Sealing the Blade

"Now what?" Kagome muttered.

Taisho and Totosai finally made it to the makeshift battlefield, studying the bodies sprawled across the bloody grass. It was a good thing the police didn't investigate youkai murders, Taisho thought dryly. "Now someone must reseal the blade." Taisho said softly.

Sesshoumaru shrugged. "Or we could simply destroy it." he pointed out.

"You can't destroy that blade." Totosai protested. "Any violent act against it only strengthens it. That's why it's so powerful."

Kagome shrugged. "Aw, heck, it can't be that difficult to seal a sword. And since I'm the one who broke the shield to begin with, I should be the one to fix it." She took a step back towards the shed, but the brothers stopped her. She stared at them both in surprise. "What's wrong?"

"If you fix that shield," Inuyasha said slowly, "it will take your powers from you. You will no longer be a miko." Kagome's eyes widened in surprise, but Taisho spoke before she could say a word.

"If she chooses to fix the shield, I will be able to formally adopt her." he said. As the three children turned to look at him, he added, "Izayoi and I have been talking about it for some time now. I can't do it now; her miko powers will purify my youkai blood. But, if she were to lose those powers, I could perform the adoption. You would be a Takahashi, Kagome. Would you like that?"

Kagome grinned. "Very much so." she said.

Totosai rolled his eyes. "I will never understand your affection for humans, old youkai." he muttered.

"Watch who you're calling old, you bat."

The siblings exchanged exasperated smiles as the men began to bicker. Sango and the others quickly joined the group. "What will you do, Kagome?" she asked.

Kagome shrugged. "I guess I fix the shield. Even if Mr. Taisho didn't adopt me, I don't have much of a choice." she admitted.

Miroku nodded. "It sounds honorable." he said softly. "Well, I guess it's time." He gestured towards the shed. "Let's get this done and over with."

Kagome nodded and entered the shed. From outside, she could hear Rin's voice. "I don't think you want to be in there, Sesshoumaru. Her powers are very strong. She may accidentally purify you." There was an affirming grunt from Sesshoumaru, and Kagome couldn't help but laugh.

This was her family, she realized. Her true family, who actually cared for her and wouldn't hurt her or abandon her. Taisho and Izayoi were willing to adopt her, Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha had done it a long time ago. They had come tonight, to her defense. She was loved.

I guess even someone like me has a chance in life.

Slowly, she placed her hands over the sword, and called forth her miko powers. One last time.

Her eyes narrowed. "Be purified, you worthless piece of trash." she hissed. Her palms began to glow, and soon the entire room was filled with the soft light of her powers. It felt different this time, as if the powers were being pulled from her rather than staying where they should have been. Soon the light dimmed, and Kagome dropped to her knees, thoroughly exhausted.

Instantly the gang was by her side. "Are you all right, Kagome?" Shippou asked, his voice full of concern. Kagome nodded and offered up a tired smile.

"Now I know what a spent battery feels like." she joked. The others laughed.

"Come on." Inuyasha bent down and picked her up, holding her cradled in his arms. "It's time we went home, sister." Kagome chuckled and rested her head against his chest, asleep almost instantly. As the group split up to go their separate ways, Sesshoumaru turned to Rin and kissed her on the cheek.

"See you tomorrow." he whispered.

Rin smiled. "You too. It looks like we're in for a whole new life now, doesn't it?"

HE smiled back. "It sure does."

/---/

AN: Don't kill me! Really short chapter, but there's one more left – the epilogue! Review, please!