Oh, boy! This is it… last chapter.

I looked at the upload date, and realized I've been writing this story for nearly three years. Where does the time go? It doesn't feel like it's been that long... Perhaps I need to try to work on the frequency of my updates… or at least have a couple of stories going at once.

Anywho, let's move along.

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.

A New Adventure

The first thing any of them heard as they approached the village was Jaken's grating, nasally voice as he called exuberantly to his master, waving his staff wildly as he leapt with joy.

"Ohhhh, Lord Sesshomaru! You have returned triumphant, as I knew you would!"

Kagome could almost feel Sesshomaru rolling his eyes, laughing quietly at his expense.

The imp wasn't the only one waiting for them. Shippou, Rin, Kaede, and Ah-Un accompanied him, the miko and twin-headed dragon hanging farther back while the children rushed forward to greet them.

When they landed, the young priestess had barely a second to gain her footing before the kit was in her arms, his momentum nearly knocking her to the ground. Only Sesshomaru's steadying hand kept her from tumbling into the dirt.

The inquisitive fox snuffled at her, green eyes focused as he searched for traces of injury.

"I'm fine, Shippou," she laughed, patting him on the head. "Calm down!"

He turned his gaze to the daiyoukai, asking hopefully, "Is it done?"

The pale inu nodded in affirmation, hand reaching out to welcome his ward as she wrapped herself around his leg.

Inuyasha and the others brought up the rear, a newly revived Kohaku helping steady his sister while the hanyou did the same with the monk.

"Lady Kaede," Miroku greeted, wincing from his injuries. "I don't suppose you have any tea prepared?"

The elder miko smiled, her weathered face crinkling as she responded, "None at the moment, but it will be a simple task to make some. Come; ye look as though ye could use a cup, as well as a rest."

The lot of them began making their way to the village, eager to sit and relax for the first time in a long while. They had nearly made it to her hut when Inuyasha paused, perking as his nose picked up a familiar scent on the wind. Wide, golden eyes turned back to the treeline, where they caught sight of a single, slender figure winding above the canopy.

Kagome noted his reaction, followed his line of sight to the lone soul-stealer in the distance. She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, smiling when he looked at her uncertainly. "Go, Inu."

He nodded once, turning to Miroku. "Will you be alright?"

The monk hummed. "It's not far to the hut. Kirara can help me if need be."

Another quick jerk of his head and he was off, a red streak against the midday sky.

Sango turned a worried glance to the priestess. "Are you sure it's okay to leave them alone?"

The miko smiled after her departing friend, her chin tipping down in a slow nod as she answered, "He'll be fine. They've both changed a lot since the start of this journey, and I can feel that she no longer harbours any ill will toward him."

Her eyes were certain as she shifted them to the slayer, her smile calm. "Now, let's get you inside so we can relax."

One by one they made their way into the small domicile, though Sesshomaru opted to remain outside instead. He was not one for close quarters, especially when there were already so many people inside. He, Jaken, and Ah-Un settled just outside, Sesshomaru's curious gaze drifting in the direction his brother had gone.

Inuyasha slowed as he entered the treeline, skidding to a stop as he caught sight of her. His heart clenched, as it usually did, though the feeling didn't last. The sorrow and regret that had haunted him for years were all but a pale shadow of what they had once been, now nothing more than a fleeting ache in his chest.

"Hello, Kikyou."

"It is done," she intoned softly, brown eyes regarding him with a cool certainty.

He sighed, fists clenching as he looked down at his feet. "Yeah, it's done."

"And the jewel?"

"Gone."

He heard her sigh, peered up through his bangs to watch a look of relief drift over her lovely features. They were quiet for a moment, simply regarding one another in peaceable silence. The priestess was the first to speak.

"Now that Naraku is no more, and the jewel has been disposed of, there is no reason for me to remain in this world any longer."

Ears tucked, he looked up at her, taking in her serene beauty… burning her into his memory one last time. He remembered the first time he met her, all those years ago, the way he felt. He remembered her smile, her warmth as she touched his face.

The hanyou approached her slowly, reaching out to clasp her hands in his. She was cold.

"You are freed of your obligation to me, Inuyasha."

Golden eyes flashed, surprised. He'd known that she no longer wished for him to follow her into the afterlife, though he had not expected her to say as much. "Kikyou…"

The undead miko smiled at him then, sadly. She pulled one of her small hands free of his, lifting it to cup his cheek gently, like she had so long ago. "It may not mean much to you now, but… I love you, Inuyasha."

He smiled back at her, and wrapped his arms around her slight form. Resting his chin atop her head, he whispered, "I love you too."

She embraced him briefly, stepping back after a moment to level him with a serious look. "You must promise me something."

He nodded, uncertain of what she might ask of him.

"You must live for the future, Inuyasha. Do not linger in the past," she told him firmly, watching his expression soften as she spoke.

The dog-eared male huffed, arms crossing. "Yeah."

"Swear it!"

"I swear," he promised, gaze unwavering as she met his eyes, looking for any signs of hesitation.

The confirmation was seemingly all she needed, and she was suddenly fading, flaking away into ashes. "Goodbye, Inuyasha."

"Goodbye, Kikyou."

She tipped her head back, expression peaceful as her false body blew away. He watched her go, knowing he would never love another woman the way he had loved her, the first woman to ever accept him. Yet… he knew now that she was not the only one who would accept him. Meeting Kagome had taught him as much. He would keep his promise.

The last remnants of her faded, and all that remained was a radiant white sphere. It lingered only a moment before drifting back through the trees, heading toward the village.

"Thank you," Sango uttered as she accepted the proffered cup, dipping her head in a grateful bow. The hot drink was delightful; a luxury she'd not had the time to enjoy since the day Kagome had returned from her home in the future.

She sighed contentedly as she drank, her soul at ease for the first time in years. Her brother sat to her right, the man she loved to her left, both very much alive. Kohaku, she knew, would need time to recover from what Naraku had done to him, but at least now he had a chance, something she'd been certain he would never get. The monk seemed lighter, the cloud of fear that had hovered over him now dissipated. He looked at her, eyes free of worry, and smiled.

Glancing at the beautiful taijiya that had stolen his heart, Miroku marvelled at his luck. He'd survived long enough to be rid of the curse, and now he had an opportunity to start the family he'd feared he would never get.

He glanced down at the expanse of his palm once more, a part of him still not able fathom that it was truly over.

"Are you ever going to stop looking at your hand?" Kagome joked.

He chuckled, admitting sheepishly, "I'm not certain. I've had it for so long… it will take me some time to get used to its absence."

A wolfish grin spread across his lips, and his hand slunk down and out of sight. "Though, I'm sure that by using it often…"

"Kyaa!"

'SMACK'

"… I will be reminded of the fact."

The rest of them, sans Sango, burst into fits of laughter, even Kaede finding the scene amusing in its comforting familiarity.

A moment later, however, the laughter died, the entire group going quiet as a gently glowing orb floated into the hut. Sesshomaru followed, remaining just in the doorway, watching.

The sphere drifted further in, not stopping as it neared the young miko. She gasped, eyes going wide as it surged into her chest. It settled within her, merging with what was already there… and she was whole again.

No one spoke, most knowing what had just transpired, the others too awed to ask.

Kagome glanced up at Kaede, her aged frame drooping as she nodded slowly in confirmation. Standing, the priestess turned and placed her tea on the floor, darting to the door and slipping past the daiyoukai without a word. She leapt to the ground, foregoing the stairs, and raced around the corner. She stopped for a second when she saw him, tears forming as he met her eyes.

"Oh, Inu."

Not caring that she was tired and sore, Kagome ran, throwing herself against his chest when she finally reached him. She hugged him tightly, and he was quick to return the gesture, strong arms winding around her.

"It's alright," he told her. "She's at peace now."

The miko pulled back, looking up at him with wonder. Not that long ago he would have been broken by such a loss. Such was not the case any longer. "You've grown, Inuyasha."

He smiled. "So have you. A year back I don't think you could've hit the broad side of an oni, now look at you. Your aim's gotten a lot better."

She beamed, letting the jab slide in light of his compliment. "Well, I had a pretty good teacher."

"Do not get ahead of yourself, miko. You've still a long way to go," Sesshomaru reminded her, having followed.

The young woman turned to frown at him. "You just had to ruin that for me, didn't you?"

He gave her a lopsided smirk. "Merely keeping you humble."

Kagome detached herself from Inuyasha, approaching the haughty demon lord. Hands on her hips, lips pursed, she looked the perfect picture of feminine indignity. "Sometimes I don't know whether I should smack you or kiss you."

He bent, resting his forehead briefly against hers. "A kiss will suffice."

His nostrils flared, and he pulled back before she had a chance to take him up on it. "Though you are rather filthy."

She snorted. "You don't exactly smell like a bouquet of flowers yourself, y'know? In case you've forgotten, we've spent the past few days travelling and fighting a psychotic spider demon. Haven't exactly had time to stop and enjoy a soak."

He hummed in agreement. "We shall need to rectify that, and soon. Your smell is offensive to my senses."

She would have reached out to slap him had he not gathered her into his embrace a seconds later, effectively trapping her arms to her sides.

Sesshomaru looked at the hanyou. "Go and join your comrades, brother. Inform them that we shall return soon."

He huffed, but nodded regardless.

They travelled so quickly she didn't really have time to protest, his speed jolting her upon takeoff, pushing the air from her lungs. By the time she was able to muster another breath, he was already coming to a stop, setting her carefully down at his feet.

"Geez, warn me next time!" she grumbled, shaking him off.

He didn't say a word, merely gripping her shoulders and turning her in the opposite direction. Any objection she might have had died on her tongue when she saw the lovely, secluded onsen he'd discovered, one she had never seen before.

"Oh, wow! This is beautiful."

"I frequent this place often during my travels. My barrier keeps it hidden," he told her, waiting for her reaction.

She glanced back at him, brows lifting as she asked, "And yet you brought me here?"

He nodded.

Warmth blossomed in her chest, a smile spreading on her lips. She turned, her slender arms winding around him in a quick hug. "Thank you!"

"You are most welcome," he assured her, watching as she turned and began to undress. His desire stirred as the curve of her naked back was revealed to him, but he pushed the urge aside, deciding that could wait. For now, there was something else he had in mind.

He knew what he wanted now, having recently experienced things he'd never felt before, and knowing she was the cause. Possessiveness, jealousy, fear. When they'd parted ways prior to Naraku's arrival, he'd been taken aback by the wave of apprehension he'd been struck with. While he'd managed to keep himself in check, the feeling never dissipated, not until he watched the filthy vermin perish, and Kagome was safely in his arms once more.

No, he would not repeat his father's error. He would not take a weak mate.

Kagome placed her clothing neatly in a pile, stepping slowly into the hot spring and sinking blissfully up to her neck. The daiyoukai hadn't given her time to grab her bathing supplies, but a good soak in the steamy water would be enough to get rid of the smell of sweat, and wash away most of the grime.

Speaking of which… She turned to glance at Sesshomaru, finding him already partially undressed. Watching him disrobe was mesmerizing, she decided, all of his movements practiced and graceful. The view afterward was not too shabby either, her mind melting into a pleasant little puddle at the sight of him completely bare.

He joined her in the water, wading toward the other side with long strides that bespoke of his familiarity with this place. Turning, he perched himself on what appeared to be a ledge, or at least she assumed there was one, she couldn't really see through the cloudy water.

"Come here."

She blinked at the gentle utterance, so soft she barely heard him. Acquiescing, she advanced slowly, gingerly feeling her way to where he sat. She was about to take a seat next to him when he reached out, strong arms slipping around her waist and positioning her in his lap, back to chest. Before she could ask what he was up to, he gave her further instruction, this time telling her to tilt her chin up. She frowned in confusing, but did as he said, sitting patiently with her head leaned back against his collarbone.

Cupping his wide hand, Sesshomaru slowly began sluicing water over the miko's hair, repeating the motion several times until the black, wavy mass was thoroughly soaked. Then, using his claws, he began to carefully comb through the tangled strands, making certain not to pull too hard or prick her scalp.

The priestess' mind was running in frantic circles as she tried to grasp what was transpiring. This wasn't Sesshomaru! It couldn't be!

Noticing the odd look the girl was giving him, the big inu inquired, "Something amiss, miko?"

"This is grooming…"

One pale brow slowly inched up.

Eyes wide, she continued, "You said that grooming, and that sort of thing, were for mated and courting pairs… right?"

A smile tilted his lips. "I am pleased to see that you remember."

Another moment passed in silence. The grooming continued.

"You're still doing it."

Sesshomaru nearly sighed. "Truly, miko? I had thought you were more perceptive than this."

Sitting up straight, she twisted around to stare at him, now completely boggled. "What?"

"Will you allow me to court you?"

Kagome's brain promptly exploded. Spluttering and splashing, she slid off of his lap, standing and turning to face him completely. "C-Court? You want to court me?"

He nodded.

A handful of seconds ticked by, and the daiyoukai waited patiently for her to gather her wits about her as she stood and gawked at him. Finally, after approximately eight seconds, she beamed, throwing herself at him and in a flailing, awkward hug. She crushed herself against him, uncaring that she'd banged her knee during her ungraceful lunge. "Yes!"

She didn't remain put long, not even allowing him to return the embrace before she was leaning back, hands on his shoulders, blue orbs wide and serious.

"Does this mean I get to play with your hair?!"

He huffed in amusement, nodding.

Squealing, she threw herself into his arms again.

Curious as she might be, the priestess was anything but weak; her strength was only just beginning to blossom. He would see to her training, ensure she would never be helpless. Any and all who dared to question him would be silenced, and any who posed a threat to her would be eliminated.

"Now, will you let this one finish what he started?" the daiyoukai teased.

Nodding happily, she scooted around in his lap, tipping her head back without complaint.

That's it! I can't believe it!

Well, it's been an enjoyable write, and hopefully it's been an enjoyable read for all of you!

CR~