Chapter 36-Completion
It was a strange thing. Inuyasha pondered this as he glanced at his older brother walking beside him. Years ago he would have never imagined himself walking side by side with Sesshomaru.
He would never have imagined himself married either. He stared thoughtfully at his bride who was chatting with the villagers. Never had he dreamed he could be so lucky.
They had reached the square. The demon lord lingered at the edge of the gathering, intent on staring placidly into the trees.
The villagers often threw wary looks at him, but none approached him for out of fear or cautiousness, Inuyasha didn't know.
The rigid silver haired man who stood guard at the edge of town soon was known as Inuyasha-sama's apathetic older brother.
Inuyasha spotted some young village girls edging closer to his brother. They giggled in a flustered heap as one of their own broke away from the tightly knitted group to approach Sesshomaru.
Inuyasha shook his head and returned his attention to the bustle of the square. The only woman his brother would pay any heed to was currently chatting animatedly with Kagome.
The half demon approached his wife. Her eyes lit up when she caught sight of him, making his heart thump wildly in his chest.
"Rin, might I have a word with my new bride?" He asked the young girl.
"Of course Inuyasah-sama!" She chirped happily before scurrying off and disappearing in the throng.
"When did that start happening?" He arched a brow at the woman beside him.
Kagome giggled. "I think it's sweet. It shows a sign of respect. Believe it or not you have earned that around here." She pointed out.
Inuyasha took this time to really drink in his bride's appearance. The sun glittered brilliantly off her wedding kimono. Her face was aglow with happiness. She was a stunning vision in white.
"Husband greet your wife!" A voice called merrily out from the crown.
Nearly every head in the square turned to look at the couple. Both Inuyasha and Kagome blushed scarlet.
Inuyasha's head whipped around, trying to spot the perpetrator. Shippo grinned cheekily from his place among the throng.
He turned to Kagome almost shyly. She looked up at him through full lashes, her eyes brimming with tears. Without a word he pulled her close. His lips found hers in a sweet and gentle kiss.
Cheering erupted from the crowd as they parted.
"Let's not let them have all the fun!" Miroku's jovial voice rang out as he led Sango by the hand through the crowd to stand next to them.
People watched with growing interest as he dipped Sango slightly and kissed her soundly on the mouth with such passion, a few whistles floated from the mass. When he pulled away Sango was blushing profusely.
Another round of cheering erupted as the two couples stood side by side before the village.
The rest of the afternoon was spent chatting with old friends and reminiscing. Kagome even managed to get Inuyasha to hold still for a few pictures.
As the sun sank lower, people began to slowly fade out.
The last of the people trickled away, back to their houses leaving the two couples standing in the square in the waning sunlight.
Sesshomaru had disappeared long ago with a trailing Rin. Inuyasha didn't doubt he would see him eventually. The demon lord had a habit of showing up unexpectedly.
"Shall we take a walk?" Kagome offered the group.
Everyone complied and they set off, the girls being lead by their husbands as they picked their way through the grass.
Not to their surprise they ended up under Goshinboku. Miroku procured a bottle of sake and some cups and the group toasted.
"To friends!" Miroku declared valiantly.
" To family." Shippou appeared. He eyed Inuyasha through soulful eyes. Inuyasha put a loose arm around the kit, squeezing his shoulder affectionately.
"To a long and happy life." Sango replied with a smile. Miroku caught her hand within his and shared her smile.
"To a new start." Kagome said.
Inuyasha looked up in startled astonishment at her declaration. He met her eyes and saw the love mirrored in those chocolate pools. Smiling softly he brushed his lips to her hand, watching her cheeks redden.
Everyone drank from their cups. A comfortable silence enveloped them as the group of misfits watched the setting sun dip lower behind the horizon.
It really was an odd group, Inuyasha decided. He looked around at each one of the people he had come to cherish and call family.
Shippou had been the first to join them on their rigorous quest to find the jewel shards. He had been belligerent and cocky for a demon so young, even being so bold as to try and steal a shard from them.
But Inuyasha discovered that the attitude was merely a cover. Underneath hid a frightened and misguided child in need of a family. The kid had found it. Within each member of their pack hid a fierce obligation to protect their youngest member. Inuyasha wondered when the transition had occurred from unruly brat to son. He supposed it had slipped by unnoticed, until Shippou became so immersed in their lives it was inevitable. Inuyasha was thankful for his son.
Miroku's entrance had been interesting to say the least. But as amorous as he had been, he always came through. The monk possessed fierce loyalty to his friends. From someone whose outlook on the future was grim for so long, Miroku remained ever the optimist. He had offered Inuyasha many words of wisdom and had saved him countless heartache by consoling the troubled half demon. He was always there to stand by his comrades in whatever situation the fates dealt them. Inuyasha was grateful for Miroku's companionship.
Sango, now she was a fierce combatant. Inuyasha had experienced firsthand what it was like to face the demon slayer. He was glad that she was there to defend their ranks. Sango had come from a troubled past, intent on toiling away in her past mistakes, never letting anyone see her struggle. Inuyasha had taken a deep look into the demon slayer's past and discovered a lonely woman who was too brave and proud to let anyone see her cry. It had taken a lot to get her to open up and share with them. Inuyasha was glad he had put in the effort for Sango.
Kagome. He glanced at the miko from the future, so different from all of them. She was a woman who hailed from a different time period. She had been thrust unwillingly into their world, into his world. Kagome was innocent and pure, having no notions at all of how to survive in such a violent and unpredictable world. But she had learned.
She had adjusted to living part of her life in this time period, sacrificing so much in order to be there for them. He ducked his head in shame, remembering those times he had been so insensitive. The truth was that she had a life before him. She had friends and family, and her education to think about. And he had taken her away from that. Inuyasha thanked the gods every day that she came into his life. She had tamed his fierce heart. He was lucky to have Kagome.
His wife's hand on his shoulder brought him back. Everyone took a sip from their cups.
As his sake left a burning trail of fire down his throat, Inuyasha said his own silent toast to himself.
To the future. His future with Kagome; with all of them looked significantly brighter.
A new figure approached them. Kaede stepped gingerly out of the twilight and into their midst.
The woman held a box in her withering hands, a purposeful look on her aging face.
So, it was time.
"I believe that you have one last task to take care of." She looked around at them, the unlikely group she had often taken shelter in her humble house while on their journey. They really were something else.
She held the box out to Inuyasha. The hanyou was flabbergasted. Never before had he expected this moment to be like this. His thoughts and desires had changed drastically over the years. He no longer wished to be a full demon.
Looking at Kagome he decided that this was enough. More than enough, it was all he ever really wanted.
"Remember, the wish must be pure and unselfish in order for the jewel to disappear." Kaede informed him.
She handed Inuyasha the box. He sat the wooden chest in his lap, afraid to open it.
"I don't want it." He said.
He instead handed the box to Kagome. "You're the reason we all came together. If it weren't for you coming here, none of us would have ever met. I would still be pinned to this tree." Inuyasha ran his hand over the scar that marred the bark.
Tears spilled from Kagome's eyes, cascading down her rosy cheeks and onto the pristine silk kimono.
"I never thought we'd get this far. And now that it's finally here I just…..I don't want to make the wrong wish." She hugged the box to her chest as if she were afraid the jewel would shatter once more and their journey would start anew.
"Child, you must make a wish, otherwise those who wish to use it for wicked intentions will come for possession of the jewel. It must be cast from existence." Kaede consoled her gently.
Kagome glanced desperately at the well, cloaked in shadow just beyond them. If she made a wish on the jewel, the well would close. The jewel was what had bound her to the past, had enabled her to make her journey to and from the future. If the well closed she would never see her family again.
She looked around at all the condoling faces of the people who surrounded her. They had become her family as well.
But Mama, grandpa and Souta, to never see them again… it broke her heart.
Tears stained her makeup, falling onto her silken lap, marring the beautiful kimono.
To make the correct wish, it would have to be completely unselfish. Then the jewel would fade from existence.
Looking around at all of the encouraging faces of her friends, whom she had come to cherish as her own little family Kagome found the strength dwelling deep inside her to open the aged box.
A faint light enveloped them as Kagome laid eyes on the complete Shikon no Tama. It glittered brilliantly, its otherworldly beauty only exceeded by the immense power it possessed.
So long had they waited for this moment. Now that it was upon them, Kagome was more than a little overwhelmed.
She chanced a look at the dark well in the distance. The well. Her way home. A chord struck her in sudden realization as she looked at the golden eyed hanyou across from her whom she had come to love unconditionally. Home was wherever he was, no matter the distance between times.
She would miss her mother, grandfather, and brother dearly. But if it was to put all this chaos to rest, to finally be at peace, which is what Kikyo had wanted all along, she would do it.
Inuyasha's hand grasped hers in encouragement. "You can do it." His voice echoed in her ringing ears. He believed in her. They all did. They had faith in her that she would make the right choice, no matter the emotional turmoil it may cause.
"We'll write to them." Inuyasha said quietly in her ear.
Kagome gasped, another wave of tears cascading down her cheeks. She squeezed his hand, letting him know she appreciated his effort.
Chocolate collided with amber, sending Kagome's head into a dizzying rush. She couldn't breathe when those eyes pierced her. She couldn't put into words what he meant to her. It was like living in the city for ones entire life, and then moving to the countryside. He was a breath of fresh air, her air. He rejuvenated her, filled her with clean, sweet life. She had tasted his world, and could never return to the way things were before.
In that moment one true fact remained: there was no one within eternity who loved Inuyasha more than Kagome. There was no one in the present in the past, present, or future who loved Kagome more than Inuyasha.
With that reality planted firmly in her mind, Kagome grasped the jewel, closed her eyes, and made a wish.
The jewel glowed brightly and Kagome threw her best hope to the heavens. She felt a surge of warmth flutter through her body, light as a feather. Kikyo was with her.
She felt another presence, in addition to Kikyo's. This one held all the power and wisdom time had to offer. Midoriko
Give me strength Kikyo, Midoriko.
Kagome hoped the women had heard her prayer. Kagome felt their presence, a ghostly hand on her shoulder.
The jewel grew warm in her hands before slowly fading away within the blinding light.
Once the light faded, Kagome chanced a look. The faces staring at her were composed with a mixture of shock and amazement.
They had done it. The jewel was gone, forever.
Kagome collapsed into Inuyasha, her energy spent. The hanyou gathered his wife onto his lap, holding her to him. He traced his hands softly over her, feeling every curve, and outline that was her body.
"I think it would be prudent if we all turned in." Miroku advised.
Inuyasha nodded, helping his wife up.
Kagome swayed dangerously, her head was reeling with the loss of energy. She leaned heavily against her husband.
"M' all right." Kagome breathed heavily against his neck.
"Of course." He replied dryly." But this is just in case." Inuyasha scooped his wife up, cradling her against his chest.
"Inuyasha, I have something to show you, this way." Kaede started down the path towards the village.
The hanyou's brow quirked in curiosity, what could she possibly want? After a quick nod to his friends, Inuyasha followed the elderly miko into the ascending night. As dusk finally faded and the night sky took its place, the hanyou noticed the stars slowly appearing. Little pin pricks of light, they faded into existence against the inky darkness of the sky.
Inuyasha followed Kaede up the well worn path, seeking the welcoming light of the village. He glimpsed the sporadic lights in the distance and knew they were close.
But instead of continuing down the path towards the glow of the village, Kaede took another path, up the hill.
Curious, Inuyasha followed, clutching his wife to his chest all the while.
Kaede stumbled in the darkness, only to have her arm caught be a gentle yet firm grip.
"Are you all right?" Inuyasha asked.
Kaede's smile was hidden in the dark. He had changed so much from the brash, angry young man she knew all those years ago. Looking back, she could see why he changed. It was a human's kindness and love that had tamed his wayward heart.
"We're almost there." She said, slightly winded as she urged her aging body up the hill. She wasn't as young as she used to be.
"Don't give out on me baba." He took her arm and helped lead her through the night.
As they trekked up the hill, Inuyasha noticed the trees had begun to thin out.
Kagome stirred in his arms. "Inuyasha?" She mumbled groggily.
"Yes koi?" He whispered.
"Where are we?" Kagome looked around from her mates arms, searching the darkness.
"I actually don't know myself." Inuyasha was just as stumped as to why Kaede had led them up here.
"We're here." Kaede stopped to lean against a tree, a bit weary.
"Where is here?" Inuyasha asked, putting his wife down.
"Take a look for yourself." The old miko's voice held a silver of amusement in it.
"Oh!" Kagome gasped and then was reaching blindly for him.
Out of the blackness, loomed a fairly tall and large structure. A house. Their house.
"Oh. Oh!" And Kagome was crying against him, crystal tears dampening fine silk.
Inuyasha somehow managed to stop his head from spinning. They had a house. The villagers had kept their end of the deal.
"Why don't you see it for yourselves?" Kaede replied. Stooping in the fading light, she groped near the doorway for something on the ground.
With a flash of sparks she had lit a candle, and held it out to him. Wordlessly Inuyasha took the light, and swept it over their new home, illuminating it in a warm, golden glow.
The front room was fairly large. A fire pit sat in the center. Shelves lined the walls. A table sat in the corner, several cushions crowded around it.
Inuyasha could see off to the right were the bedchambers, and off to the left was the storage room. The boxes that he brought up earlier that day were stacked in against the wall.
"I have a gift for the two of you." Kaede broke the silence.
She presented them with an iron kettle.
"For the many meals you will share together." The old miko said, handing the kettle to a glassy eyed Kagome.
"Thank you so much Kaede-sama." She hugged the older woman.
Inuyasha shuffled, not sure what to say. He mumbled a gruff thank you, taking the kettle from the woman.
"I'll let you two get acquainted then shall I?" Inuyasha caught a wink in her dark, ageless eyes. Her faded shuffling signaled she had left.
Kagome turned to him, a look of wonder whirling about her. "I can't believe it." She breathed. "We actually have a house."
"Yea." Inuyasha could hardly believe it himself. The villagers must have been working on this house for a long time, before they had struck up the bargain. He had no idea how they had kept this from him. His gaze swept over the dwelling, noting its sturdy appearance. Though he would have liked to be a part of the building process, Inuyasha had to admit it was a suitable home. Besides, there was always time in the future to make changes.
Time. It was a concept still somewhat strange and foreign to the hanyou. He had always been an extremely driven person, always pursuing the next opportunity, never settling anywhere. He shuffled from place to place, constantly on the move, never truly finding a place to call home.
But now….he could stay. Smooth fingers found his calloused ones, guiding them into the rightful place intertwined with his wife's. He had a wife. He had time to spend with her to just…. be.
A smile tugged at Inuyasha's lips. Warmth bubbled in his chest, and for the first time in a long time, he let it run free, frothing and foaming until it filled him up completely. He didn't need to hide his feelings anymore. He was free to live, to be at peace, to love, with Kagome.
He pulled his wife close, burying his face in her soft, pale throat.
She giggled at his antics. "We're married." She whispered softly.
His reply was to trail fiery kisses along her collar bone.
They stood there, in the doorway to their home, looking out at the starry heavens. An easy silence enveloped them, and Inuyasha welcomed it, pulling Kagome snug against his chest. Clawed fingers stroked ebony hair.
Sometime later, murmured chatter broke the tranquil silence. Inuyasha looked up to see three familiar figures making their way towards the house in the still night.
"It seems you've finally found a permanent dwelling Inuyasha, and may I say it's quite nice." Miroku complimented, his violate eyes sweeping over the structure.
Inuyasha smirked proudly, draping an arm over Kagome's shoulder.
Shippou was eyeing the house curiously.
"Stop snooping and go check out your room." Inuyasha said gruffly, his golden stare bringing heat rising to the kits cheeks.
"Really? I have my own room?" Shippou asked in a whisper, almost unsure.
Inuyasha nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. His kit could be so self-doubting sometimes. Inuyasha vowed to help him change that.
Shippou ducked into the house, eager to see the room he would call his own.
Gleeful shouts echoed from within the house and Inuyasha fought back a chuckle. Shippou must have found the coloring books he'd stashed in there. And Kagome said he was too rough around the edges. That was ridiculous.
Turning towards his wife, he caught her staring and fought down the blush that was creeping its way up his neck. "Shall we take a walk?" He murmured softly to the group, leaving the question hanging.
A delighted smile broke out on Kagome's face. She interlaced her fingers with his, nodding.
Miroku and Sango both nodded, and together they all set out through the silent night.
Inuyasha lead them up the hill, through the spindly trees, through the shadows. In a way, he had always been leading them Kagome decided. He was the pack leader, the alpha, the protector. He watched out for them, defending his own with fierceness that blazed within the tendrils of brilliant gold in his eyes.
She could remember when so much anger and sorrow clouded those dusky orbs. His very soul had been chained to both worlds, yet he lingered on the edge, tittering between the demonic claws of damnation and the sharp spear of humanity. He had never been comfortable enough in either. But now, things were different. Kagome smiled. Their souls were linked together now, and Inuyasha no longer hovered on the edge, torn in two.
Kagome noticed the trees thinning out as they approached a clearing. Her breath faltered in her chest as she first caught site of the velvety heavens overhead. The brilliant light from the stars glittered, shrouding the night in soft luminosity.
There they sat, in peacefully silence. Sometime later Shippou joined them, grinning happily in the satisfaction of his new room. Plopping down beside his father, the kit let out a blissful sigh, laying his head on the dewy grass.
"Happy?" Inuyasha asked.
Shippou nodded with a serene smile on his face. He couldn't imagine life getting any better than this. He had a family to call his own. He could settle down now. No longer was there a tug of uncertainty pulling at his heart. Peace settled nicely within the young demon's soul, a feeling that had long since been plagued from his heart.
Inuyasha felt his own smile tug on his lips. He glanced around at the family they had forged. Each one of them was so different, unique in ways of their own.
They had all come from an uncertain past, the ground shaky beneath their feet. Fear and doubt had clouded each of their hearts at one point.
A distrustful hanyou with a fractured heart, an innocent miko with hidden power, an abandoned kitsune without a family, an amorous monk with a dark secret, and a hardened demon slayer burdened with guilt. As unlikely as it was; they had come together, relying on each other for support
The broken pieces had been mended at last. It had been a long, tedious process, full of sorrow, guilt, doubt, and fear. Somehow, through it all, love had blossomed under the weight of the burdens they had to carry.
Kagome stared in wonder at the sea of stars scattered before them in the endless heavens. Her heart swelled with love for the people around her. She was so unbelievably lucky to have stumbled upon their world, a world she could now call her own.
A streak of light streamed across the sky, and the miko gasped in startled delight. It was a shooting star.
She felt his eyes on her and turned to meet his gaze. Amber orbs so full of intensity looked back at her.
"Make a wish." He said softly, grasping her hand in his own.
She stared at him, a blush creeping across her cheeks from their close proximity. An unrelenting wave of emotion crashed over her suddenly, and she felt her eyes grow heavy with the onslaught of tears.
Inuyasha's face instantly clouded in soft concern. "What's with the tears?" He brushed her cheek softly, catching the first tear as it cascaded down her face.
Kagome shook her head, not trusting herself to speak just yet. When she found her voice, it was choked and slightly shaky.
"I'm just so happy." She gasped out. She took his face in her hands, drinking him in. She couldn't believe it, this was hers.
"I don't need to make a wish." She continued on breathlessly.
"I have everything I need right here." Another wave of tears poured from her eyes, and Inuyasha felt his heart leap.
She accepted him. She loved him with every fiber of her being, heart and soul.
He brought her face close, his lips nearing hers. "I love you." He murmured quietly. Their lips met, and Inuyasha felt the pull deep within him, the connection that bound him to this woman for all time.
"And I love you, so much." She breathed against his lips.
He brushed her silken black hair from her face, admiring how breathtaking she was. Now, here under the twinkling heavens, she was his. This strong, amazing, compassionate woman had chosen him. They had until the end of forever to spend their lives together.
Inuyasha knew that his heart had settled. He was at last at peace. They all were.
High above within the heavens, two young women watched with content smiles. At last, their destiny's had been fulfilled. They could now rest in peace, knowing that their most cherished ones had completed their task.
"Good evening my fair mikos" A man bowed politely to the two women before him.
"How do our guests fair this lovely night?" He asked, his brown eyes twinkling.
"They appear very content Makoto. All is well in the realm of earth." Kikyo reassured him.
"And my little girl?" He asked his voice radiated warmth and passion, though his eyes held a slightly saddened look.
Midoriko smiled, smoothing her kimono. "She is no longer a little girl, but a woman. She has married this day, to a man who shall treasure her always."
This seemed to quell the misty look within Makoto's eyes. "I always knew she was destined for something far beyond our world." He whispered. "I just never knew how far she would come."
"She has persevered greatly. They all have." Midoriko praised. "This group has vanquished the Shikon no Tama for good. They have protected it from all malignant beings who wished to taint it. They have accomplished what I ultimately could not. They deserve this life of happiness after so many struggles."
"Kagome." Makoto whispered his voice was carried away on the wind. Although he could not be there for his daughter physically, he was present in other ways.
His warm voice was the wind that tickled her cheek. The sunshine represented his ever glowing pride. The sacred tree, Goshinboku was his sheltering embrace.
Makoto smiled fondly, recalling cherished memories with his daughter when she was just a child. "You always told me you'd grow up and go on your own adventure. You were never afraid to try new things. Although you're all grown up, and may not need me anymore, I'll still be here baby girl. I love you, my Kagome."
The man kneeled and clasped his hands together in prayer.
He could still hear her melodious voice in his ear.
I'm going to go on my own adventure some day!" The six year old boldly declared. "My knight in shining armor will take me away and we'll live happily ever after!" She trilled, twirling in a circle around her amused father.
"Are you sure you won't need your old dad to come along and battle those monsters?"He chuckled good naturedly, rubbing noses with his daughter.
"You can come too daddy!" She giggled, tugging his large hand in her small one.
But he couldn't come. He could not join his daughter on her adventure; he couldn't be that knight in shining armor that would protect her from all that threatened her.
"You'll just have to settle for a knight clad in red." Makoto chuckled, despite the ache in his heart. He felt the sting behind his eyes, and rubbed absently at them.
"I know he'll do right by you baby. I can tell. You've come a long way, and this man, Inuyasha; he has waited a long time to find you. You'll have your quarrels, and he'll drive you crazy and vice versa. Other times you'll come upon those special moments that you want to capture forever. Treasure them Kagome, hold every memory close."
He closed his eyes, and brushed his lips against his closed fist. "A kiss from the heavens sent down to you, until we meet once more."
The trio watched from the other realm as a miko and a hanyou intertwined their destinies, forging a new life together under the heavens.