"Did we have to do this so damn early in the morning?" Inuyasha grumbled as his ears flicked irritably while squinting up at the pale pinks and oranges of the brightening sky. The faint shadows under his eyes betraying the fact that he was still recovering from the night before.
"Best to get it out of the way before the entire village wakes up," Miroku replied, though his usual relaxed tone was muffled by the hand shielding his eyes. The monk winced slightly, his hangover still making his head throb despite Kaede's herbal remedies.
At the front of the group Sango cast both men a disapproving glance before turning to Kagome. "I've already thrown up twice from morning sickness, yet they're the ones acting like babies."
Kagome couldn't help the giggle that bubbled up at her friend's dry tone. It was comforting to see her friends acting like it was just any other day. Even Shippo, curled up and snoring softly in her arms, was his usual self. The little fox-demon had never been a fan of mornings and was determined to sleep through this one.
Still smiling, Kagome glanced over her shoulder and felt her cheeks immediately heat when her eyes met Sesshoumaru's golden gaze. Even as Rin held his hand and chattered endlessly about the games she had played and the sweets she had devoured at the festival, Sesshoumaru's focus remained entirely on Kagome.
She quickly turned back to face the path ahead, her cheeks still burning as her thoughts wandered to the night before. Relentless. That was the only word for how he had been. As though he were trying to prove something—to her, to himself, to the world. The memory made her stomach flutter with both excitement and a touch of worry. His passion had been overwhelming, but it had also been tinged with an unspoken desperation.
Before she could delve too deeply into her thoughts the group reached the Goshinboku. The sight of it sent a wave of nostalgia washing over Kagome. This was the place where she had first met Inuyasha, where she had freed him from Kikyo's arrow so long ago. It felt right to make her wish here under the branches that had witnessed the beginning of her journey.
But before that, there was something she needed to do.
"Here," Kagome said softly, shifting Shippo into Sango's waiting arms. The little fox stirred briefly but settled quickly against the slayer, his snores resuming almost immediately.
Inuyasha furrowed his eyebrows as Kagome approached him, his expression already bracing for some sort of lecture or reprimand. "What now?" he muttered, his tone defensive out of habit.
Kagome didn't answer. Instead, she reached up and lifted the subjugation beads from around his neck. The faint clinking sound of the beads seemed to echo in the quiet clearing.
"I'm pretty sure you don't need these anymore," she said gently, placing the necklace in his hands.
Inuyasha stared down at the beads, his fingers curling around them . "Why did you…" he began, his voice trailing off as he struggled to find the words. The subjugation beads had been a constant between them. Without them, it felt… wrong. Like a chapter of his life was closing, whether he was ready or not.
Kagome gave him a bittersweet smile. "I'm glad we met, Inuyasha. Our relationship hasn't been perfect, but I don't regret a single moment of it. You'll always be my friend."
Seeing that the half-demon was in too much shock to respond, she turned away and approached Sango and Miroku next. Her gaze sweeping them and the now awake Shippo nestled against Sango's chest.
"Sango," Kagome began, her voice trembling just slightly as she took one of her friend's hand. "I don't know how to thank you for everything. For always protecting me, for being my sister in every way that counts." She blinked back tears and laughed softly. "You've been so strong, even when things seemed impossible. I'll never forget that."
Sango's lips quivered as she gave Kagome's hand a squeeze. "You've been my strength too, Kagome. I will always regret that I hurt you and your forgiveness only proves how much stronger you are than me" Her voice now cracking as she quickly brushed a tear from her cheek. "You better take care of yourself, wherever this wish takes you."
Kagome laughed and nodded. "I promise."
She turned to Miroku who stood with his hands folded around his staff. It didn't escape Kagome's notice that he still wore his prayer beads even though the curse was gone. "Miroku," Kagome said softly, "you've always been the wise one, even when you were being… well, you." She giggled, earning a grin from the monk. "You kept us grounded and reminded us that even in the hardest times, we could still find joy...and a hot meal and warm bed. Thank you."
Miroku bowed his head deeply. "It has been an honor to fight alongside you, Kagome. May your path forward be one of peace."
Next, Kagome knelt down to face Rin, Kohaku, and Shippo jumped down to join them. Rin immediately threw her arms around Kagome's neck, squeezing her tightly. "Are you really leaving, Kagome?" Rin's voice was small and unsure, and it broke Kagome's heart.
"I don't know Rin," Kagome said gently, brushing Rin's hair back from her face. "But I want you to remember something for me, okay? No matter where I am, I'll always be thinking about you."
Rin nodded, tears spilling down her cheeks as she hugged Kagome again.
Kohaku stepped forward, his expression solemn as always. "Thank you, Kagome. For everything. You gave us hope when we didn't have any. I'll make sure Rin stays safe."
Kagome smiled warmly at him, resting a hand on his shoulder. "I know you will, Kohaku."
She looked down at Shippo and gently picked up the little fox and cradled him close. "Shippo, you've been my little guy from the start. You're going to grow into such an amazing fox, and I'll always be so proud of you."
Shippo sniffled, his big green eyes filling with tears. "I don't want you to go, Kagome. What if you leave and can't come back?"
Kagome kissed his forehead and hugged him tightly. "I'll always be with you, no matter where I am."
As she handed Shippo back to Sango, Kagome turned to Jaken who was hovering nearby with his usual haughty expression towards her. "Jaken," she began, her tone surprisingly light but sincere, "thank you for looking out for Rin. She's lucky to have someone as loyal as you by her side."
Jaken blinked, clearly caught off guard by her kind words. He puffed out his chest and nodded stiffly. "Of course, Priestess! It is my duty to serve Lord Sesshoumaru and his ward." But his voice cracked slightly, betraying the emotion he was trying to suppress.
Next, Kagome approached Ah-Un and Kirara, the two-headed dragon and firecat watching from a quiet spot nearby. She gently ran her hand along one of Ah-Un's sturdy necks, the smooth scales cool beneath her fingers, and then down Kirara's soft yellow fur. "Thank you for keeping everyone safe. Keep watching over them for me, okay?" Ah-Un let out a deep comforting rumble, their twin heads leaning into her touch, while Kirara responded with a loud, reassuring mew that tugged at Kagome's heart.
Taking a step back, Kagome was startled to see Kaede approach from behind Sango. The elder priestess reached out, her weathered hands closing around Kagome's trembling ones.
"If your wish is pure, child," Kaede murmured, her grip firm and grounding. "The jewel will honor it."
Kagome's smile faltered, her gaze dropping to where their hands were clasped. The fear she had been holding at bay broke free, spilling out in a whisper. "What if it takes me away, Kaede? What if—"
"Do not borrow sorrow before it is due," Kaede interrupted gently. "The jewel's disappearance may demand such a price, but that does not mean all hope is lost. You have already shown great strength, Kagome. Trust in that strength now."
The words were a lifeline, even if they didn't erase the fear entirely. Kagome nodded, her throat tight, and Kaede gave her hands one last reassuring squeeze before stepping away to join the others.
Finally, Kagome turned to Sesshoumaru. Her heart pounded against her ribcage, a stark contrast to the calm façade she tried so hard to maintain. She felt the others retreat, giving them the space this moment deserved. All her attention was on him—the tall, regal figure whose golden eyes never left hers.
Reaching out, Kagome's hand found his, her fingers threading through his claws. "No matter what happens… promise you will always be by my side."
His gaze softened as he reiterated the word she said last night. "Always" his hand brushing against her cheek before cupping it in his palm.
She leaned into his touch, her eyes fluttering shut for a brief moment. When she opened them again, they glistened with unshed tears, but she refused to let them fall. "I'll find you. No matter where or when, I'll find you."
Sesshoumaru stepped closer, his forehead lowering to press lightly against hers. "And I will wait," he said simply, his voice carrying a quiet conviction.
Neither of them lingered—there was no need for more words. They had prepared for this, trusted in the bond they shared. With a final squeeze of his hand, Kagome stepped back, her heart both heavy and full.
Kagome pulled the pink marble from beneath her shirt. For something so small, it was impossible to fathom the destruction it had wrought. Yet, intertwined with the chaos were moments of love, friendship, and hope—the bonds she had forged in this era. Without the Shikon Jewel, none of it would have happened.
Closing her eyes, Kagome clutched the Jewel tightly in her hands. Her voice was steady, though a lump formed in her throat. "I wish… for the Shikon Jewel to disappear forever."
The words hung in the air, heavy with finality. At first, nothing happened. Then a gentle warmth spread through her palms, seeping into her skin as if the jewel was giving its final blessing. The faint pink glow that emanated between her fingers grew brighter, almost blinding. Kagome opened her hands slowly, watching in awe as the jewel pulsed, its swirling mist dimming and flickering like a fading star.
The light grew softer, the jewel's once-vibrant energy unraveling before her eyes. Then it crumbled to dust, fine as sand slipping through her fingers. A sudden breeze swept through the clearing catching the shimmering particles and scattering them into the sky, where they danced in the golden rays of the morning sun.
It was gone. Truly gone.