The Journey's End?

Saaya sat beside the big oak tree up on the hilltop. She couldn't believe it had been almost a day since she'd gotten back. One good thing, a new baby had been born in the village and Saeka had returned to normal, though still quite weak and in need of frequent rest. Her father was still lagging behind somewhere. She knew she should probably hate him for killing Naraku, but she didn't. She didn't hate him for what he'd done. Even now, only hours after returning, she still felt a connection to Naraku. She still felt his life force nearby. But he wasn't alive. Her father's dragon strike was a terrible power. She shuddered at the mere memory of it.

She jumped as footsteps padded up the hill and Kagome sat down beside her. " Hey, Saaya." She said.

" Hey aunt, Kagome." Saaya murmured.

" How are you doing?"

" Okay I guess. Especially after just losing someone important to me."

" Saaya, Sesshomaru couldn't help but be angry at him. Naraku has done a lot of cruel things to all of us. Especially InuYasha."

" He never told me." Saaya whispered. Kagome sighed.

" I'm sorry that had to happen, Saaya." She said.

Saaya shook her head and sighed. " Don't worry about it. One good thing, I have my brother back."

Kagome smiled.

That night, Saaya crept out onto the hilltop where Mononoke was waiting for her. His tongue hung out as she arrived.

Sister, it's been far too long. He said.

" I know. I wish I could go back and erase all that's happened in the past few weeks. But I can't. I love someone who's dead, and I miss him terribly. I should be angry with father, but I'm not." She said, turning away. Mononoke whined.

I know how you feel. I was watching over you at the castle, though you never saw me. I know how that half-demon felt about you. He was always near. He always came in while you were sleeping and watched over you for many hours.

" You make it sound like he's a perverted stalker." Saaya commented dryly.

He was in love with you. Mononoke said. Saaya sighed and scratched the wolf's ears absently. " I know. I loved him. I would have given him everything if it would have healed him."

Mononoke panted, his tongue flapping about. Saaya, you'll see him again someday. He's in the netherworld, where there is no pain. He's waiting for you to arrive. You know that.

Saaya looked up into the sky at the full moon. In a couple of days, her uncle would turn human once more and she'd lose a fraction of her abilities, just as her mother always did. But Saeka always lost everything. She already looked human, so no drastic, noticeable changes were well, noticeable. Saaya closed her eyes.

" Are you in connection with the netherworld?" she asked Mononoke.

All animals are to a certain degree.

" Tell him this. He will always be in my heart. I will never love another, as long as I shall live, for the sake of his memory. I will think of him everyday and send my thoughts to him in the wind. I know he will always be with me, even though I do not see him. Can you do that?"

No promises. The wolf growled. Saaya smiled. " Thank you, Mononoke." She whispered.

They both fell silent as they watched the clouds drift through the inky sky, illuminated by the silver moon. A night owl called in the distance and she heard a flutter in the trees as it took off. For all she knew, it could be Naraku in disguise, coming to see her. A small part of her willed him to still walk the earth, but most of her kept faith in him nonetheless.

She sighed and stared out over the horizon.

The wind had begun to blow around the castle, billowing Sesshomaru's silvery hair around his face, though he paid it no heed. Instead, he sighed and glanced at the sky for a moment. Then, he refocused his gaze.

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes and saw them, the ambassaries of the netherworld, swarming Naraku's body. He extended the sword.

He slashed it viciously at the little creatures, hearing their screams as they were torn apart. He sheathed the sword and turned around, walking slowly away.

" Come near my daughter, and I shall kill you." He hissed.

Naraku barely heard him.

A/N: How was that for a mysterious ending? I've yet 'trapped' myself into another story, but frankly, I don't care! I love my series, and I'll write it until I can write no more! I hope this is a good chapter. I know it's short, but oh well. I got a lot of reviews, some of which were sad ones about Naraku's death. And yes, Seiko-no Neiko, you were right. I brought him back to life. You know, you're my number one critic, but that's totally awesome! It helps me write better, so thank you! The next book after this one is called SAEKA'S DARKNESS. It's actually a four-page long Oneshot about some nightmares Saeka has that have to do with her past. I'll upload the actual chapter book tomorrow. The next book following Beneath The Endless Sky is connected to the series, despite its shortness. Also, I published a short Oneshot called The Reveries of Izayoi in case anyone is interested. This Oneshot I just mentioned is going to become the series I'll start after this one is over in a few books. So keep your eyes pealed!