Disclaimer: Takahashi Rumiko sama

To be, or not to Be..

By Icka! M. Chif

Inuyasha looked at the small round jewel in his hand that had been the focus of his life for so many years. It glowed with an inner light, almost sparkling merrily at him as he gently rolled it around his palm, watching it as he came to a decision.

"Thank you." He said quietly, looking up for the first time in several minutes, into the warm silver eyes of Kagome. This was a great honour she was bestowing on him. Carefully, deliberately, he carefully took her hand and placed the Shikon no Tama back into her palm. "But no thank you."

"Nani?" Her eyes widened in surprise as her fingers wrapped around the jewel. Around them, he could hear Sango, Miroku and Shippou make noises of shock. Kaede-Baba merely grunted. "Don't… don't you want to be a full youkai?" Kagome asked.

"Or a full human?" He finished the part she had left off with a smirk. It faded as he looked down at his hands. "I've been both. As a human, I'm too weak to protect those around me, and as a youkai, I'm the one they need protection from. And either form I can't use the Fang."

"If you're a full youkai, you won't need the fang." Shippou pointed out.

Inuyasha shrugged half heartedly. "My father gave it to me for a reason. I might as well continue to follow his wishes. Besides-" He glanced pointedly at Kagome "-Didn't you ask the first day we met if I wasn't strong enough? I've beat every single opponent I've come across with out the help of the Shikon no Tama. Why should now be any different?"

Kaede-Baba snorted, looking pleased. "Finally, you're starting to show some brains under that mop of hair."

He wrinkled his nose at her and crossed his arms. Like he needed their option on this. He was fine as he was. Anybody who said other wise would quickly find themselves in need of a healer.

Kagome smiled at him as she clutched the jewel to her chest. He almost returned the smile. Almost.

"So... what do we do now?" Sango asked, looking fairly lost.

"Same thing we've always done." Miroku remarked. "Guard the jewel."

Inuyasha smirked again. "Who wants to place wagers on who will attack first?" He asked, getting glares from the more serious minded at the time.

His smirk grew wider. Life was looking up.

Fin.

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