InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Standing the Test of Time ❯ Chapter five ( Chapter 5 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Chapter 5: Farewell to Good Friends

It was barely light out when Kagome awoke. She sat up and looked around to find everyone still sleeping and quietly got up and slipped out of the hut. The air was moist as dawn was approaching and the stars still sparkled like little diamonds in the predawn sky. Kagome took a deep breath in, relishing in the clean and crisp smell that she could only find here in this time. ‘God I’m going to miss this’ Kagome thought as she climbed the little hill that led to Kikyou’s old shrine. She sat on the hill, a few feet away from the shrine, and watched as the sun came over the horizon, spilling it’s golden rays across the village. Kagome smiled as she watched the village come to life with the slow bustling of the village women, starting their morning chores.

“Nice morning, isn’t it?” Kagome jumped at the sound of Inuyasha’s voice behind her.

“Yes, it really is. It’s so peaceful. You know, back home, traffic would already be blocked up all the way to my house by now. I will miss this.” Kagome sighed as she brought her knees up to her chest and stared out over the village. Inuyasha yawned and sat down next to her.

“So, this notebook thing. How do you want me to do it? Do you want me to write about every one all the time or what?” Inuyasha said as he too stared towards the village.

“Write what ever you want. Let me know how everyone is doing and if they want you to write anything to me. Tell me how you’re doing, I’d like to know what you’re feeling and how you’re living your life.” Kagome said and she thought a second and continued. “You know, with my leaving, those beads will be pretty much useless now.”

“Yea, I guess so. Why?” Inuyasha asked looking at Kagome awkwardly. Kagome suddenly got to her feet and bent down so she was eye level with Inuyasha. “Close your eyes.” She demanded. Inuyasha hesitantly obeyed and shut his eyes. Kagome placed a quick kiss on his forehead and lifted the beads from his collarbone and pulled them over his head. Inuyasha just sat there in a state of shock, not knowing how to respond to his new found freedom.

“Here, keep these as a memento” Kagome said as she balled Inuyasha’s hand over the beads with a sad smile across her face. “We should be getting back to Kaede’s, the group will be awakening soon and I don’t want them to think I’ve already left.” Kagome walked a few paces, turned and saw a bewildered Inuyasha still sitting in the damp grass, looking at the beads that held a spell over him for so long. “Coming Inuyasha?” Kagome called and started walking again.

“Huh? Hey, were you going? Wait for me!.” Inuyasha called back as he got to his feet and jogged over to Kagome and they walked back together.

Back at the hut, as Kagome had guessed, everyone had awoken and were getting ready to start their day. Kagome got back to the hut to find Sango had already gotten Kagome’s bath stuff ready to go.

“I thought it would be a nice way to start the day.” Sango smiled warmly.

“Do I get to come?” Shippo asked.



Kagome looked at Sango for approval and Sango nodded. “That would be just fine Shippo.” Kagome smiled as Shippo cheered and before another word was spoken, Sango hooked her arm around Kagome’s and they left for the hot spring with Shippo in toe.

“Ahhh, this feels great. So Sango, what are your plans now?” Kagome asked as she lowered herself into the steaming water.

“I don’t really know. I guess I’ll be playing it by ear. Kaede has offered me a place in the village and I’m thinking about staying. It feels right, seeing how I don’t really have anyone to return to. I guess Miroku is thinking of staying as well. It would be nice if we could all still be close, Inuyasha, Miroku, Shippo and myself. It’s not going to be the same without you around and I think there would be a bigger void if anyone else left.” Sango looked a bit sad at the thought of their group being so fragile now that Kagome was leaving. “Kagome, what is your plans for your future?” Sango questioned.

“Well, I guess I’m going to hopefully pick up were I left off with my studies. I’ll be lucky to get into a good college now, but if I work hard enough at it, I should slide by. Other than that, I don’t know. I’m thinking about taking up research about this time, see if there’s any way of reversing the spell so I can hopefully come back. It’s just so hard imagining the rest of my life without you guys, but I know it’s a possibility.” Kagome said. She was sad, obviously, but she still held onto what little hope she could.

“Kagome, I know that you’ll find a way back to us. Besides, I have faith in you and I know you’ll figure out how to come back to us.” Shippo said as he floated on his back past Kagome.

“He’s right. I’m sure that things will eventually come together. I will pray for you every night before I go to bed in hopes of your joyful return.” Sango said with a big smile.

“I hope you’re right.” Kagome sighed. They spent a better part of an hour just relaxing and talking about past experiences and adventures, good times and bad time. It was true that they’ve been through so much together and it was as if Kagome and Sango were sisters. Shippo also reminded Kagome about how when they first met he was trying to get revenge on the Thunder Brothers for the death of his father and how grateful he was that he met her, otherwise he wouldn’t have been here to tell the story. In a lot of ways, Shippo reminded Kagome of her little brother, Sota and she loved him as such too. “We’ve been in this water for quite some time now. I think I’m about to shrivel up into a prune if I stay any longer.” Kagome stated. Sango agreed that it was getting late so the three of them dried and dressed, then made their way back to the village were Kagome would meet up with Miroku and take a walk.

Sure enough, they returned and Miroku was waiting for Kagome with a couple of baskets in hand. He greeted Kagome and Sango and handed Kagome a basket explaining, “Kaede needs medicine herbs, so I thought we could do that”.

“I would love to go herb picking, thank you Miroku.” Kagome said and they left for Inuyasha’s forest where Kagome new the best herbs grew. The walk was relatively silent while Kagome took in the scenery as well did Miroku. It really was a beautiful, sunny day. The birds sang merrily from the trees, signaling that the forest was at peace. “Ah, here we go! These herbs are great for treating bug bites. This plant here cures fevers.” Kagome said as she started picking the plants. Miroku crouched down beside her and started uprooting some himself.

“My, it astounds me that you know so much about healing plants Kagome.” Miroku commented as he put herbs in his basket that Kagome handed him.

“Thanks, Miroku. Kaede has taught me so much, plus in my time we have books that I’ve read about healing herbs. Miroku, what are your plans for your future now that you know your life isn’t going to be cut short by the wind tunnel?” Kagome asked.

“I’m not exactly sure.” Miroku’s face held a colorful array of expressions. “I guess I’m finally free to just fall in love and take my time before I sire an heir. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to stop looking at women. If I ever stop looking, then someone had better start digging, because there won’t be a heart beat in my breast if that ever happened.” Miroku smiled one of his true, genuine smiles. “And you lady Kagome? Do you have plans of happiness in your time?”

“Oh, Miroku, I sure hope so. I hope to one day have a family of my own, but only with the right guy.” Kagome sighed.

“So you are planning on coming back to us, huh?” Miroku said with a wink.

“What do you mean?” Kagome gave Miroku a sideways glance, not understanding what he meant.

“Oh, nothing. So do you plan on trying to come back?” Miroku asked.

“I’d like to. As I told Sango, I’m going to do as much research as it takes to find a way to travel back to you all. I’m going to miss this place so much, I just don’t see how I couldn’t return.” Kagome sadly stated and she found herself rubbing some leaves between her fingers.

“Hey Kagome, look at this plant. Do you know what it is?” Miroku asked as he pointed out a plant with purplish leaves and yellow-almost-gold berries.

“No I don’t. What is it?” Kagome asked as she leaned in close to Miroku, examining the plant.

“Legend says that if you crush these berries and give it to the person of your dreams to drink, they’ll instantly fall in love with you.” Miroku explained as Kagome suddenly became aware of his alternative intentions of getting her this close. He was gently rubbing Kagome’s thigh with his usual goofy grin on his face, which was quickly replaced by a rather large smack from a very red faced Kagome.

“Miroku, will you ever give up your perverted ways?” Kagome smiled. She knew that he was only trying to cheer her up, not to mention it was true that old habits die hard. “Well, it looks like our baskets are full, so we should return to Kaede’s so she can start making her medicines.” Kagome said as she got back to her feet and brushed her knees off.

Kagome and Miroku returned to the village laughing as Kagome pointed out the times Miroku’s lust for women had gotten him in severe trouble, but he had always found a way out. Miroku couldn’t help but hide a blush when Inuyasha told Miroku that the sound of a letcherous monk getting slapped for groping a miko rang thru out the forest.

After returning the baskets to Kaede, Kagome came out of the hut and approached Inuyasha. “Well, what would you like to do, Inuyasha?” Kagome asked.

“I don’t know. I guess we could go walking or something like that.” Inuyasha said.

“Alright, that sounds like a plan.” Kagome said.

The two walked off, silently as Inuyasha contemplated on what to say. His mind raced with the events of the last couple of days and how everything seemed to be moving way to fast. One minute they’re battling Nuraku and the next, they’re getting ready to say goodbye.

“I’m sorry.” Inuyasha said softly.

“Why?” Kagome asked, taken slightly aback by Inuyasha’s sudden apology.

“That you’re hurting. It seems no matter which way you choose, you’re the one on the losing side. You’ve done so much for us and no one really ever had to ask. You’re a kind person, Kagome Higurashi.” Inuyasha flashed another of his rarely seen smiles at Kagome.

“Well thank you Inuyasha, how very kind of you to say. You know, you’re not so bad yourself. You’re a little rough around the edges, but you’re a genuinely good guy and I hope you never change.” Kagome said returning one of her smiles.

“Feh, well don’t you go ruining my perfectly good reputation of being a bad guy.” Inuyasha said half-heartedly.

“Inuyasha, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about our two worlds. I remembered that the whole reason this mess happened was because of the jewel that resided inside of me in my time and well...” Kagome paused and sighed.

“What is it?” Inuyasha asked as they stopped in a familiar clearing. Inuyasha then noticed that had walked to the well were Kagome would be leaving for one last time later that day. Kagome went to the well and sat on the edge, looking at Inuyasha without saying anything, just patted the space next to her.

“Here, sit.” Kagome said. Instinctively, Inuyasha tensed and waited for the impact of his body hitting the ground, but when it never came, he relaxed and joined Kagome on the edge of the well.

“I was thinking and I’d like to ask you of a favor.” Kagome said as she dug in her pocket.

“Yea?” Inuyasha asked.

“Ah, here it is. Inuyasha, would you please keep this for me?” Kagome said as she placed an object in his hand. He looked down and froze in terror when he realized that he was holding the Shikon no Tama. She had just asked him to keep the jewel. Did she know what this meant? That he could at anytime use the power of the jewel to make himself full demon?

“Are you sure? You know what I’m capable of, right?” Inuyasha gave Kagome a sidways glance.

“I know. But this is why you stuck around, isn’t it? Well, I’m giving it to you because I know you want it. I know I can trust you to use it wisely. I know what’s good for me and that’s why I’m returning home, just like I know you’ll choose what’s right and good for you. If you think that being a full demon will make you happy, then you have my blessings, that is if that’s what your heart truly desires. Make yourself happy, if not for you, for me? I want you to be happy and after all this time, you deserve it.” Kagome’s eyes welled up with tears as she smiled warmly at Inuyasha.

“Kagome, thank you so much.” Inuyasha said as he brought Kagome to his chest and hugged her. “I promise. For you, I’ll wait to wish on it, not for me but you. You’re my first true friend and you’ve stuck with me through it all. I never knew friendship until I met you and Shippo, Sango and Miroku. Thanks.” Inuyasha said softly and released Kagome who now smiled even more brightly as her eyes released the tears they held.

“I’ll never forget you or my friends and the adventures we’ve had.” Kagome wiped her eyes and was suddenly surprised when Inuyasha took her hand and crumpled it over his prayer beads that she had removed earlier that day.

“Here. I want you to keep these to remind you that one little word kept the mighty and feared Inuyasha at bey.” Inuyasha puffed his chest out proudly at his own description. Kagome couldn’t help but laugh at him and he couldn’t keep a straight face for long either and soon started laughing with her.

“There you two are! We thought you might have left without saying good bye.” Shippo called as he crossed the clearing to the well were Kagome and Inuyasha sat. He was shortly followed by Sango and Miroku.

“Kagome, so this is were you two have been. Look, the sun has begun it’s decent.” Miroku pointed out. Sadly it was true, the sun had started to set and as the golden rays touched the well, everyone noticed that the old time portal started to glow, signaling that the time for Kagome’s departure drew closer.

“We came to see you off and wish you well.” Sango said.

“My, I didn’t even realize that it was this late! I was hoping to spend more time with you all. I’m so sorry.” Kagome was close to tears now.

“Don’t worry your pretty little head Kagome, we’re all happy for the time we’ve already shared and today made it that much more special.” Miroku replied, the charm never leaving his features.

“We’re going to miss you, specially me!” Shippo cried as he jumped into Kagome’s arms and hugged her with the best hug he knew how. Kagome, no longer able to contain herself started to sob uncontrollably as she stood and went over to give a now crying Sango a hug as well. Before she knew it Miroku had his arms around both Kagome and Sango in a group hug which was quickly interrupted with the sudden groping of the two girls by Miroku. They both smacked the perverted monk in unison and then started laughing like a couple of crazy women. Shippo squeezed from between the two and jumped to the ground to catch his breath.

Inuyasha decided to lean against a nearby tree as he watched the group interact for the last time. The wind kicked up as the sun sank lower into the horizon and the power from the well began to pulse, telling everyone it was time for goodbye.

“Thank you all for being so kind and I know you’re all going to do just fine.” Kagome said as she sadly retreated to the well. “Inuyasha, remember you promised.”

“Goodbye Kagome! We’ll miss you!” Shippo cried.

“Bye and good luck! May you follow your heart to the end of the earth and beyond.” Sango said.

“Thank you lady Kagome for helping release me from my curse! I pray that you live well.” Miroku said.

“Thank you. Thank you all and good bye my dear friends!” Kagome climbed onto the edge of the well and looked to Inuyasha, hoping he would tell her good bye. Her eyes pleaded with him and all he could do was stare helplessly at her as she prepared to leave his life forever.

He was frozen in fear as reality started sinking in. ‘She’s leaving. I can’t believe she’s actually leaving me!’ Inuyasha’s mind screamed.

“Goodbye, Inuyasha.” Kagome said sadly as she waited a sec for him to respond but when he didn’t she jumped only to find her self being suspended in air as the last of the shikon jewel’s power prepared to send her through to her era for the last time.

Light exploded all around her and an invisible wind kicked up from under her sending her hair flying. She had tears in her eyes as she stared at Inuyasha apologetically. ‘No, this isn’t happening! It just can’t be. No! No! No!’ “NO! Kagome!” Inuyasha screamed as he made a mad dash towards the fading Kagome. “You’re not leaving without me!”

Those last words terrified Kagome. He was planning on staying with her, he was going to jump into the well. Kagome knew that this wasn’t what he truly wanted, he would never survive in her time and she didn’t want that for him.

“Inuyasha! No! Don’t do it!” She cried, but he didn’t listen. He leapt into the air, straight for her and yelled, “I don’t want you to leave me! Kagome!”. Inuyasha reached out for Kagome, he was so close he could smell her, but as he closed his arms around her, he only heard her sorrowful voice say “I’m sorry” and she was gone. He closed his eyes as he seemed to pass right through her and fell to the ground with a sickening ‘thud’. He laid on the ground for a few seconds and when he realized that her presence was no were to be seen or felt, he let out a pitiful moan.


“She’s actually gone.” He said numbly and for the first time since god knows how long, Inuyasha cried. He pounded his fists into the ground and sobbed his heart out. No one knew how to react to Inuyasha sudden new show of emotion, they just stood there dumbstruck. Inuyasha cried into the dirt, hoping for Kagome’s soothing words or warm embrace, but it never came and Inuyasha suddenly felt alone despite the fact that he was still in the presence of Sango, Miroku and Shippo.

After his pitiful cries resided to sniffling, Inuyasha pulled the Shikon jewel from his shirt and held it tight in his hand as if it were about to break all over again. “I promise Kagome. I swear to you that I’ll use the jewel to make you happy.” Inuyasha spoke softly into the darkened evening sky. “All I’ve ever wished was for you to be happy.” Inuyasha then kissed his hand and placed it to the well as he finally left to rejoin his remaining friends in the village were they would live together, but for how long? Only time can tell.

...End of Chappy...