An Inuyasha Fanfic:
Shikon no Tama Resurrected

As we join our heroes after a trying battle against Naraku’s vicious youkai, the story begins in Kaede’s hut. Miroku, Sango, Shippou, and Kaede sit around a brilliant fire. In a dark corner is Kikyou, a solemn figure enveloped in sorrow. Kagome is standing by the window searching the darkness for a semblance of happiness. But Inuyasha sits very still slumped against a wall, while pain racks his body and Naraku plagues his mind.

Inuyasha, do you see it? Open your eyes! Inuyasha looked up and around the room. He had been hearing Naraku's voice constantly since the ending of the battle. He had begun to ignore it, but Naraku's insistence broke his concentration, forcing him to obey. As his eyes adjusted to the firelight, Inuyasha noticed small dark voids surrounding the priest and exterminator. The kitsune had one as well, though it was significantly smaller. The old priestess’ was slightly bigger than the others’.
Naraku, what is this? What are those black things?
Those happen to be sadness and misery in their physical form. For theirs’ to be so small, they must truly believe they’re happy. But what of Kikyou? Inuyasha looked to Kikyou in her solitary corner. She had been there ever since Kagome had tended to his wounds. Inuyasha’s eyes widened with surprise when he found that Kikyou’s void almost engulfed her. He became worried for her well being, but was stopped by Naraku when he would have asked if she was okay. I wouldn’t worry too much, Inuyasha. Nothing can harm them. It’s merely a special insight to the soul that I have granted to you. And before you try to cheer up your beloved Kikyou, maybe you should tend to your beloved Kagome.
What are you talking about? Kagome is the happiest person I know.
Is she? Can you be sure, you pathetic hanyou? Do you really think you know her heart? Naraku's voice finally faded as Inuyasha turned his head towards Kagome. His look of utter confusion changed to one of horror when he beheld Kagome. The smile on her face betrayed nothing, but Inuyasha saw her void. It was there, like everyone else’s. But Kagome’s filled the entire hut. It even overflowed and seeped out of the window she was staring through. Inuyasha was amazed, then saddened at the size of Kagome’s unhappiness. How had he not noticed? Didn’t he know Kagome? If she were unhappy, she’d say so, wouldn’t she?
Inuyasha tried to stand but fell back to the floor. Kagome rushed to him to see if he had hurt himself, Kikyou watching from her corner. After making sure Inuyasha was fine, Kagome announced that she was going out for some fresh air. Not being able to gather the strength to stop her, Inuyasha slumped against the wall once again to watch her disappear from sight.
“Poor Kagome-sama. She’s a little shaken after that battle. At least she was able to keep hold of the Shikon fragment.”
“That’s true, houshi, but what good is it? Naraku already has most of the fragments. The jewel is almost whole again.”
“Aye, that it is, Sango. But ye do not see the big picture. If Naraku has not all of them, he cannot use the jewel to grant his desire.”
“Kaede’s right, Sango. If we can keep Naraku from completing the jewel, we can keep him from gaining power.”
“I understand this, Shippou, but I was only thinking that he’s been too strong for us since the beginning. What is stopping him from destroying us with the huge fragment that he does have?” No one had an answer for Sango, but Inuyasha knew that he couldn’t give up. Whatever Naraku threw at him, he would beat it down with his Tetsusaiga. Kagome came back to the hut a little while later, and everyone too tired to resist became fogged with sleep.
But Kagome was lying awake on her pallet thinking of Naraku and his search for the last Shikon fragment. He had mentioned something about a well, and as Kagome thought of it, she found herself thinking instead of the Bone Eater’s Well in the Forest of Inuyasha. A wave of homesickness engulfed her soul, and she found herself once again wishing she were home. Her want was so strong, she decided to walk down to the well.
As she neared it, a small trace of a Shikon fragment caught her attention. But it disappeared just as quickly, so she continued on. As she neared the edge, Kagome peered down into the deep darkness wishing she could see her family. But she and the others were so close to finishing their mission that she thought it would be selfish to go home. Kagome started to cry silently in the hushed forest, letting the anguish in her heart slip out through her tears. She had wanted to cry since the battle. Inuyasha had risked his life yet again to save Kikyou, while she had to dodge the very same attack herself. She had come out with a stinging scratch on her leg the length of her arm, while Kikyou had nothing. Nothing but a worried ‘Kikyou!’ from Inuyasha, thought Kagome.
Kagome collapsed to the ground, the tears coming faster and her breath louder. She was so wrapped up in her sorrow that she didn’t notice the dark shadow that stood beside her. Naraku watched Kagome cry for a while then turned himself into Inuyasha as he had done with Kikyou 50 years before. Kagome finally lifted her head to see him staring at her. He lifted her to her feet and wiped away her tears.
“Kagome, what are you crying for?”
“Inuyasha!”
“Kagome, please tell me what’s bothering you.”
“Shouldn’t you be with Kikyou or something?”
“Forget her. She’s a thing of the past. I have you now.”
“Oh, Inuyasha!” Kagome’s eyes had long since clouded over, Naraku's spell taking hold of her heart. She leaned into him, but Naraku hesitated. He had never kissed Kagome before, had never kissed anyone. But he threw off his hesitation as he remembered what is plan was. He leaned into her as well, and their lips met. But as Naraku pulled away, a black cloud seeped into Kagome’s mouth. He slipped away, and Kagome came back to herself. “What was I just doing? I must have been on my way back to Kaede’s. I’d better get there.” Kagome ran back to the village and entered the hut breathless. She tiptoed over Miroku to get to her pallet. Shippou had tossed over onto her blanket, but since the sun was beginning to rise, she just took his side.

“Come on, Inuyasha. You were bragging that your wounds were fine, so get your butt out here!”
“Alright, Sango, alright. I’m coming. Sheesh!” Inuyasha walked out of Kaede's hut, his mouth wide open while he yawned. He looked ahead at Sango and Miroku staring at him angrily, and then he spotted Kagome standing next to her bike looking off into the distance.
“Inuyasha, I’m coming with you.” Everyone but Kagome turned to look at Kikyou as she came out with her bow and quiver. Miroku started to protest, but she broke him off. “There will be no arguments.”
“Oh yes there will be. We don’t need a priestess for a simple investigation.”
“Sango, what if Naraku is there?”
“Kagome will sense him.” Kikyou tensed at Kagome’s name, the others tensing with her. No one looked at Kagome.
“Let her come. It’s no big deal.” Now they looked. Kagome had started to wheel away down the dirt road, and at her word the others followed. The journey to the neighboring village was long, but everyone was occupied with their own thoughts. The majority was trying to figure out Kagome’s attitude, while Kagome herself was thinking about the painful scratch on her leg. When they reached the village, Sango took charge and asked the usual questions of a demon hunt. As it happened, Kikyou helped out a lot. Her arrows pierced the thick armor of the youkai, whereas Sango’s Hiraikotsu couldn’t scratch it. The group was handsomely rewarded, Kikyou refusing her cut.
On their way home, Kikyou fell behind, in step with Kagome. Kagome was so intent on another subject, she hardly noticed. Kikyou never looked at Kagome, but she was studying her manner the whole time. Then as the sun sank behind the hills, Kikyou turned to Kagome and stopped her.
“Why did you say I could come along?”
“Does it matter? You would have anyway.”
“You don’t know that. So answer my question.”
“You want to know why? Because I’m tired, Kikyou. Tired of the whole thing.”
“Huh?” Kikyou held back in surprise as Kagome walked on to Kaede's hut. She passed Inuyasha on the way, whose sensitive ears had heard everything.
She’s tired? Of what?
As everyone lie sleeping, Kagome slipped silently out to the well. But after she left, everyone sat up and began to discuss her disappearance the night before. Kikyou informed them that Kagome had been slipping out late at night for two weeks. Everyone was stunned. They hadn’t known.
“Why is Kagome-sama doing this? Do you think she’s upset about something?”
“It could be, houshi. But she’s never done this before when she’s unhappy. I think she just needs some air.”
“If you’re all so worried, maybe you should follow her.”
“Shippou, it’s not that easy. She probably needs her space.”
“Well, I’m going.” Inuyasha stood up, as did Kikyou.
“It’s not safe for her out there. Come, let us go.” Everyone but Kaede left the hut to find Kagome. Meanwhile, she was by the well crying once again. And so was Naraku. But this time, he did not take Inuyasha’s form. He searched her heart for the darkness that he had put in her. When he had found it, Naraku seeped into her mind and twisted her vision. Kagome’s eyes clouded over yet again, and Naraku had her step up to the edge of the well. Kagome stood on the lip of the well looking down the shaft. It suddenly filled up with blood in Kagome’s mind, and she screamed. She looked at her hands that were covered in blood, a knife between her fingers. She looked around the ground surrounding the well to find everyone-Miroku, Sango, Shippou, Kirara, Kikyou, Kaede, and Inuyasha- dripping blood from several knife wounds. They were dead. As the gang reached the beginning of the clearing, they heard Kagome scream.
“I killed them! I killed them all! How did this happen? NO!” They watched as Kagome jumped off the well and run in the direction of the river. Inuyasha with Miroku right behind raced off in her direction. Sango mounted Kirara, while Kikyou stood where she was. Shippou grabbed onto Kirara’s tail as she darted away. Kikyou turned and walked calmly back to the hut.
Kagome ran wildly through the forest, Naraku watching her every move. She came to the river and dove in. She didn’t plan on coming back up, but Inuyasha dove in after her. He brought her up and carried her to the bank. Miroku and Sango watched as he laid her down to check her pulse. It was slow, but she wasn’t breathing. Miroku went to help, but Sango pulled him back.
“What are you doing, Sango? I have to help.”
“Houshi, I think I’d better do it.” Sango bent over Kagome and breathed into her mouth. Inuyasha watched anxiously as Sango pressed her stomach and water rushed out of her mouth. Kagome struggled for breath and started to cough. Sango smiled and Inuyasha picked Kagome up in his arms.
“Kagome! What in hell were you thinking? Why would you go and throw yourself into the river like that?”
“Inu…Inuyasha? You’re…you’re alive! You’re all alive! Thank goodness!”
“Kagome-sama, what are you talking about?”
“Uh, nothing Miroku. I must’ve been dreaming.” Inuyasha carried Kagome back to Kaede's hut, and while the boys waited outside, the girls dressed Kagome in something warm and sat her by the fire. And as Kagome slept, the others kept a close watch on her until the sun rose high above the hills once again.

“Kagome, are ye okay child? Ye look as if ye have not been getting enough sleep.”
“I’m fine Kaede. I’m just hung up on a few thoughts. I’ll be okay.”
“Just do not over do it, child. Inuyasha would be worried.”
“Would he really?”
“Huh?”
“Nevermind.” Kagome picked up her basket of herbs and walked back to the hut. Her uniform was mostly dry, so she put it back on. Then she walked out towards the well without knowing it. It was as if she were being drawn to it. Her eyes were clouded over. When she got there, her eyes unclouded and she found Naraku waiting for her.
“Welcome, Kagome. Did you have a nice walk?”
“Naraku! What do you want with me?”
“Are you not afraid of me?”
“No. What do you want?” Naraku looked into Kagome’s body to find the blackness he had planted clinging to her heart.
“I would truly like your assistance. Inuyasha and the others have succeeded in destroying all of my children and youkai. But with your help, I can finish him for sure.”
“What made you think I would agree to help you?”
“You hate Inuyasha, don’t you?”
“N, no. I don’t.”
“Come now. You can’t tell me that those tears you’ve been crying weren’t because Kikyou still holds Inuyasha’s heart in the palm of her hand.”
“How, how dare you?”
“Now tell me you hate Inuyasha. You hate every time Kikyou’s name passes his lips. Every time he saves her and not you. She’s already dead. Yet he would give his life to save a dead person. Her soul cannot be saved because it already belongs to you. But do you think Inuyasha realizes this? Of course not. He’ll do anything for her, won’t he? Huh?”
“You’re right.” Kagome’s hair shadowed her eyes, but her heart was clearly seen by Naraku. The blackness spread and covered her entire heart. “I hate Inuyasha.”
* * *
“Has anyone seen Kagome?”
“Aye, I saw her walking into the forest. My guess is she went to find some more herbs. She should be back soon, Inuyasha.” Inuyasha looked behind him at the forest and wondered about Kagome. But she seemed to be mad, so he decided to let her be.
As the group sat around the fire, the sun began to sink behind the hills. Kaede served her stew to everyone but Kikyou, who didn’t eat, and sat back to wonder where Kagome was. Everyone was wondering the same thing. But a farmer rushing into the hut broke their silence.
“Kaede-sama, someone was disturbing the village! He just seemed to be a traveler, but when a child crossed his path, he kicked him clean across the road. Then he over-turned a cart full of pottery. Then he just walked straight ahead into the forest.”
“What did he look like?”
“I don’t know. He was wearing a baboon pelt, and you couldn’t see his face.”
“It’s Naraku! Guys, let’s go.”
“Alright. Shippou, you stay here with Kaede-sama.” Miroku and Sango fell in behind Inuyasha, and Kikyou silently followed. They raced to the Bone Eater’s Well, and found Naraku standing on the opposite side waiting for them. Inuyasha took a step towards him, but from underneath the pelt appeared a bow and arrow. Kikyou gasped slightly, but the others didn’t notice. Inuyasha unsheathed Tetsusaiga and charged Naraku.
“SIT!” Inuyasha crashed to the ground and lifted his head in confusion.
“Ka, Kagome?” At the mention of her name, the baboon pelt fell to the ground. Kagome stood with her bow ready to strike down anyone that moved. She was wearing a slightly revealing outfit provided by Naraku. It was black and sleeveless, showing off her cleavage. Her hair was pulled back into a neat bun, and around her neck sat the complete Shikon no Tama.
“Look around her neck, houshi! It’s the jewel.”
“But why isn’t it purified?”
“Kagome, what’s going on?” Inuyasha stood up with sadness in his eyes. Kagome let fly her arrow, which landed in front of him. The ground before him exploded with her power, and Inuyasha barely had time to dodge.
“Kukuku, how do you like my new weapon? She’s perfect to defeat you Inuyasha.”
“Naraku, why isn’t the jewel purified? What did you do to Kagome-sama?” Naraku looked towards Miroku.
“Come now, monk. It’s because she hates Inuyasha.”
“Kagome, you…hate me?”
“Inuyasha, it is as it was 50 years ago. Just as he turned us against each other to corrupt the jewel, he has turned Kagome against you so she can use the jewel without purifying it. The Shikon no Tama has been resurrected, and it sheds a malevolent light.” Everyone turned to stare at Kikyou, who was looking at Kagome. “I thought as much, Naraku. But why did you go after Kagome?”
“Why not? Her powers can even rival yours. If they can do that, they can defeat Inuyasha. It’s a wondrous plan, don’t you think? Kagome, come to me.” Kagome lowered her bow and walked to Naraku. He grabbed her chin and pressed his lips to hers.
“You bastard! Get your hands off of Kagome! I’ll slice your lips off for that!” Kagome reacted with lightning speed, shooting Inuyasha with an arrow as he charged Naraku. Inuyasha fell to the ground with a hurt look on his face. “Kagome!” Inuyasha tried to rise, but Kagome readied another arrow.
“Kagome, do not fire that arrow!” Kagome looked up to see Kikyou with an arrow in her bow. Kagome didn’t back down, however, so Kikyou let her arrow fly. It headed straight for Kagome’s heart, but Kagome’s tremendous power infused with the Shikon jewel repelled the attack. “Kagome, I don’t want to have to kill you.”
“Kagome, do what she says! I don’t want to lose you! Kagome!” Kikyou held back in shock, as did Miroku and Sango. Kagome hesitated in her assault, and Naraku became nervous. He had known Kagome would break free of his spell, but he had hoped it would have been after she killed Inuyasha.
“Inuyasha?” Naraku launched himself at Kagome, intent on cutting her down. But suddenly, something got in his way. He was knocked back, and when he looked up, Kagome was gone. He turned his head towards Inuyasha to see them all staring at Sesshoumaru.
“Inuyasha, you should keep a better eye on your woman.”
“I do not belong to that filthy beast.”
“My, trouble in paradise, Inuyasha?”
“Go to hell, Sesshoumaru. What are you doing here?”
“Maybe I was here to help, but not anymore. I don’t know why I even thought of helping you. I should just let Naraku kill you where you stand. Then I shall take Tetsusaiga. Does that answer your question?”
“Oh, my Sesshoumaru. You make it sound as if you are the only one looking to keep the Tetsusaiga.” Sesshoumaru turned to Naraku.
“If your goal is still a full youkai, you will not be able to wield the sword.”
“But you yourself are full youkai.”
“I, Sesshoumaru, have ways around that. Nothing keeps me from what I want.” While the two talked, Kagome slipped away from Sesshoumaru, trying to get away from the both of them. As Naraku and Sesshoumaru sat helplessly as she fled, Inuyasha bounded to a halt in front of her.
“Get out of my way!” Inuyasha looked into her eyes, deep sorrow penetrating his, and he grabbed her shoulders. He didn’t shake her as she had thought he would, but he simply asked her why.
“Why, Kagome? Did I make you angry again? What did I do to make you hate me? Kagome, tell me and I’ll try to fix it.”
“There’s no way you can fix it. I’ve spent enough of my time trying to heal my broken heart. You could never understand my pain. Don’t look at me like that!”
“Like what, Kagome?”
“Like you would look at Kikyou.” Everyone, the malicious youkai included, stopped whatever they had been doing. All eyes were upon Inuyasha and Kagome. “I know what your thinking about, Inuyasha. You’re recalling how Kikyou despised you when she was resurrected. But you didn’t betray me, you’re thinking. Why would I hate you? I’ll tell you. You’re so wrapped up in Kikyou, you’ve reversed our roles!”
“Reversed your roles? What do you mean?”
“I’m the one that’s alive!” Inuyasha backed up a bit, frightened of what Kagome might do with the Shikon jewel. Tears had come to her eyes, and her hand was limp around her bow. Inuyasha tried once again to get close to her, but she was through. “Sit!”
He plummeted to the ground and Kagome ran. But before she got far, Inuyasha stood up and shouted to her from the top of his lungs.
“Kagome, what am I supposed to do without you?” Kagome stopped in her tracks. There were several yards between her and Inuyasha. Kikyou came to stand next to him. Miroku, Sango, Shippou, and Kirara stood somewhat to the side watching the drama unfold. Kagome slowly turned to look at Inuyasha. Her eyes had less fog in them, and the jewel began to glow a slightly pure light.
“Inuyasha? What…do you mean?” Inuyasha bean to walk towards her, but about halfway there, Naraku called his attention.
“Perfect Kagome. Now Inuyasha let me call your attention to your position. A few feet to your right is Kikyou, the tragic priestess who followed you in death 50 years ago. To your left is the young Kagome, the girl who freed you from Kikyou’s spell because she is Kikyou’s reincarnate. One is dead, the other perfectly capable of dying. If I were to attack both of them, which one would you save?”
“You wouldn’t, you bastard!”
“Ingenious, Naraku. Forcing Inuyasha to make a decision like this. I don’t see the point, however.”
“Simple, Sesshoumaru. If he saves one and not the other, no matter which one it may be, he’ll be devastated by the lose of the one not saved. Then he’ll be easier to kill, but at least I would have gotten some entertainment.” Naraku raised his hands, one towards Kikyou and one towards Kagome, and Inuyasha in the middle. He fired a spell at both of them, and it seemed as if the world stood still. Inuyasha was frozen where he stood. If he didn’t move, he’d lose both. But he couldn’t make such a life or death decision. But he didn’t have to. Kagome did.
She looked at Inuyasha and saw the anguish in his face. She didn’t want him to look that way. Despite Naraku's spell, Kagome began to regain herself. She started to run towards Inuyasha, the jewel losing its malevolent light. It sparkled pure and white-ish pink. Naraku screamed in rage that his spell had been broken and that the Shikon no Tama had been purified. When Kagome reached Inuyasha, she gave him a meaningful and loving look. But she passed him and reached Kikyou. Kagome pushed Kikyou to the ground and was hit by Naraku's attack.
As Naraku looked on in disgust, Sesshoumaru looked on in surprise. He had understood the animosity between Kagome and Kikyou for a long time, but never had he thought that Kagome would give her life to save Kikyou. Sango and Miroku looked on in horror, Shippou began to cry, and Kikyou watched in disbelief as Kagome’s body fell to the ground. Blood poured from her wound, but the Shikon jewel began to glow brighter.
“Kagome!” Inuyasha raced to her side and placed his arms around her. “Kagome, why did you do that?”
“Well, if you weren’t going to…do anything…we both were gonna get hit. So I did what I had…to.”
“But…”
“I saved Kikyou because you still love her.” Kikyou sat up next to Kagome.
“You foolish girl.” Kikyou had tears flowing down her cheeks, but her eyes and voice held no remorse. Then her eyes looked to Inuyasha.
“Kagome, that is ridiculous.”
“Is it Inuyasha? I don’t know about that.”
“You idiot! How could I love her when you’re the one that freed my heart? Kagome, I belong to you!” Kagome reached her hand to his face to caress his cheek.
“Heh, I waited a long time to hear that. And I’m sorry that I won’t be around to hear it again. But I will help you destroy Naraku.” Kagome gasped as her last breath escaped her body. She went limp in Inuyasha’s arms. Miroku and the others began to cry, but Inuyasha had dry eyes. Kikyou watched silently as he stood up and drew Tetsusaiga once again.
“Naraku, you bastard. I’m going to kill you for what you’ve done to me, not to mention Kagome. You have plagued my life for more than 50 years now. And you have stolen the life of one I loved. You won’t get away.”
“Kukuku, bring it on.” But as Naraku prepared to take down Inuyasha, the Shikon jewel around Kagome’s neck blindingly shined throughout the clearing. Kagome’s body lifted into the air and transformed into smoke. It began to take shape in a woman’s form.
Inuyasha, I will help you. My spirit and Shikon no Tama will join with your Tetsusaiga to strike down Naraku. What he so desperately sought will become his downfall. Kagome’s shining spirit wrapped itself around Inuyasha’s blade. Tetsusaiga began to pulse and glow with the presence of the jewel. Naraku watched in something that mirrored horror as the Tetsusaiga grew in size and power. Sesshoumaru watched in amazement, and the others were speechless.
“This is for Kagome!” Inuyasha charged Naraku who put up his barrier. He brought down the sword on Naraku's head, but the barrier held. However, a searing smoke lifted from the blade and floated towards Naraku. It began to burn his skin, and he lost his concentration. Inuyasha’s blade fell, and Naraku was sliced in half. But since Tetsusaiga’s power had been joined by the spiritual powers of the jewel, Naraku was unable to do anything. The holy light ripped through his body and shredded his powers. Naraku's ashes fell to the ground and blew away with the sudden wind.
“Inuyasha, you did it! You beat Naraku!” Miroku looked down at his hand and removed his rosary. But his wind tunnel was gone. His hand was completely healed.
“Houshi! Your hand!” Sango looked at Miroku, both happy with the current outcome. But when they looked to Shippou to share the joy, they saw him staring at Inuyasha. Their joy slipped away as the stars appeared across the vast sky. The Tetsusaiga was back to normal, and it fell to the ground. Inuyasha dropped to his knees and began to cry and shout out Kagome’s name. Sesshoumaru looked at Inuyasha with something like pity, but took his leave without saying a word. The others watched in silence as Inuyasha grieved. But soon his tears dissipated, and he sat down by the well remembering all the times he had gone to her world to pick her up.
He remembered all the times she had stormed off and he had anxiously awaited her return. He thought of the times that he had hurt her by thinking of or defending Kikyou. But she had never told him how she had actually felt, so he never had reason to analyze his own feelings. And now that he knew what to say and the right person to say it to, she was gone forever. Kikyou walked over to Inuyasha and sat next to him.
“Inuyasha, about what you said earlier. Do you not still feel for me as you did?”
“I think you should go.”
“Go where, Inuyasha? To Kaede's? Do you need some time alone?”
“I think you should go back to your grave. Your death has been avenged. You have no reason to stay.”
“Will you not come with me, if that is your opinion?”
“No.”
“Now that this girl is gone and I sit right here in front of you, you are telling me she has still beaten me?”
“You were never a contestant now that I think about it.” Inuyasha stood up and walked away from Kikyou. That night, Kikyou disappeared from the earth, and Inuyasha cried himself to sleep.

“Pathetic, Inuyasha. Have you no pride? You’re mourning over the loss of a worthless human.” Inuyasha was sitting on the bank of a river outside of his village. It had been two days since Naraku's destruction and Kagome’s death. Inuyasha walked in a world of half shadow, each day bringing him closer and closer to fatal despair.
“Go away, Sesshoumaru, or I’ll kill you where you stand.”
“Undoubtedly, you are much stronger than you use to be. But do you really think that you can slay me? You’re as foolish as you ever were.”
“Do you have a point?”
“I want to know why all this fuss over a pathetic human girl?”
“Why do you save Rin every time she’s in danger?” Sesshoumaru gazed at Inuyasha. He tried to see where this was going but failed.
“I do not understand my actions. Why do you ask?”
“You get a feeling, inside when she’s in danger, don’t you? And this feeling compels you to save her no matter the cost, huh? And you don’t understand it because it’s out of character. But when I met Kagome, everything that was uncharacteristic of youkai and hanyou became apart of me. I did everything that might be considered appalling to you because if I didn’t, she’d be sad. And even though I was hanyou, a lot of the humans I saved were grateful. And when they would thank me, I would see pride in Kagome’s eyes because a monster like me…could get along with them.
“And then she’d tell me how proud she was. I’ve just now come to realize how much I depended on her assurance. She gave me confidence, she gave me purpose. And now she’s gone. And I’m alone again.” Inuyasha looked upon the ground, unwilling to meet Sesshoumaru’s eyes. He didn’t see the look on Sesshoumaru’s face, nor did he see the thoughts running through his mind. But Sesshoumaru walked to Inuyasha’s side and sat down.
“That girl always intrigued me, Inuyasha. When she pulled Tetsusaiga from our father’s shrine, I became overcome with…confusion. And when Naraku enabled me to wield the Tetsusaiga and she stopped its transformation with an arrow, I was amazed. It plagued my mind that someone so inexperienced in life and battle could have so much power. And every time I came in contact with her after that rendered me the same. She was different and I couldn’t explain it.
“But with hints from Kagura, I found that the Shikon jewel can do more than grant power. It can grant life. I’m not one for sentimentality, but if I’m ever going to get the chance to win Tetsusaiga from you in a battle, I’ve got to help you out.”
“What are you saying?”
“Use the resurrected jewel to bring your woman back to life, idiot. It’s your last option. Or you can wallow in self pity and allow me to take Tetsusaiga with ease.” Sesshoumaru turned and walked away, his two-headed dragon waiting for him in the distance. Inuyasha sat for a long time contemplating Sesshoumaru’s words, wondering if it was possible to use the jewel. As the sun sank, he walked on to Kaede's hut hoping she would have the answer.
“Kaede-babaa, what do you know about the powers of the Shikon jewel?” Sango and Miroku looked up from their bowls to watch Inuyasha as Kaede calmly set hers down.
“I know little, but I’ll tell ye what I do. The powers of the sacred jewel derived from the soul of the priestess of long ago. Inside is her ability to purify. But also is there within the youkai power to strengthen. The jewel, now whole, can be used to grant one wish, according to ancient legend. But no one knows if this be the truth.” Sango lowered her bowl to speak to Inuyasha.
“My father told me that very thing, but he also said that there was a consequence of using the jewel for evil intentions. He also said that the wish may not be granted if it is not within the jewel’s power to do so. But like Kaede said, it can strengthen youkai power. So that is why my people entrusted it to Kikyou. Inuyasha, you must abandon your thoughts of becoming a full…”
“Shut up. I’ll do what I damn well please. So you’re saying if the jewel has enough power, it can grant any wish? Well then, I’ll just have to find out.” Inuyasha walked out of the hut. He didn’t know where he was going, but he trusted his instincts to guide him. Soon he found himself at the Bone Eater’s Well. The well leading to Kagome’s time. If this doesn’t work, I’m gonna have to tell her family. Oh please, let this work.
“I wish that…that Kagome was alive again so that she could…so that we could be together.” Inuyasha held the Shikon no Tama to his heart. Nothing happened, and after a while, Inuyasha decided it wasn’t going to work. He started to imagine how Kagome’s family would react. Then he imagined how Kouga would react. He didn’t want to deal with Kouga because he would blame Inuyasha for everything. And why not? It was my fault. I couldn’t protect Kagome because I was too afraid of my true feelings for her. Because I hesitated, Naraku won. He killed me when he killed Kagome, and that was his plan. Though I’m not actually dead, I might as well be. Kagome, I’m sorry.
As tears rolled down his cheeks and memories of Kagome cascaded through his mind, he felt something warm on his chest. He looked down to see the jewel glowing brightly in his hands. Its warmth radiated through his body and over the land. The jewel raised from Inuyasha’s hand and into the air in front of him. The stars in the sky brightened with the jewel. Suddenly, the Shikon jewel shattered once again. Inuyasha shielded his eyes from the light and peered at the shards through squinted lids. But the shards didn’t fly away. They came back together in the shape of a heart, and Inuyasha stood speechless before it.
“It needs the power of your love to complete itself. Touch it, Inuyasha, and your wish shall be granted.” The powerful voice faded, and Inuyasha reached out to touch the crystal. As he did, a mighty wind enveloped the clearing, circling around him and the jewel. A form began to take shape, covering the jewel in darkness. The wind died down, and the brilliant light disappeared. When Inuyasha opened his eyes, a person was standing in front of him. As he adjusted to the darkness, he recognized the outline, the face, the hair, and every other aspect of the being.
“Kagome!” Kagome lifted her head to see Inuyasha standing before her.
“Inuyasha, is it really you? How am I alive?” Inuyasha ran to her and pulled her to him. He stroked her head and cried into her hair.
“It doesn’t matter. You’re back. You’ve come back to me. Kagome, never leave me alone again. I couldn’t bear it.”
“Inuyasha! I was so scared!” Kagome squeezed Inuyasha hard, and through her tears she told Inuyasha what she saw and what she went through. He promised her that he would never let her experience something like that again. He told her they would always be together. “Inuyasha, do you really mean it?”
“How could I not? I love you, Kagome.”
“I’ve waited forever to hear those words. I love you too.” Inuyasha wrapped Kagome in his red kimono, and they walked back to Kaede's to tell everyone the good news. The moon hung low as they walked their path hand in hand.



Your Love’s Been A Long Time Coming