InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Life to My Soul ❯ To Live Again Epilogue ( Chapter 17 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: everyheart1806 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 08.18.2004 | Pages: 1 | Words: 2.3K | Visits: 313 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 08.18.2004 | Pages: 1 | Words: 2.3K | Visits: 313 | Status: Completed
Kagome Higurashi sighed, plopping down on a bench in the park. School had become hectic for her ever since she came home from the Feudal Era.
Flashback
Midoriko and Inuyasha had disappeared into the Jewel, the sun rose, bringing with it a new day. Sango and Miroku had managed to pry Kagome from the demon's body to be taken and readied for a proper funeral. Kaede had asked Kagome where Inuyasha should be buried, and the young girl promptly replied, "Under the branches of Goshinboku."
insisted she be the one to clean him up. She washed the wound in his chest and bandaged it, and cleaned off the dirt on his body. She combed his hair till it glowed, and even mended a few holes that were in his fire rat robes with her sewing kit she had brought from home.
funeral was held that very same day. The whole village came out to pay respect to the hanyou that once haunted them. Over the last year the villagers had come to accept Inuyasha for who he was, depending on him for protection from other demons. Kouga and the few members left of his tribe came at Kagome's request, as well as Totousai. Surprisingly, Sesshoumaru had shown up, insisting he pay his respects to his little brother. Miroku and Sango kept a sharp eye on him, suspecting that he had only come to claim the tessaiga. Fortunately Kagome had hidden the sword in her backpack during the ceremony, in fear of the demon lord's arrival.
ceremony didn't last long. It was led by Kaede, who summed up Inuyasha's life. By the time Kaede had reached the part of Inuyasha defeating Naraku, Kagome was back tears. Memories flooded back to her, and for the rest of the service she shook uncontrollably. When it was finally time to say goodbye, she walked up his body, removing the rosary that had held Inuyasha in check the whole journey. She gripped the beads tightly as his casket was slowly lowered to the ground. I won't say goodbye . . . I'll hold you to your promise, Inuyasha . . . I'll be waiting for that day when we will meet again, she thought, her eyes leaking with tears.
the service was over, people came and offered their condolences to Kagome, Shippou, Miroku, and Sango. Everyone knew about Kagome's feelings toward the hanyou, to her embarrassment. Even Kouga mourned his rival's death by not hitting on Kagome.
as the young miko predicted, Sesshoumaru approached the group, demanding to know what was to become of the tessaiga. Sango and Miroku stood firmly in front of Kagome, guarding her in case he decided to attack. Kagome, frustrated and miserable, pushed through her two friends and plainly stated to the demon lord that she will be keeping the tessaiga, since he himself obviously couldn't use it. Sesshoumaru watched as the miko struggled to keep his younger brother's cherished sword in her keeping, her eyes brimming with tears. He was hesistant at first, their father's treasured sword being protected by meer human girl. But remembering her strong aura and she being the Keeper of the Shikon Jewel, reluctantly left the sword in her possession. The demon slayer and the monk gaped as the inu-youkai sincerely offered his condolences to Kagome, then turned and disappeared into the darkness of the forest.
decided to remain in the Feudal Era for three more days, to tie up some loose ends. She was ecstatic when Miroku finally confessed his feelings to Sango, and asked her to marry him. Sango, blushing a very bright red, shyly accepted. They planned their wedding to take place in a month; enough time for Miroku to inform Mushine and for Sango to return to her village and pay her respects to her kin.
once again left the group; his job as Inutashio's grave keeper was not yet over. Kaede resumed her life as the village priestess. Kagome worried for Shippou, however. She knew she couldn't take him back with her to her time, but she couldn't abandon him here. Sango intervened, offering to take the kitsune and raise him as one of her own. Kagome was relieved, thanking her friend.
days came and gone, and it was time for Kagome to go home. She promised to visit often, the Shikon Jewel still allowing her to pass through the well. She said her "till thens," not saying 'goodbye,' a lesson she learned from Inuyasha.
End Flashback
had been two months since that fateful night Inuyasha died. She went back to the Feudal Era at least every weekend, and attended Sango and Miroku's wedding. Her friend was beautiful in a new pink kimono, and Miroku looked nervous, straightening his robes every few seconds. The service went by smoothly, and the reception right after was right down joyous. Kagome managed to look happy for the newlyweds, but she was still hurting from her loss.
she had done ever since she got back was catch up with school work. Her friends, managing to squeeze out information about Kagome's jealous boyfriend, threw every single guy they met in attempt to heal their friend's heart after her boyfriend 'left the country.' The young miko was beginning to get tired of turning boys down politely and her friends interfering with her love life, but she didn't say anything.
closed her eyes and leaned back on the bench. It's been two months . . . will he ever come back? She opened her eyes and pulled out the Jewel that hung around her neck. You said you would return, Inuyasha, she mentally said to the Jewel. She stretched out her legs, and glanced down at her wrist watch.
:55??! Oh no!! Mom told me to be home by 6:00 to watch Souta so she can go to that meeting!" She mentally calculated the time it would take if she ran all the way down to the shrine. Shoot, it'll take me at least 15 minutes if I run my butt off! Great, better start running! The miko sped down the path that led to the sidewalk, expertly dodging people as she whizzed by.
me! Gomen, gomen! Excuse me!" Her mouth rattled out apologies as she ran all the way to the shrine.
ran up the stairs, her legs about to give out half-way. Not now!! I have to get home!! Kagome used all her strength to climb the remaining stairs, rush over to the house, and pull open the door. "Mom! I'm home!! Sorry I'm late!!" She slipped her shoes off, wandering into the kitchen when nobody answered. "Mom?"
found a note on the kitchen table. "Dear Kagome, my meeting was cancelled. Souta and me are out grocery shopping. Grandpa's not home, it's his bingo night. Don't try to raid the fridge, all we have is instant ramen. We'll be home around 9. Love, Mom."
Ramen , she thought bitterly. Figures. She took her bag upstairs, and changed into black soccer shorts and a white t-shirt. Kagome went back down stairs, plopped on the couch and turned on the television.
nothing but news." She turned it off, wondering what she could do. "This is definately a first. No homework, Eri's at piano, Yuka is sick, and Ayumi is tutoring." She sauntered into the kitchen, getting a glass of water. Kagome sat at the kitchen table, strumming her fingers. "Only a few months ago I was off in the Feudal Era, looking for Jewel Shards. Now look at me. Kagome Higurashi, Keeper of the Sacred Jewel, reincarnation of both Kikyou the Tragic Priestess and the most powerful priestess in her time, Midoriko, companion of a demon slayer, a monk, a fox demon, a cat demon, and Inuyasha the hanyou, has NOTHING TO DO!!" she yelled in the empty house. She sighed, "I'm pathetic." She deposited her glass in the sink, walked to the side door, pulled on a pair of sneakers, and went outside.
wandered around a bit, glancing at Goshinboku. She walked over to the hut next to it and slide open the doors, revealing the Bone Eater's Well. Last time she went down there, Sango announced she was pregnant. Within her first month of marriage!! Unbelievable.
shook her head. Whenever she went back to Feudal Japan it always brought back painful memories. She turned around, exiting the hut and sliding the doors shut behind her. Kagome sighed, sitting down on the steps. Her life was never the same after Inuyasha. Tessaiga and his rosary beads were in her closet, safely locked away in her safe. Every night she opened the safe, held the objects, put them back, closed the safe, and went to sleep. It was as ritual for her as brushing her teeth in the morning.
got up, her watch reading 8:30. Mom and Souta will be home soon, she thought.
young miko woke up the next morning to the sound of her alarm clock. Groaning groggily, she smacked the ringing demon with her hand and glanced at the time. 6:55 a.m.
Higurashi watched as her daughter zoom down the stairs, her school uniform on, her bag in her hand. "Why didn't anyone wake me up?!? I'm late for school!!" She grabbed a piece of toast before rushing out the front door.
mother shook her head, smiling in amusement. She glanced toward the living room as her son entered the kitchen, wearing his pajamas and rubbing his eyes. "Mom, why was Kagome screaming and rushing around?"
late for school, dear," Ms. Higurashi explained, her eyes laughing.
Mom, it's Saturday."
growled as she kicked the closed gate of her school. It was the weekend!! No one even bothered to tell her it was Saturday. Nope, everyone had so much fun watching Kagome make a fool of herself. "Note to self: don't buy Mom a birthday present."
sighed, and trudged back home, her head to the ground. School . . . that's my whole life. That's all I do here . . . My life is as exciting as-- "OOF!"
bottom met the hard sidewalk as she walked into something hard. "Hey! Watch where you're going!" she snapped, picking herself up and dusting her skirt off. "I could've said the same for you, wench."
froze. That voice . . . no . . .it couldn't be . . . Kagome lifted her eyes slightly, a black t-shirt coming into her view. Ah, I knew it! I'm just hearing things . . . "What are you looking at girl?"
apparently," her eyes looking up to meet the voice's. Her heart stopped at what she saw.
familiar violet eyes.
moved her eyes a little to the left.
hair.
gazed back at the face, his mouth in an unmistakable smirk. It can't be . . .
don't you remember me, Kagome?" he taunted, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
. . . yasha . . ." the girl whispered, her eyes growing.
so you DO remember," the hanyou-turned-human teased, his eyes softening.
you . . ." Kagome said incrediously. "You . . . came back . . . "
course I did!" Inuyasha snorted. "I never go back on my word."
reached out and touched his arm. It was solid. Her eyes locked with his, her brown eyes filling with tears.
She cried, flinging herself in his arms. Inuyasha caught her, holding the girl in his embrace. "Ssh, Sssh, I'm here, I'm here you stupid girl," he said softly, smiling at his term of endearment.
been . . . two months . . . I was beginning . . . to think . . . you wouldn't . . . come back . . ." Her words muffled by his shirt and her cries.
pulled her back, looking straight into her tear-filled eyes. "Don't you remember what Midoriko said," he asked softly. When he received a blank stare from Kagome, he laughed and continued. "There is no life without love, and there's no love without life." He cupped her face in his hand. "I can't live without you, and you can't live without me."
pulled her face to his, kissing her softly for the first time on the lips. He pulled away, smirking at Kagome's shocked expression. "You're stuck with me for the rest of your life, girl."
stepped back and examined him. She frowned. "You're human."
temporarily . . . Midoriko gave me a handy spell to hide my hanyou form--what are you doing?" Inuyasha watched the girl circle him, tugging on his black shirt, poking his sneakers, and inspecting his dark blue jeans.
stopped circling, facing him once more. "Well," she said mockingly, "If I have to be stuck to you for the rest of my life, you gotta pass my 'standardized soul mate potentiality exam,' and that includes a full body inspection.
stared at her, confusion written all over his face. Looking at the smile that began to creep on his face, he knew she was messing with him. "Why . . . you . . . " he growled.
joking!" she laughed, throwing herself in his arms once more. Inuyasha hugged her, intaking the scent of her hair.
pulled her back into another heart-warming, leg-jellying kiss. "Aishiteru," he whispered, touching her forehead with his.
sighed happily, and pulled Inuyasha in for another hug. "Aishteru, Inuyasha," she said softly. My soul . . . is finally complete . . .
Flashback
Midoriko and Inuyasha had disappeared into the Jewel, the sun rose, bringing with it a new day. Sango and Miroku had managed to pry Kagome from the demon's body to be taken and readied for a proper funeral. Kaede had asked Kagome where Inuyasha should be buried, and the young girl promptly replied, "Under the branches of Goshinboku."
insisted she be the one to clean him up. She washed the wound in his chest and bandaged it, and cleaned off the dirt on his body. She combed his hair till it glowed, and even mended a few holes that were in his fire rat robes with her sewing kit she had brought from home.
funeral was held that very same day. The whole village came out to pay respect to the hanyou that once haunted them. Over the last year the villagers had come to accept Inuyasha for who he was, depending on him for protection from other demons. Kouga and the few members left of his tribe came at Kagome's request, as well as Totousai. Surprisingly, Sesshoumaru had shown up, insisting he pay his respects to his little brother. Miroku and Sango kept a sharp eye on him, suspecting that he had only come to claim the tessaiga. Fortunately Kagome had hidden the sword in her backpack during the ceremony, in fear of the demon lord's arrival.
ceremony didn't last long. It was led by Kaede, who summed up Inuyasha's life. By the time Kaede had reached the part of Inuyasha defeating Naraku, Kagome was back tears. Memories flooded back to her, and for the rest of the service she shook uncontrollably. When it was finally time to say goodbye, she walked up his body, removing the rosary that had held Inuyasha in check the whole journey. She gripped the beads tightly as his casket was slowly lowered to the ground. I won't say goodbye . . . I'll hold you to your promise, Inuyasha . . . I'll be waiting for that day when we will meet again, she thought, her eyes leaking with tears.
the service was over, people came and offered their condolences to Kagome, Shippou, Miroku, and Sango. Everyone knew about Kagome's feelings toward the hanyou, to her embarrassment. Even Kouga mourned his rival's death by not hitting on Kagome.
as the young miko predicted, Sesshoumaru approached the group, demanding to know what was to become of the tessaiga. Sango and Miroku stood firmly in front of Kagome, guarding her in case he decided to attack. Kagome, frustrated and miserable, pushed through her two friends and plainly stated to the demon lord that she will be keeping the tessaiga, since he himself obviously couldn't use it. Sesshoumaru watched as the miko struggled to keep his younger brother's cherished sword in her keeping, her eyes brimming with tears. He was hesistant at first, their father's treasured sword being protected by meer human girl. But remembering her strong aura and she being the Keeper of the Shikon Jewel, reluctantly left the sword in her possession. The demon slayer and the monk gaped as the inu-youkai sincerely offered his condolences to Kagome, then turned and disappeared into the darkness of the forest.
decided to remain in the Feudal Era for three more days, to tie up some loose ends. She was ecstatic when Miroku finally confessed his feelings to Sango, and asked her to marry him. Sango, blushing a very bright red, shyly accepted. They planned their wedding to take place in a month; enough time for Miroku to inform Mushine and for Sango to return to her village and pay her respects to her kin.
once again left the group; his job as Inutashio's grave keeper was not yet over. Kaede resumed her life as the village priestess. Kagome worried for Shippou, however. She knew she couldn't take him back with her to her time, but she couldn't abandon him here. Sango intervened, offering to take the kitsune and raise him as one of her own. Kagome was relieved, thanking her friend.
days came and gone, and it was time for Kagome to go home. She promised to visit often, the Shikon Jewel still allowing her to pass through the well. She said her "till thens," not saying 'goodbye,' a lesson she learned from Inuyasha.
End Flashback
had been two months since that fateful night Inuyasha died. She went back to the Feudal Era at least every weekend, and attended Sango and Miroku's wedding. Her friend was beautiful in a new pink kimono, and Miroku looked nervous, straightening his robes every few seconds. The service went by smoothly, and the reception right after was right down joyous. Kagome managed to look happy for the newlyweds, but she was still hurting from her loss.
she had done ever since she got back was catch up with school work. Her friends, managing to squeeze out information about Kagome's jealous boyfriend, threw every single guy they met in attempt to heal their friend's heart after her boyfriend 'left the country.' The young miko was beginning to get tired of turning boys down politely and her friends interfering with her love life, but she didn't say anything.
closed her eyes and leaned back on the bench. It's been two months . . . will he ever come back? She opened her eyes and pulled out the Jewel that hung around her neck. You said you would return, Inuyasha, she mentally said to the Jewel. She stretched out her legs, and glanced down at her wrist watch.
:55??! Oh no!! Mom told me to be home by 6:00 to watch Souta so she can go to that meeting!" She mentally calculated the time it would take if she ran all the way down to the shrine. Shoot, it'll take me at least 15 minutes if I run my butt off! Great, better start running! The miko sped down the path that led to the sidewalk, expertly dodging people as she whizzed by.
me! Gomen, gomen! Excuse me!" Her mouth rattled out apologies as she ran all the way to the shrine.
ran up the stairs, her legs about to give out half-way. Not now!! I have to get home!! Kagome used all her strength to climb the remaining stairs, rush over to the house, and pull open the door. "Mom! I'm home!! Sorry I'm late!!" She slipped her shoes off, wandering into the kitchen when nobody answered. "Mom?"
found a note on the kitchen table. "Dear Kagome, my meeting was cancelled. Souta and me are out grocery shopping. Grandpa's not home, it's his bingo night. Don't try to raid the fridge, all we have is instant ramen. We'll be home around 9. Love, Mom."
Ramen , she thought bitterly. Figures. She took her bag upstairs, and changed into black soccer shorts and a white t-shirt. Kagome went back down stairs, plopped on the couch and turned on the television.
nothing but news." She turned it off, wondering what she could do. "This is definately a first. No homework, Eri's at piano, Yuka is sick, and Ayumi is tutoring." She sauntered into the kitchen, getting a glass of water. Kagome sat at the kitchen table, strumming her fingers. "Only a few months ago I was off in the Feudal Era, looking for Jewel Shards. Now look at me. Kagome Higurashi, Keeper of the Sacred Jewel, reincarnation of both Kikyou the Tragic Priestess and the most powerful priestess in her time, Midoriko, companion of a demon slayer, a monk, a fox demon, a cat demon, and Inuyasha the hanyou, has NOTHING TO DO!!" she yelled in the empty house. She sighed, "I'm pathetic." She deposited her glass in the sink, walked to the side door, pulled on a pair of sneakers, and went outside.
wandered around a bit, glancing at Goshinboku. She walked over to the hut next to it and slide open the doors, revealing the Bone Eater's Well. Last time she went down there, Sango announced she was pregnant. Within her first month of marriage!! Unbelievable.
shook her head. Whenever she went back to Feudal Japan it always brought back painful memories. She turned around, exiting the hut and sliding the doors shut behind her. Kagome sighed, sitting down on the steps. Her life was never the same after Inuyasha. Tessaiga and his rosary beads were in her closet, safely locked away in her safe. Every night she opened the safe, held the objects, put them back, closed the safe, and went to sleep. It was as ritual for her as brushing her teeth in the morning.
got up, her watch reading 8:30. Mom and Souta will be home soon, she thought.
young miko woke up the next morning to the sound of her alarm clock. Groaning groggily, she smacked the ringing demon with her hand and glanced at the time. 6:55 a.m.
Higurashi watched as her daughter zoom down the stairs, her school uniform on, her bag in her hand. "Why didn't anyone wake me up?!? I'm late for school!!" She grabbed a piece of toast before rushing out the front door.
mother shook her head, smiling in amusement. She glanced toward the living room as her son entered the kitchen, wearing his pajamas and rubbing his eyes. "Mom, why was Kagome screaming and rushing around?"
late for school, dear," Ms. Higurashi explained, her eyes laughing.
Mom, it's Saturday."
growled as she kicked the closed gate of her school. It was the weekend!! No one even bothered to tell her it was Saturday. Nope, everyone had so much fun watching Kagome make a fool of herself. "Note to self: don't buy Mom a birthday present."
sighed, and trudged back home, her head to the ground. School . . . that's my whole life. That's all I do here . . . My life is as exciting as-- "OOF!"
bottom met the hard sidewalk as she walked into something hard. "Hey! Watch where you're going!" she snapped, picking herself up and dusting her skirt off. "I could've said the same for you, wench."
froze. That voice . . . no . . .it couldn't be . . . Kagome lifted her eyes slightly, a black t-shirt coming into her view. Ah, I knew it! I'm just hearing things . . . "What are you looking at girl?"
apparently," her eyes looking up to meet the voice's. Her heart stopped at what she saw.
familiar violet eyes.
moved her eyes a little to the left.
hair.
gazed back at the face, his mouth in an unmistakable smirk. It can't be . . .
don't you remember me, Kagome?" he taunted, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
. . . yasha . . ." the girl whispered, her eyes growing.
so you DO remember," the hanyou-turned-human teased, his eyes softening.
you . . ." Kagome said incrediously. "You . . . came back . . . "
course I did!" Inuyasha snorted. "I never go back on my word."
reached out and touched his arm. It was solid. Her eyes locked with his, her brown eyes filling with tears.
She cried, flinging herself in his arms. Inuyasha caught her, holding the girl in his embrace. "Ssh, Sssh, I'm here, I'm here you stupid girl," he said softly, smiling at his term of endearment.
been . . . two months . . . I was beginning . . . to think . . . you wouldn't . . . come back . . ." Her words muffled by his shirt and her cries.
pulled her back, looking straight into her tear-filled eyes. "Don't you remember what Midoriko said," he asked softly. When he received a blank stare from Kagome, he laughed and continued. "There is no life without love, and there's no love without life." He cupped her face in his hand. "I can't live without you, and you can't live without me."
pulled her face to his, kissing her softly for the first time on the lips. He pulled away, smirking at Kagome's shocked expression. "You're stuck with me for the rest of your life, girl."
stepped back and examined him. She frowned. "You're human."
temporarily . . . Midoriko gave me a handy spell to hide my hanyou form--what are you doing?" Inuyasha watched the girl circle him, tugging on his black shirt, poking his sneakers, and inspecting his dark blue jeans.
stopped circling, facing him once more. "Well," she said mockingly, "If I have to be stuck to you for the rest of my life, you gotta pass my 'standardized soul mate potentiality exam,' and that includes a full body inspection.
stared at her, confusion written all over his face. Looking at the smile that began to creep on his face, he knew she was messing with him. "Why . . . you . . . " he growled.
joking!" she laughed, throwing herself in his arms once more. Inuyasha hugged her, intaking the scent of her hair.
pulled her back into another heart-warming, leg-jellying kiss. "Aishiteru," he whispered, touching her forehead with his.
sighed happily, and pulled Inuyasha in for another hug. "Aishteru, Inuyasha," she said softly. My soul . . . is finally complete . . .