Since this is the last chapter, I really wanted to thank all of you reviewers for being so awesomely supportive through this story. I know, this is the same corny thank you that all authors give when they finish a story, but you really get attached you know? I mean, it becomes like your 'project' and you just get so enveloped in your story. When it's finally over you kind of get this bittersweet feeling…I can't even properly describe it! Whoa, I bet I just confused ya'll.
Anywhoo, I'm sure I've just bored you readers to tears, so I'm going to hurry up and get the FINAL chapter of this story up. I hope you enjoy.
Chapter the Eighteenth
Only the Beginning
She stared in mute shock as his once stone cold chest began to rise and fall. Sango, Miroku, Koga, Ayame, and Shippo stood still, all of them unable to wrench their eyes from his form.
His skin began to flush slightly from its once pallid tone that death had put upon it. The fingers on the hand resting on his chest twitched slightly.
Kagome could not speak, even though she felt sounds of shock and joy bubbling up in her chest. Her eyes were wide and fearful, horrified that it was a sick trick brought on by her sadness.
But that thought of illusion was broken when his eyes began to crack open.
Kagome finally found her voice, and she let out a hoarse gasp as she saw deep violet eyes revealed. They seemed so different from the shining red that she'd become so accustomed to. His eyes were confused, startled, and unsure. Her eyes were shocked, wary, and joyous.
"K-Kagome?" He asked, as if trying to make sure that it wasn't just a pleasant dream.
Tears that she thought she'd used up sprung to her eyes, "Inuyasha!" She exclaimed quietly, unable to express the big reaction she had inside of her. She just couldn't manage it.
His hand raised up to wipe a tear from her cheek and she flushed red, "Why are you crying?" He asked. He rested his hand on her cheek, cupping her soft skin.
She loved the feeling of his hand on her face. It felt so right. She closed her eyes for a moment, still dizzy from the shock of all the things that had happened so…so fast for her. It was like it had all been just a mixed blur for her until this moment when things began to clear.
He began to sit up, grunting slightly, and his eyes wandered to his human hand. His face went though a mix of emotions before settling on content…and a bit of smugness.
Kagome watched him as he looked at his black hair and his clawless hands and ran his tongue along his fangless teeth. It really must've been a shock for him to suddenly be human after nearly fifty years of life as a demon.
It was then that their friends suddenly came out of their shock and they all practically jumped Kagome and Inuyasha. Ayame and Sango were both in tears, hugging Kagome in their complete euphoria. Shippo was bawling his eyes out beside Miroku. Miroku and Koga were smiling and patting Inuyasha on the back, both displaying their happiness for finally being free of the curse.
Kagome felt those tears spring to her eyes again. She giggled slightly, tiredly, since she'd been sure that she'd completely used up all of her tears earlier.
She must've been wrong.
Inuyasha turned his head to her for a minute, indicating for her to follow him. He then stood up and spoke in a quiet voice, "Would you guys…mind if I spoke alone with Kagome for a little bit?"
"Of course not, we know you need your…alone time." Miroku said slyly, waggling his eyebrows.
Inuyasha bopped the monk over the head with his fist, "Way to ruin the moment you damn monk."
Sango sighed and grabbed Miroku by the ear, "Let's go to the main hall…we need to get rid of all those unconscious villagers."
She stopped after climbing through the once boarded up 'door' into Inuyasha's room, "Koga, Ayame, are you two coming?"
Koga shrugged, taking Ayame's hand as they followed Sango.
Ayame turned to Kagome and winked, "Be good you two."
Inuyasha rolled his eyes at her.
Kagome turned scarlet and squeaked slightly.
Kagome watched them go with growing anticipation. She gathered up her courage and turned to Inuyasha, who was watching her carefully. His eyes seemed veiled for a moment before she noticed the pure love in his eyes.
That had definitely never been there before…well, not to that extent at least.
"It's weird huh?" She began quietly, trying to start some conversation that would end the tense air between them, "Everything's over now."
Inuyasha shook his head, moving towards her slowly, "That chapter is over. That chapter of our story is over, yes…" He took her face in his hands with a gentle smile, "But that was only chapter one."
Kagome smiled at his romantic behavior before her smile turned relatively mocking and slightly devious, "It must've taken you a while to think that one up." She said to him with a laugh.
Inuyasha smirked smugly, "Yes, and I'm quite proud of myself in fact. It worked, didn't it?"
Kagome shook her head.
"No sparks?"
"Nope,"
He cocked an eyebrow, "Nothing? Really?"
Kagome's eyes danced, "It was just too corny for me."
He lowered his arms and put them around her waist, pulling her up against him, "How about this?"
He brought his lips to hers, catching her in a deep, passionate kiss. Kagome's eyes slid shut and she brought her arms around his neck. It was quite like the kiss right before she was sent back to her village. Except this time she knew he wouldn't send her away. This time she could enjoy it knowing it was bringing a beautiful beginning instead of a bitter end.
The kiss lasted for a few more seconds before Inuyasha broke it, his eyes boring into hers with a passion that enveloped Kagome.
She smiled at him, "Yes…that definitely worked."
Inuyasha let out a soft laugh that was music to her ears. She'd never really heard him laugh before, and hearing it now was something she would forever cherish.
She felt so happy, being there with him. It was like she'd finally found exactly where she belonged…where she could belong and be happy. It made her giddy and excited and joyous.
"I'm glad." He said in response.
Kagome smiled, "You should be." She told him cheekily.
He twirled her around slightly and brought her back into his arms, "Do you think we should go down to the others?" He asked, hugging her close.
"Nah, not yet, they'll survive for a little longer." Kagome said into his chest, smiling.
"Mm, you're quite greedy today."
"Well, that's what you get for sending me away like that." Kagome fired back, pulling away slightly so she could look at his face.
"I'm sorry for that." He apologized. When she looked at his eyes, surprised at the apology, she could see the sincerity in them. He really did feel bad for what he did.
"You have something else to account for." She told him, crossing her arms, pretending to act disappointed and tough…and failing miserably.
Inuyasha raised an eyebrow, "And what could that be?"
My book," Kagome explained with a laugh, "Thanks to all the drama that went on here, I never got to finish it."
"Well, I've already read that book, so I don't care." Inuyasha told her.
She blinked at him, "Really?"
"Yes, quite a while ago. I stole it from you." He replied with a cheeky smirk.
Kagome rolled her eyes before poking his chest with her finger, "So what's the ending?"
"Hm?"
"The ending, what happens at the end?" Kagome repeated, unable to curb her curiosity.
"Wouldn't that ruin the book for you?" Inuyasha asked.
Kagome shook her head, "I can't wait now that I know you've read it. C'mon, tell me!"
Inuyasha sighed and leaned down to whisper in her ear, "This. This is the ending of the book."
Kagome gasped and blushed. Inuyasha couldn't contain a laugh.
She pulled away, glaring at him, "You're lying aren't you?"
"Completely and totally," He replied triumphantly with that same smirk on his face again.
"Oh well, I'll pester it out of you later." Kagome grumbled.
Inuyasha rolled his eyes and swept her up so that he was holding her bridal style. He began to walk towards the inside on his way to the others, "Damn girl, you're a pain in my ass."
- -
A young girl in an orange dress dashed through the flowers followed by a tiny dwarf of a man. She giggled and stopped, pulling up a few flowers and showing them to the man, "D'you think Lord Sesshomaru will like these?"
The little bulgy eyed man crossed his arms, "Of course not Rin, he hates flowers." The man's squeaky little voice told her.
"Do you want them Jaken?"
"O-Of course not!" The little toad-like man sputtered, "Now let's go!"
Rin shrugged and tucked the flowers into her dress, "Then I'll keep them. They're too pretty to waste!"
She raised her head and spotted a figure standing nearby. Her eyes widened and a broad smile came across her face, "Lord Sesshomaru, Lord Sesshomaru, over here!"
The man looked up with passive eyes and watched as they dashed towards him. The little girl stared at him with awe and shock.
"You are human Lord Sesshomaru? The curse broke?" She asked, pointing at his once white, now black hair.
Jaken stomped his small foot, "Of course he's human you foolish girl! Do not ask such questions."
Rin pouted at Jaken then turned back to Sesshomaru, "Where are we going now Lord Sesshomaru?"
Sesshomaru glanced at her before turning on his heel and walking through the field of flowers ahead of Rin and Jaken.
"Let's go you silly girl! Lord Sesshomaru is leaving us!" Jaken cried, "Lord Sesshomaru, wait for me!"
Rin looked up from the flower she had cradled in her hands and saw the disappearing form of her master.
"Rin, let's go." The voice of her master said from where he was standing, watching her expectantly.
The girl smiled brightly and tucked the flower into her dress with the others, "Coming Lord Sesshomaru!" She dashed through the field to meet him.
End
You see that? You see the simple 'end'? That means the story is OVER! I can finally click the little complete button and declare this story finished! I'm really quite glad to have gotten it done, since I worked really hard on it.
I also apologize for taking so long to update, I really feel bad since this is the last chapter and all. I also apologize for how short it was. I just couldn't do much else with it or I'd lose the whole idea I had.
Well, tell me if you enjoyed the ending (I had to put Sesshomaru in there because the entire curse was his fault) or tell me if you hated it. I doubt I'll redo it anyways (unless I find the time), but I'd still like your opinion.
Thanks for being an awesomely loyal reader to my story and I appreciate all the criticisms and enjoyment in your reviews. Thanks so much again! I hope to see you in my next story.
Naomi-Yuko out!