hardship, every tragedy, and every heartbreak was worth it, if only to be able to find herself in Inuyasha's arms.
It felt like even more now that they knew that a little mix of them would soon be entering the world. Kagome couldn't help but feel emotional thinking about everything they had gone through to reach this happiness.
She smiled and half-laughed, half-cried against his chest.
"What is it?" Inuyasha asked quietly.
She shook her head and managed to keep her tears at bay. "I'm just being weepy."
Inuyasha chuckled and kissed her for a moment before moving down her body, kneeling in front of her and stopping at her lower stomach, which was still rounded and protruded a bit because of Kagome's natural healthy weight, rather than because of her pregnancy.
"I can't believe you've got a little one in here," he murmured, his hand coming up to caress her bare skin. He kissed around her navel and breathed in her scent. "I still can't smell her yet. Soon, though, I hope."
Kagome smiled and rubbed his ears as he continued to admire her stomach.
Placing a final kiss on her stomach and then on her lips, Inuyasha rose and pulled her deeper into the river.
"Let's wash up," he said.
Once they'd gotten clean, they dressed and got their things together. Afterward, they took a few more minutes to enjoy the moment until they both knew it was almost time for Inuyasha to leave.
"Eat something first," Kagome instructed, pulling out the last bit of some bread she had, knowing he probably wouldn't get to eat any time soon at the castle. Inuyasha nodded, breaking it and giving half to her. They ate silently, sitting next to each other with their sides pressed tightly together and their hands clasped, fingers laced together. They drew as many final comforting touches from each other as possible until Inuyasha couldn't put off his departure any longer.
The air turned somber around them as Kagome's worry intensified, and when it came time for them to part ways, Inuyasha hugged her close. Kagome kissed his cheek a few times before his lips, trying to put as much of her love for him in it as possible.
When they pulled away, Inuyasha leaned down to kiss her stomach before moving up to kiss her forehead a final time.
As if he couldn't help but touch her once more, Inuyasha's hands came up to cup her cheeks, gently caressing them with his thumbs as he looked down into her eyes, pressing one more soft kiss to her lips.
Finally, he took a deep breath. Before he could tell her goodbye and drop his hands from her cheeks, Kagome stopped him.
"Inuyasha, let me come with you," she pleaded, trying to convince him one more time. "I can be a witness or something and tell them how you destroyed Naraku. I can...I don't know. Maybe not kick Sesshomaru's butt like I want to, but...I can at least just try and do something."
Inuyasha shook his head. "No...it won't be enough. I don't want you around the guards again, either. But I'll make sure you're caught up on what's happening. Sesshomaru hates me, but...you saved us all when you destroyed Naraku. When he finds out you're alive, he'll probably let me send word to you about the decision, whatever it might be."
Kagome nodded reluctantly, still hating that he had to leave but knowing it was unavoidable.
"Be careful," she murmured. "I love you."
Inuyasha smiled and rubbed her stomach for a moment before kissing her a final time. "I love you, too."
Watching him walk away was one of the hardest things Kagome had ever done, but she knew it was for the best.
She sighed and placed a hand on her stomach before wandering off to find something else to eat.
It was going to be a long day.
O.o.O.o.O
When Inuyasha approached the castle, two guards immediately took him into custody.
"Foolish hanyo," one of them spat. "You would've been smarter to just run away again and stay gone. You'll be put to death and the shame you've brought on our kind will finally die with you."
Inuyasha grimaced but didn't argue, knowing it was pointless.
He was led to the empty courtroom and tossed to the floor, forced to kneel in front of where the youkai in attendance would soon sit.
He looked around, taking in the sight of the massive room with a large chair for Sesshomaru and a set-up of wooden chairs for the youkai who would attend and deliberate on his fate.
Inuyasha had been inside all of the courtrooms they had in the castle, but he'd never actually been inside one during the day. All of his memories of the courtroom were at night, hiding there while playing games of hide-and-seek with his mother, choosing nighttime so as to avoid any upturned noses of judgemental youkai.
The thought of his mother made his heart grow heavy. During those games of hide-and-seek, he never would have expected that years later, he would be a prisoner in the courtroom in which he used to run around and laugh and think of as just another room in the castle.
He'd never attended a trial, having turned his nose up at how boring or annoying they were to sit through, especially since his father was known as a kind but firm ruler, who believed in second chances and mercy. It was very rare that a youkai ever received life imprisonment or was sentenced to death, so the trials were more of a formality than anything.
Now Inuyasha wished he'd paid a bit more attention, asked a few more questions, or maybe just simply learned the structure of the court.
But he never had, so he had absolutely no idea what would happen next.
So he just complied and knelt in his spot, waiting for what would come next. He avoided eye contact with the guards, keeping his head down, until he heard the bustling sounds of the courtroom filling.
Daring to look up, he watched as youkai slowly began to trickle into the room, all of them giving him dirty looks.
The hanyo didn't look away, watching to see if any faces of sympathy or maybe even just simple indifference were present, but he didn't see many. Everyone looked...despondent and forlorn, which almost surprised him even more.
This doesn't even seem like the place where I grew up. There used to be so much joy and laughter. Maybe not directed at me, but there was always music playing in the castle and people talking animatedly.
Recalling the sheer silence that had been present the two previous times Inuyasha had come, as well as right then, Inuyasha wondered how long it had been since his childhood memories of a boisterous home had simply... ended.
Shame bled through his veins.
I should've been here to help Sesshomaru pick up the pieces, he thought remorsefully. I can understand why everyone is so angry. Hell, I even understand why Sesshomaru is angry. I'm starting to become a little angry at myself, too, but...I had to do it.
So he couldn't regret it. He'd reached his goal of destroying Naraku, and that was ultimately why he'd left in the first place. Regardless of how he'd gone about it, Inuyasha had achieved that desire and played a role in saving everyone from Naraku. He'd found love and friendship along the way, but that didn't mean his conscience was completely clear.
He'd still hurt people while doing it. He'd still abandoned his position. His parents' deaths, mostly his father's for the youkai in the castle, had affected everyone.
Inuyasha looked back up, understanding why the castle had changed so much over the years.
He knew the answer.
When his parents had lost their lives, so had the castle.
Inuyasha took a deep breath and prepared himself, knowing it was going to be a tough trial.
Several minutes later, when the room was full and everyone was settled, Sesshomaru finally entered.
"My fellow youkai," he greeted seriously. "Today we hold the trial for Inuyasha, the son of my father and his human wife." Inuyasha winced at the way Sesshomaru spat out the word "human." The daiyoukai went on to announce the charges against Inuyasha. He did so with such malice and hate in his voice that Inuyasha knew…
He wasn't getting out of this alive.
"Inuyasha is a traitor," Sesshomaru continued as he sat down in the large chair reserved for him at the front of the room. "As well as a deserter and a fifteen-year fugitive. But he was also involved in the battle that ended Naraku's life. Naraku is no more thanks to Inuyasha's late wife, and I cannot ignore the fact that Inuyasha played a vital role in that."
Inuyasha nearly corrected him on Kagome's survival, but he figured staying silent was best.
Gasps resounded in the room and faint mumblings echoed for a moment at the mention of Naraku's demise before everyone went silent again.
"Because of this," Sesshomaru said, "I have allowed a single witness for him." He nodded at the guards.
Inuyasha's eyes widened. A witness? Who?
When Miroku, with his arm wrapped up from the injury he'd sustained from Naraku, stepped into the room, Inuyasha had to keep himself from audibly gasping.
Miroku nodded and smiled at him encouragingly.
"State your name and how you know Inuyasha," Sesshomaru ordered.
"My name is Miroku," he began. "I traveled with Inuyasha for a few years, and we spent every single day together. His goal was to destroy Naraku, just as mine was, and his resolve came from wanting to avenge his parents after they were murdered. Everything he has done up until now was to avenge them and destroy the threat of Naraku so the world could be safe from him. We just reconnected recently and I was there for the final battle with Naraku. Inuyasha and his wife were the ones who ultimately destroyed Naraku, and it is thanks to both of them that he is gone."
As Miroku spoke highly of Inuyasha's character, the hanyo's eyes widened.
He dared to glance at the court, and every single youkai's eyes were either wide with shock or narrowed in consideration of what Miroku was saying.
When Miroku was finished, the room was enveloped in a deafening silence.
"Any remarks or questions from the court?" Sesshomaru asked. More silence.
"Very well," the daiyoukai said. For the first time, Sesshomaru looked at Inuyasha head-on.
"Do you have anything to say for yourself?" he asked.
Inuyasha took a deep breath, composing his thoughts, before nodding and looking at the court.
"I'm sorry I left," he began, "and I'm sorry that I stayed gone for so long. I had to do this, I had to go after Naraku with the intent to end him, but...I know I left behind a mess of things here when I left, so I'm sorry for that."
Silence.
The youkai in the room were just watching Inuyasha, some of their faces pinched in concentration while others were exchanging pensive glances. Inuyasha couldn't tell what it meant, and he didn't dare to be optimistic. Not yet.
Sesshomaru hummed and turned to his guards. "Take the hanyo to the holding cell while the deliberation takes place."
Inuyasha looked at Miroku gratefully before he was led away.
When they reached the cell, he was surprised to find that he wasn't thrown in like before. He was led inside without any sort of shoving or harsh words, just beckonings of hands and silence from the guards. He went willingly and humbly, entering the cell before just sitting down and trying to keep calm, but he couldn't keep his heart from nearly beating out of his chest.
Sometime later, the door to Inuyasha's cell opened to reveal Sesshomaru.
Looking up at him, Inuyasha held his breath and waited for him to speak.
Sesshomaru remained silent for a few moments, not quiet meeting Inuyasha's gaze.
Finally, gold clashed with gold as the daiyoukai finally spoke.
"When you arrived for your trial this morning," he began, "I was prepared to have you imprisoned for the rest of your life, and the other youkai in attendance today were of the same mindset." A pause. "However...your human friend's words, as well as your own, were enough, and the victory over Naraku was grounds enough to fully pardon you. You are free. You changed not only the court's minds, but mine as well." Sesshomaru nodded. "You may resume your position here at the castle."
"I appreciate it," he said sincerely. "I truly do, but I can't stay here. Kagome survived the battle."
Sesshomaru raised a brow. "How is that possible?"
"She's pregnant," Inuyasha explained. "The spiritual power of the baby was what saved her. Now we're planning to settle in Miroku's town. We've started our plans, and now...we're making them happen."
Sesshomaru hummed. "I see. Very well. You may leave."
Smiling, Inuyasha nodded and rose from where he was sitting.
"Sesshomaru, thank you," he said sincerely. "Honestly."
"I need not your thanks," Sesshomaru replied. "Return to your wife. I will be in touch."
Before Inuyasha could leave, he paused.
"Wait," he said, turning back to Sesshomaru. "What about Kagura and Kanna?"
Sesshomaru's face twisted into a scowl. "They are in far worse of a place than you were. They will most certainly be imprisoned for life, at the very least."
Inuyasha paused, thinking about Kagura and Kanna joining them in the fight. They'd been a little late, but they still tried to help.
His mind drifted to Kagome's sincere belief that neither Kagura nor Kanna were truly evil, just puppets being used and abused by Naraku.
So Inuyasha found himself speaking on his wife's behalf, adding his own agreement as well.
"Kagome and I will vouch for them," he said firmly. "What Miroku did for me, Kagome and I will do for Kagura and Kanna."
Sesshomaru raised a brow. "That sounds foolish. Are you quite certain?"
Inuyasha nodded firmly.
Sesshomaru hummed. "Very well. I will mention it at the trial. Will you be in attendance?"
Inuyasha couldn't stop his smile. "No, I have a wife to get back to."
Before he could hurry from the room, Sesshomaru's voice calling his name stopped him.
"Yeah?" Inuyasha asked, turning back to his brother.
Sesshomaru stared at him coolly for a moment before speaking again.
"Thank you for your role in eradicating Naraku. You avenged...our father, and I don't take that lightly."
Inuyasha's eyes widened, not only at the gratitude, but at the way Sesshomaru said "our father" for the first time.
Inuyasha smiled at his brother.
"Thank you for trusting me to do it," he replied. "It means a lot."
Sesshomaru nodded once. "Give Kagome my gratitude as well. Off with you now. I have things to do."
Grinning, Inuyasha nodded and left right after, practically running out of the castle.
Miroku and Kirara, to Inuyasha's surprise, were waiting outside for him.
"Miroku," Inuyasha called, running toward his friend. He hugged him tightly, trying to convey how appreciative he was.
"I can't thank you enough," the hanyo said. "Sesshomaru said I would've been a goner if it weren't for you."
Miroku patted his back. "It was the least I could do. You're a hero. I'm still just so sorry about Kagome."
Inuyasha grinned and let go of him. "Don't be. She survived." He took a moment to explain what happened in a bit more detail than he had with Sesshomaru.
Miroku's eyes widened when Inuyasha finished explaining. "Are you serious? That's incredible! You saved the world and became a dad all in the same day."
Inuyasha chuckled. "Not quite a dad yet. It's really early in her pregnancy, but...we're really happy."
Kirara mewed her congratulations, jumping up into Inuyasha's arms to rub against his chin.
"Thanks, Kirara," he said, patting the top of her head.
Miroku smiled. "That's amazing, Inuyasha. I'm happy for you both. Please give Kagome a hug for me as well as my congratulations."
"Do you want to see her?" Inuyasha asked. "She's waiting for me."
Miroku shook his head. "I'll leave you two to celebrate by yourselves. I'm sure Kirara and I will see you soon, though, when you all come to live in our town."
Peering at him, Inuyasha glanced down at the neko in his arms.
"Is Kirara going with you?" he asked.
Kirara mewed and jumped out of Inuyasha's arms to transform into her larger appearance.
"Kirara really bonded with Sango and the babies when she came to get me," Miroku explained. "I left for five minutes to pack a small bag, and when I came back, they were the best of friends. Before I left the courtroom, Sesshomaru stopped me and mentioned that Kirara had asked him if she could return with me, and he gave her permission. He also gave me some tips on how to communicate with her and understand her, so we've got that to learn and look forward to."
Inuyasha laughed, wondering what the hell they were going to do with a nekomata living with them. He figured it didn't matter. Something as simple as friendship was more important. If Inuyasha had learned anything over the last several months, it was that.
"Well, that's great!" he exclaimed. "I'm so happy for you both."
Miroku grinned and pulled Inuyasha into a parting hug. "I'm happy for you and Kagome, too. I'm sure I'll be seeing you soon." Inuyasha nodded and gave him a pat on the back before pulling from the hug.
"See you soon," he echoed. He gave Kirara a final rub on her head before Miroku got on her back.
He waved at them as Kirara took off from the ground and set off in the direction of Miroku's town, which Inuyasha happily realized was soon to be his and Kagome's as well.
Once Kirara and Miroku were nearly invisible in the sky, Inuyasha ran back to where he'd parted from Kagome.
When he saw her, he shouted her name, increasing his speed as he ran to her.
Kagome jumped at the sound, her eyes widening when she saw him.
"That was barely a day!" she called. "How did-"
Inuyasha cut her off by pulling her into his arms, hugging her tightly.
"I'm free," he said. "Miroku was a witness and his testimony helped clear my name."
Kagome gasped and immediately hugged him close. "Miroku? How-what-"
Inuyasha laughed. "I can explain more later but right now...everything has worked out, Kagome. Everything is gonna be okay. We can just be now. You, me, the baby, we don't have anything to fear. Nothing is chasing us. We can just live in peace."
He could smell her tears as she held him tightly.
They held each other tightly for a few moments, celebrating silently, until Kagome pulled away and cupped his cheeks in her hands.
"So now what?" she asked, smiling brightly. "What should we do first?"
Inuyasha grinned. "Whatever we want."
"Finally," she breathed.
Inuyasha laughed happily. "Yeah... finally."
To be continued...
PREGNANT? WHAT? SURPRISE.