Later that evening the group gathered outside Kaede's hut and sat around a crackling fire. The aroma of cooked ramen wafted through the air mingling with the crisp scent of evening dew. Sesshoumaru sat with Kagome in his lap, his arms draped loosely around her waist as he nuzzled her hair.

The warmth of the fire painted everyone's faces with a warm glow as they passed around bowls of noodles. Conversation was light at first, mostly catching up and trading humorous anecdotes, but it wasn't long before Miroku brought up the inevitable.

"I believe such a momentous occasion warrants a celebration," the monk proposed while raising a sake cup. "A festival, perhaps—a chance for the village to honor the jewel's completion and to come together."

Inuyasha, halfway through a mouthful of noodles, scoffed and gestured toward the forest with his chopsticks. "You better plan that fast, Monk. The vultures just past the barrier are getting restless."

Word of the Shikon Jewel's completion spread faster than wildfire. For the villagers it was a beacon of hope and finality, a sign that peace might truly be within reach. But for demons far and wide it was a tantalizing call—a chance to seize the ultimate power. The forest surrounding Edo became a shifting sea of demons, their intentions as dark as the shadows under the trees.

Sango nodded, her gaze drifting toward the darkened tree line. "They really are increasing in numbers. Tomorrow, we should reinforce the barrier. Miroku, Kagome, can you handle that? Inuyasha and I can clear out the ones lingering too close."

Inuyasha choked on his ramen, sputtering as Sango patted his back. The half-demon recovered quickly and rounded on her. "No way! The mother of my pup ain't going out there"

A sound escaped Sesshoumaru—so soft and fleeting that it could barely be called a snort, but Kagome felt it against her neck. She twisted slightly in his arms, giving his bicep a playful slap.

Sango rolled her eyes at Inuyasha, clearly unimpressed. "I'm pregnant, not helpless, you overgrown puppy," she shot back.

While the two continued their good-natured bickering, Miroku turned to Kagome. "So, what do you think, Kagome? One last hurrah before we settle the matter of the wish?"

Kagome hesitated, her fingers tracing the rim of her bowl. She glanced at Sesshoumaru, who remained impassive with his gaze fixed on the fire. "A festival sounds wonderful," she admitted. "The villagers deserve something to celebrate after everything they've endured. And…" Her eyes flicked toward the treeline. "It might help draw attention away from the jewel if we show strength as a community."

Miroku smiled, pleased by her answer, but Kagome's gaze lingered on the darkened forest. The weight of the Shikon Jewel hung heavy around her neck, its power like a pulse she could feel in her very soul. This wasn't just about the festival or even the wish—it was about closure, about ensuring the jewel never harmed anyone again.

Sesshoumaru's hand tightened slightly around her waist, as though sensing the turn of her thoughts. His voice cut through the chatter. "If a festival is to be held, precautions will be necessary. The growing horde will see it as an opportunity."

"They can try," Inuyasha muttered, cracking his knuckles. "We'll be ready for 'em."

Kagome nodded, her resolve hardening. "We'll make it a celebration worth remembering," she said. "But we'll also be prepared for anything. This is our chance to end this chapter on our terms."

The group fell into a contemplative silence, the fire roaring as the stars began to dot the night sky. For a moment, everything felt calm, as though the storm waiting just beyond the barrier was a distant worry.

Sesshoumaru's lips brushed against Kagome's temple, a subtle but intimate gesture that made her heart swell. She leaned into him slightly, her eyes closing as she allowed herself a moment of peace. Whatever challenges lay ahead, she knew she wouldn't face them alone.