The green blue tint of the soul collectors vanished behind waves of light, a blinding orange that was nearing a shade of red. The vacuum pressed in on her, ripping the last traces of oxygen from her lungs. Helplessly Kagome attempted to scream, but no sound could escape her. Her head was spinning as she gasped desperately for air.
"You should just give up. I'm taking back what belongs to me." Kikyo's cold voice cut over the roaring that had filled her ears.
Taking what belonged to her. "Inuyasha." She tried to call his name, but it barely sounded in her brain. She was being crushed, as if giant hands had wrapped around her and were squeezing mercilessly.
"You're in my way." Chips of ice soared across the path in the form of words, "Move." He had stopped to the side of them, watching with disinterest.
"This is nothing to do with you. I have business here, you can go around."
Sesshomaru's eyes widened slightly as his chin tipped upward, he did not say a word as a yellow arc sliced through the air. Kikyo cried out, a tear appearing in her shirt. If she hadn't moved her false body would have been destroyed.
"I did not come to kill you. Next time, I will not miss." The volume of his voice had dropped, but the tone sharpened, ice becoming steel.
The dead priestess staggered backwards, determined that before she was gone her reincarnation would no longer be among the living. She flinched visibly as the demon's hand rose again, the yellow whip already forming at the tips of his long fingers. The light glinted on his sharpened, carefully maintained claws.
The cocoon of orange light that had been in front of him vanished. A small figure landed with a surprisingly loud thud on the dirt in front of him. For a second he remained where he stood, ensuring there were no further road blocks to be dealt with. A rasping breath accompanied his almost silent footfall. Instantly his eyes darted to the ground next to his foot. As if by his command a breeze ushered the clouds and branches out of the way, allowing a small squared of weak silver light to fall on a young woman's face.
"So, it is you." If this girl was here and had been in danger his bastard brother would not be far behind. He could end all of this here, very soon. His already acute senses strained. The air held no hint of the half demon's stench, and no sound of crashing leaves to announce his characteristically violent and rather distasteful approach. "Where is my little brother who is so fond of you?" The girl did not move or respond to his words. Almost hesitantly he nudged her with the rip of his toe, the girl moved slightly, only to fall back into her original position. "Pathetic." He began moving slowly forward again, only to be stopped by another shallow breath. With an inaudible sigh he turned back, considering the options that had been laid before him. Leaving her behind in this condition would be too much like his younger brother and far beneath him. Taking her to the village, and his brother would send the wrong message, and that left the only other option of taking her with him as bait. The last option seemed by far the wisest. He could lure Inuyasha away from this area and into one of his own choosing. An area where he had a larger chance for victory, not that he needed it, but he'd underestimated Inuyasha before. He would not do that again. "As there is no other options." He growled, swinging her small frame easily over his shoulder. He would have preferred moving her another way. At least she had the decency to be small and light, a relatively easy bundle to carry, even if it was in an undignified manner. Anyone who dared to glimpse him this way would be repaid by his poison claws and a slow death, one he would take pleasure in making extremely painful.
*
The silken swish of hair filled her ears, the soft sound sharply in contrast with the pain of whatever hard, rounded surface was pressing into her stomach. She was moving, or more appropriately, whatever she was hanging over was moving. Kagome opened her eyes as a glistening piece of silver hair slid across her face. Then he had saved her.
But there was something wrong. How had his hair gotten so much longer and smoother? The strands were now more consistently like silk. What had happened to his split ends? Had his hair grown without her knowledge or attention? And why did he seem so much taller? She looked around, trying and failing to recognize her surroundings. "Where are we?" She asked softly
"You have awoken. Good, I tire of carrying you." Sesshomaru's icy voice chilled her to the center of her bones. He stopped and Kagome unfroze.
"PUT ME DOWN! PUT ME DOWN! PUT ME DOWN!" She shrieked, kicking her legs and pounding on his back with her fists.
"Gladly, you reek of my brother." He shrugged out from under her, dropping Kagome unceremoniously onto the ground.
"What do you mean by that?" She asked slightly offended.
"His stench is all over you." Sesshomaru closed his eyes to keep from rolling them, "It is quite offensive."
*
"Your twitching is really annoying Inuyasha, if you're that worried go look fro her." Miroku did his best to not look at the foot rapidly tapping the ground not far from his own.
"You should be used to it, he's always like this when Kagome is gone." Sango absently polished the giant boomerang she used so effectively.
"I am not twitching!" Inuyasha snapped, stilling his foot only to have his ear begin twitching instead.
"Just go find her already." Sango murmured, shoving Miroku into Inuyasha's shoulder.
"Are we going to find Kagome?"
"Well she has been gone for a long time. We should probably go look for her." Miroku glanced down at the demon fox, who's constant questions were beginning to wear even his patients thin.
"Yeah, let's just go."
"Are you sure this is where she was?" Sango stared at the crater that had appeared in the path they'd traveled several times.
"Yes I'm sure, and this is…" His eyes widened and his ears pricked, "Kikyo…" The name came out as a weak whisper.
"Kikyo? She was this close? And with Kagome?" Sango and Miroku exchanged a worried look, "Is she okay?" Their eyes returned to the dog eared half demon busy staring at the ground.
"What was she doing here? Where'd she go?" He looked around suddenly, "Sesshomaru!" He was on his feet, eyes searching franticly or his older brother.
"What?" Shippo was trembling visibly, " Kikyo, Kagome and Se…Sesshomaru? In the same place?"
"Yeah, and Kagome's with Sesshomaru."
*
"Can't we stop? Please? Just for a little while?"
"No." He was regretting bringing her along every time she opened her mouth. Two days of constant complaining and she was showing no signs of letting up.
"Please Sesshomaru… I… I mean…" She froze as he stopped and turned to look at her. She'd forgotten his dislike of being called simply by name. His insistence on formality really bugged her.
"Silence. Your constant blathering is offensive to my ears. When I have decided to stop you may, until such a time, learn to hold your tongue." He snapped.
"I…um…" Kagome looked at his back as he walked away. This was not what she was used to. Her friends were always nice to her, never as antisocial as Sesshomaru, with the exception of Inuyasha upon occasion, but he was typically easy to coax out of himself again. They had to have noticed she was gone by now. "I know you don't want to talk to me, but why are you making me stay?"
"I am not. Run away if you want, I will not stop you." He was cautious to look directly ahead, "You will only die sooner if you go off on your own."
"That isn't exactly what I asked you." Kagome said, looking down at her feet.
"I should think it was obvious. Inuyasha is a fool in many ways. When he realizes you are gone, he will come looking, and if he is unwilling to trade for you, he will die trying to take you back, and either way I will take what belongs to me."
"I won't help you kill Inuyasha."
"I will not need your help. The fool is nothing but predictable and irrational." There was a small smirk on his pale face, his golden-amber eyes slightly narrowed. The slight changes in his expression were shockingly hard to notice, and by the time Kagome blinked his face was the usual blank canvas. There was no hint of emotion anywhere, even his eyes were blank. It was odd how completely calm he always was. Kagome was beginning to wonder if he felt anything at all.
"You…you really hate him, don't you?" She asked quietly.
"That is none of your concern." Sesshomaru began walking again, leaving her standing behind him.
He was going to take what belonged to him. She wanted to wonder what it was, but knew instantly. The sword. Sesshomaru had been after it before Inuyasha had even known it existed. It frightened her that to him her life was worth less that a sword. Now, like never before, Kagome knew she was on her own.
*
"Can't you move any faster?" Inuyasha snapped whirling to face the people behind him.
"I know you're worried Inuyasha, but you can't expect to catch up to them right away. And what happens if Sesshomaru wants to fight you?"
"I don't tire out as easily as you lot, remember?"
"Sango has a point Inuyasha. If Sesshomaru has kidnapped Kagome you know he's serious about getting to you."
"I don't know, kidnapping isn't Sesshomaru's style. He'd think it beneath him, rude." Inuyasha turned back to Sesshomaru's trail, "If Kagome does or says anything wrong he'll kill her without a second thought." For a second it looked like the others wanted to argue, but they all knew it was probably the truth.
*
His breath was expelled in a low growl, and his head snapped instantly toward leaves that began to shiver a moment later. Sesshomaru's golden eyes narrowed nearly to slits. What fool would dare to come at him? He knew it was a demon, he could already smell the acidic sting of demonic blood, but he could tell it wasn't a powerful demon. The creature must have lost it's mind.
"What is it?" Kagome asked in an almost pathetic voice, trying to control the fear that ate at her. So far nothing had dared to attack them, she hadn't seen another living creature. It seemed that everything was afraid of the demon now standing in front of her. She could completely understand, having seen Sesshomaru's deadly side more than once.
"Nothing of importance." He glanced at the shaking girl, disgusted by her fear, "You will stay out of my way. If harm should befall you, you are at fault."
Kagome nodded and retreated several steps, her eyes locking on the bush Sesshomaru was glaring expectantly at. A strange looking creature emerged from the bushes, something nearly human in shape, but much larger and with almost scaly skin. It was taller than even Sesshomaru, who seemed angry at having to look up at it.
"You dare to block my path?" There was an almost amused tone to his voice now, a small smirk tipping one corner of his mouth upward. The creature may have been large, but it's inadequate proportions would make it clumsy and slow. He could drop it in one swing when the opportunity arose. For now he would give this demon one more chance to keep it's life. "Speak wretch, or loose your tongue."
"My errand is not with you, it is with the…" The almost hissing voice paused for two sniffs, "human." The long face and white eyes turned to land on Kagome, who's eyes widened nearly to perfect circles. She could feel the vibrations of it's footsteps as it forced it's way around Sesshomaru, shoving a tree aside rather than touching the stationary white figure. "How many shards have you got human? Give them to me and I might let you live." It came closer to her as Kagome began backing away, her eyes glued to the reptilian face stretching down toward her, the partly webbed hand reaching for her.
The air sizzled and popped around a bright ribbon tracing through the air. Kagome's scream was drown out by a bellow of agony as the assailant's arm fell toward her, she jumped back, falling away from the severed body part.
"You will address me, not the girl. And I demand the proper respect from a thing as lowly as you." As usual his voice was frigid, his face set in it's usual way, only his eyes had widened. He looked almost offended, "Do you understand or is your stupidity so great?"
"How…you…I will kill you!" The monster charged with it's bare scaled head lowered. There was a sharp crack as Sesshomaru flicked his wrist lazily, the whip cutting cleanly into the charging beast. The thing shrieked and fell to it's knees with a crash. Sesshomaru chuckled softly. This was far too easy, the amusement would soon be gone.
"In no world could a weakling such as you kill me." He gave the reptile another lash, "See this as punishment for suggesting it." He rose his hand, preparing to remove the creature's head.
"Sesshomaru no!" Kagome rushed forward. The demon may have come to attack her, but it was injured and she couldn't just stand by and let him kill it. She put herself between the demons, blocking Sesshomaru's stroke, and praying that he wouldn't kill her for her trouble.
"Move." He growled, staring into the human's determind face. There was fear in her, he could smell it, feel the waves sliding off of her, but she remained squarely in front of him. "I will not tell you again."
"No, I can't just let you kill it, he's hurt." She snapped, trying her best to return his glare. This would work with Inuyasha, but she wasn't sure of how Sesshomaru was going to react. She didn't get a chance to find out.
An enormous tongue wrapped itself around her waist, lifting a screaming and fighting Kagome high into the air. She knew exactly what the creature was planning. It was going to eat her to take possession of the jewel shards she carried. She screamed again as she found herself falling toward the demons gaping mouth, rows of stained teeth glistening with saliva waited to rip and crush her. Her eyes closes reflexively.
An arm clasped suddenly around her waist, halting her fall and dragging her forward. Soft fur tickled her cheek as Sesshomaru's voice whispered, "Fool," near her ear. He had released her and was gone as soon as her feet touched the ground. She turned in time to see the demon falling, gasping on a cloud of green gas and trying to cover the scratches slicing it's face apart.
Sesshomaru was standing over the body, casually flicking blood from his fingertips. Even this was done with a graceful flick of his wrist. The movement measured and exact, but flowing and smooth at the same time. She'd never seen anyone move quite like he did. She stared at his back.
"I told you to stay out of my way. Tell me are you unable to do as you are told or simply disobedient?" He turned slowly to the girl staring at him.
"I…you saved me." She was too shocked to be offended.
"Do not be absurd. If I had let it eat you the thing would regenerate and make itself a problem." He turned on his toe, swinging gracefully and precisely away, "Next time, do as I say and I will not be forced to pull you to safety. Why do you have jewel shards with you? They are useless to humans."
"It isn't as though I had a chance to give them to someone else before coming" Kagome muttered, following him, "Do you plan on taking them as well?"
"I have no interest in that jewel. I am after only what rightfully…"
"Belongs to you, yes I know, but your father left it to…"
"He is not worthy of it. Do not speak to me of him anymore, or I will kill you myself and be rid of your foolishness."
"Okay, I'm sorry." For a second she bit on the side of her tongue, "Thankyou Sesshomaru." She was looking at the ground, but saw him stop at the edge of her vision. There was silence.
"You are… welcome. Now, come before others find you." He waited only a moment for her to catch up to him before he started walking. For once she was silent.
*
He knew he had to move faster, it didn't matter that they couldn't keep up, he had to get there, with or without them.
The sudden impact knocked him sideways and Inuyasha was thrown violently into a tree. As he turned to see what had hit him a sound somewhere between a roar and a howl escaped him
"Hey, mutt face, where's my Kagome?" Koga half laughed. There was a sudden almost crash as Kirrara landed.
"Koga, Kagome's been kidnapped." Shippo bounced to the ground, shaking with excitement and panic.
"What?" The wolf demon turned on Inuyasha, "Where the hell is my woman mutt?"
"She isn't yours wolf."
"Where is she?" Koga's voice rose to the sky, frightening several virds who had been nesting in the trees over his head.
"She was taken, we're going to get her now. I'm sure Kagome is fine." Miroku said softly.
"Who took her?" Koga rounded on all of them, teeth barred as he threw Shippo, who had climbed onto his shoulder, "I'll go save her myself."
"Yeah, I'd like to see you try." Inuyasha snapped, crossing his arms.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Miroku looked at Sango, who shook her head, "This is going to take a long time."
*
For a second he was perfectly still, tense and stiff. Then he swayed slightly and fell backward. His long silver hair fell out in front of him, trailing his body that fell in what was nearly a graceful arc to the ground, his hair fanning out around his shoulders.
"Sesshomaru?" Kagome turned back and rushed to drop to her knees beside him. His eyes were closed tightly, and he remained perfectly still. Almost hesitantly she shook his shoulder, he still would not move. "Sesshomaru?" She tried shaking him again, with the same results.
"It won't do any good, attempting to wake him." The cool voice caused Kagome to look around for source. The brown haired, cat faced woman appeared suddenly not far from her, arms crossed over an almost furry stomach.
"What? Why? What have you done?" Kagome asked, staring at the woman.
"Being a human you probably can't smell it, but any dog who happens across this place will be overwhelmed by out chemical fumes, it makes them much easier to kill," The cat gestured to Sesshomaru's limp body, "This one for instance has caused us trouble before."
"You want to kill him? He can't even fight you." Kagome looked down at him. It was strange to see Sesshomaru as helpless.
"His condition is an advantage. It has little bearing on the outcome." The cat started forward, "Now, move human, if you run away now, I won't chase you."
Kagome watched is head roll to one side. He was barely breathing. She had moved before completely making her decision. Forcing herself up without using her hands was difficult, but once she rose there would have been no time to stoop to take the weapon.
Sesshomaru's tokijin shook in her hands as she held the blade out threateningly. The sword was much heavier than she had expected, and she wouldn't be able to hold it up for long. Would she even be able to swing it? How could Sesshomaru handle this weapon with only one hand? Because he was a demon, and much stronger than her.
The cat woman's laugh pulled Kagome away from her thoughts. She had to focus or both she and Sesshomaru would die. "Do you really think you can fight me human? You're a fool if you believe it would do any good." Each word quivered with laughter.
Kagome took a step forward, still holding the sword out, "Just let us go and I won't have to hurt you." She said, sounding more confident than she felt.
"You can not be serious. I would never live down the same if I allowed you to go." The fingernails on her hands lengthened suddenly and the cat dove and Kagome. The girl sidestepped, trying to remain between the cat and Sesshomaru as she did so, without tripping over the latter's feet. She tried not to hold her breath, or pant with the effort of holding the sword up, "You aren't very crafty little mouse. I'll catch you quickly."
"I'm not a toy for you to play with," Kagome snapped, watching the cat stalk her, the huntress's mind temporarily diverted from Sesshomaru.
"Then what are you? You aren't a serious opponent." There was a mocking, almost baby talk tone in the cat's purring voice. The furry woman charged again. Kagome swung the blade at the cat's approach. She couldn't halt it's progress as she narrowly missed the cat. Sharply pointed claws cut barely into her cheek and Kagome tried to twist away, only to feel more digging into her shoulder, sliding toward her neck. Again she wrenched herself back and away, only to feel a white hot, radiating pain in her left side. The claws sliced her partly open, before retracting and what had started as a scream in Kagome's throat died to a gasp as she crumpled to the ground and she curled into herself, waiting for the final blow. It didn't come.
She swallowed her pain and forced her eyelids to rise. Her breath trembled coming in and left her shacking even more. She could feel her pulse throbbing through her entire body, and the sticky warmth of her own blood on her face, shoulder and oozing from the deep wounds in her side. She forced herself to focus on finding the cat, who had wounded her.
A razor sharp talon lingered over Sesshomaru's exposed throat, not quite touching the pale skin. A wicked grin split her face and the neon green eyes twinkled maliciously. "Trying to hide behind a human. Foolish dog, your mouse will be a great plaything for me." The small hand rose, preparing to stab into and slice his jugular vein.
"NO!" Kagome propelled herself forward, swing the blade with her last ounce of strength. The cat tried to turn to her and dodge at the same time. She wasn't quick enough. The blade sliced more that half way through the cat's body before stopping. Bright green eyes widened in shock.
"Mou…se…" The body collapsed and the sounds of her breath stopped.
It was excruciating to move, even breathing was like being stabbed again, but Kagome knew they couldn't stay there. She forced herself to remain standing and closing her hands around Sesshomaru's wrist she began to drag him.
*
"That's enough you two." Miroku pushed between the two fighting demons, "Arguing amongst ourselves isn't going to get us to Kagome and faster."
"He's right. Stop fighting and let's go get Kagome back. Then you can fight over her."
"There won't be anymore fighting. I'm going to rescue my woman, and this time I'm keeping her." Koga snapped, turning away from them and vanishing into a swirl of dirty air. Inuyasa chuckled.
"What's so funny Inuyasha?" Shippo asked anxiously.
"Maybe we should let him get to Sesshomaru first, then he'll kill Koga and we won't have to deal with him anymore."
*
She prayed she'd managed to get far enough as she fell to her knees, began pitching forward to the ground. She had no strength left to stop herself. She barely managed to turn her head to look at him. She needed to rest, just for a little while. "I'm sorry Sesshomaru…This is the best I can do." She whispered just before she lost consciousness.