Note: I wrote this before the newest episode of Inuyasha showed on Tuesday, so the way they get into the border between the worlds is different from how they will get in on the anime.
Chapter 2 – Pushed Into a Trap
"Inuyasha," Kagome called, dragging her tired feet along the ground once more. It was nearly midday, and Inuyasha continued to push them forward. She knew they could not last much longer, but Inuyasha continued to try and search for the real last shard, since she'd… accidentally, cracked her piece of fragment, and… well, it resulted in what happened the first time the Shikon no Tama was broken down into millions of little fragments. Except, now there weren't as many, and… Naraku's incarnations, Hakudoushi, and Akira were getting to them first.
Her inu-hanyou friend did not response, and she felt frustrated. She needed a bath, since she felt like she was covered in sweat, and dirt from the youkai attack earlier. She wanted to stop for a while, since the day was continuing to get hotter, and hotter. She knew that the others probably felt the same way, since they weren't exactly under the shade of the trees, but traveling along a long dirt path that seemed to have no end in sight. However, Inuyasha, like always, was being stubborn and pushed them harder then they could go… and he knew it.
Biting her bottom lip from habit, Kagome tried to reason with herself, telling her heart that it would probably be best just to sit Inuyasha and get it over with. Her heart, the part of her that felt the strongest connection with Inuyasha, however, did not agree. In the end, though, she won, and finally growled, "Inuyasha, don't make me say it!"
Inuyasha's puppy-dog ears shifted into a better position to hear her comment, before giving off his famous, "Feh" sound. "You better not, bitch," he replied. Glancing back at her, he felt his body grow cold at his comment, but knew it was for the best. Kikyo would soon be revived with the Shikon no Tama, because inside his heart, somewhere, he was frightened that Kagome would leave once the Shikon was wished upon; a pure-hearted wish would cause her to leave him.
At least if he gave Kikyo her life back, without Kagome's soul, then he could have someone to love him. If Kagome was pulled through the well, or thrown back into her time era, then he'd never see her again. At least once Kikyo got another soul, and another chance; he would be able to have one of them. True, Kikyo might be a little different, but she wouldn't be the cold-hearted bitch she'd turned out to be upon resurrection. Once Kagome's pure-hearted wish was made, – he knew she'd wish for whatever he asked - he could try again, for the third time, to make a woman happy, instead of crushing her feelings so many times.
He'd done that enough already.
Besides, Kagome just seemed like such a child. She wasn't woman enough for him. Or… that was what he told himself so many times a day.
"Inuyasha…" Kagome snapped. How dare he call her such a degrading name! Sometimes she wondered if she should just let go of the feelings she had, even if it caused her to grieve for a while, and find another person to love. That way she wouldn't be hurt so many times.
Like it was said: 'there are many fish in the sea'.
Sango and Miroku watched as Inuyasha's ears flattened, and just as he was about to turn on the girl, Kagome let out the magic word. Inuyasha hit the dirt, his face planting itself in firm soil, before Kagome began repeating her word of subjection over and over again before she began panting for air. Of course, like most times, by then Inuyasha was inside his own little crater, knocked out from the force of Kagome's anger. Inuyasha, like always, should have been glad that Kagome wasn't the type to stay angry, or he might find himself kissing the dirt more often… Yes, he was lucky not to have Sango, or Miroku – amazingly; the monk could not stand to see a woman hurt in such ways – in Kagome's stead. They both would make Inuyasha's life a living hell just for putting Kagome through this for nearly over a year now.
She deserved better. Now, though Miroku, and Sango tried to stay out of the Inuyasha, Kagome, Kikyo love triangle, they also wanted Kagome to be happy. With Kikyo still walking the Earth's soil, Kagome could never find happiness with Inuyasha. Besides, when they spoke privately on the matter, they always came to the same conclusion: Kagome needed a youkai mate… They once thought about asking Kouga to join their group, but that had gone down the tube when Kouga came to tell Kagome he was sorry, when asked what was wrong, he told them that he'd been forced into a mating ritual with Ayame, from the Northern wolf tribe; the mating bond between the two couldn't have been broken. Unfortunately, their efforts of finding Kagome a demon mate, one who would not only cherish her like a mate should, and treat her right, but also one who's love would tie their friend's life force to the feudal era, so that when she made the pure-hearted wish on the Shikon, she would stay with them…
True, with a youkai mate Kagome's life would expand until she was destined to see them die, just to live the same years as her mate, but they were positive Kagome would be able to handle it. After all, Kagome, each and everyday like clockwork, dealt with Inuyasha, the idiot hanyou who didn't return Kagome's affections like he should. Kagome was a strong spirit, who could make friends with everyone with she tried; living so many years like a true youkai, she'd make friends with other youkai females, trying to fill the ache she had for them. However, even though they were gone, she'd always wish they were there… they knew that.
It, truly, was the only set back to finding Kagome a youkai mate.
Sighing, Miroku stepped toward the fuming miko, before resting his had on her shoulder. When she turned toward him, looking like a hellcat ready to strike out, he raised his staff in defense, before saying, "Kagome-sama, perhaps now we may stop to rest?"
Kagome's anger faded, remembering the reason why she'd flattened Inuyasha's face in the first place. Smiling toward Miroku, Kagome replied, "Hai, that sounds like a wonderful idea, Miroku-san. Perhaps you can find us some shade, it seems to be getting hotter by the minute."
Smiling innocently, Miroku bowed his head, "I'd be honored, Kagome-sama."
Sango scowled, coming up behind him when she saw his hand make a move, "We're sure you would, houshi… now, get moving."
Smiling brightly, Miroku moved his hand from Kagome's back, and waved it in front of him. "Sango, darling, I meant no offence." Miroku gave a shaking smile, knowing this was going nowhere, fast.
"Yeah, right," Sango huffed, gripping his sleeve. "Come on, you lechorous houshi, lets go find Kagome-chan some shade." Sango stopped for a moment, turning to glare at the monk, before adding, "And… don't ever call me darling again, understand?"
Nodding vigorously, Miroku quickly agreed, "Hai, hai, of course, dearest Sango."
Kagome gave a soft laugh when she heard Sango give a battle cry, before the shuffling of Miroku's sandals as he raced past her on the path, the angry taijiya right behind him. Though Sango seemed madder then a hatter, Kagome knew that she meant well, and actually held affection for the lecherous houshi named Miroku. Now, as soon as they began to realize it between themselves… well, she'd finally become a godmother! She'd actually tried to picture Miroku and Sango's children – if they ever got the nerve to try – but it just didn't seem realistic enough, since she knew that it might happen any day now.
Ok, so, she was getting a little ahead of herself. Yes, she knew that Rome wasn't made in a day, and these things needed time to proper and grow, but… well, she couldn't wait to get ahold of any children that might be produced between those two. At least –
- if she ever got to see them.
She knew the chances were slim of her being able to stay in the feudal era once Naraku was gone. After all, she'd once been told that when you fulfill your destiny everything falls into place. Well, she'd never been from this era in the first place, so maybe whatever magic had brought her to the warring states era would decide that it was time for her futuristic form to move on with the life she thought she was supposed to have. Maybe once she collected the Shikon no Tama together, and made a pure-hearted wish… she'd simply go back to her fifteenth birthday, and start anew, but in the future. She'd never remember Sango, Miroku, Shippo, Kirara, Rin, Jaken, unfortunately, Sesshoumaru… or, Inuyasha. They might never remember her… or perhaps they might, and when she was simply regular old Kagome again she'd find a legend on the Miko of the Shikon, and how she helped defeat a powerful evil, while traveling beside her friends. Maybe she'd end up working for the modernized Sesshoumaru – she was pretty sure he hadn't died… unless he lost a battle or something – and would never know. Yet, he would be in the background watching as she worked, and grew, until even she faded into dust and left nothing but tormenting memories for him.
Yeah, Kagome, she laughed to herself, dropping her heavy bag to the ground, you keep on believing that. It'd be a cold day in hell before Sesshoumaru asked anything of her, whether it was to stay close by his side, to mate, or… to remember – that way he wouldn't be alone in the modern era.
Hell, she wasn't even sure if he was alive in the modern era. If he was then the world was doomed, since he was probably some tightwad businessman who had women hanging on him.
She gave a small giggle, picturing Sesshoumaru in a business suit, cash flooding from his pockets, and women hanging on his arms, while he gave nothing but a look between annoyance and boredom. Her noise got a small 'mew' in response, and she turned to find Kirara sitting a few feet away. Though her mind continued to supply to the current imagery inside her mind, adding her friends as adults asking Sesshoumaru to marry them, she called out to her feline friend, watching as the fire cat moved forward to meet her hand.
Still, knowing her future friends, Eri, Ayumi, and Yuka, they'd probably fall head over heels as soon as they saw the Taiyoukai of the West. She'd always wondered what would happen if she showed them the picture she'd accidentally snapped of him. Of course, Sesshoumaru hadn't been happy about that, since he'd thought it was some type of attack – weak, as it seemed, he said. However, the growl he gave her was far more terrifying then she'd ever heard from Inuyasha, and it was only after she explained that she'd wanted to take a picture – yes, she'd explained that as well – of Rin, but had missed.
Still, the picture was quite nice, though, she did feel a little guilty keeping it, instead of showing him like she'd promised. She'd have to do that before… well, just before any bad happened. She really didn't think he'd care either way, really, but it was just something she felt the need to do.
"Hey, Kirara, feelin' lonely?" Kagome asked, beginning to stroke the soft fur on Kirara's back. The feline gave another small 'mew', which caused Kagome to sigh. "You know, Kirara… I sure wish you could talk."
The red eyes of the cat merely stared up at her. Though Kirara was technically an animal, Kagome was sure her youkai friend understood what she said. However, she was also positive that because Kirara couldn't generate a humanoid looking form that she could not speak. Either that, or Kirara didn't have enough youki to speak at all. Still, she wasn't surprised when she didn't get an answer to her statement – well, besides the slight rub Kirara gave her arm, before beginning to purr.
Casting a glance over toward her hanyou friend, Kagome bit the inside of her lip out of habit, before lifting Kirara into her arms, and petting her back in long strokes. "I wish Inuyasha hadn't made Shippo stay in Edo, Kirara," she whispered, giving Inuyasha another dark look. "I know he means well, but I miss him… and Sango and Miroku are always off by themselves, while Inuyasha simply ignores me anymore. Sometimes, Kirara, I wish I had someone who would talk with me… hold me… and tell me everything's going to be alright…"
Kagome felt tears form in her eyes, "I-I think that if I found anyone like that here, though, I'd have to leave them soon. I don't know why, Kirara, but I feel as if something is going to happen – perhaps today… or maybe tomorrow. I'm not sure, but if something does happen, I want you to watch after everyone, since I know you can, ok, Kirara?"
The neko gave another soft 'mew', rubbing herself against Kagome's arm, before winding herself into a small ball, where she began to sleep. Kagome, smiling down at her, continued to stroke her white fur, placing with one of her twin tails every once in a while, but otherwise leaving the feline to sleep in her newly found, comfortable, position.
Kagome gave a small haunting smile, before saying, "That's my girl."
After all, she knew more about what was going on then the others thought she did. True, Inuyasha might think she was blind eye to these things, but she knew about his nightly visits to Kikyo anymore. She loved him with all her heart, but after so long of him merely gallivanting off with some dead, clay pot, her love began to sag. Though she knew she'd cry for days on end for her lost, first love, she'd understand when he asked her to use the Shikon no Tama to bring Kikyo back to life…
Perhaps he'd understand that she couldn't… No, she… wouldn't.
It would taint the Shikon, bringing it back into existent in another century… There it would become another person's responsibility. She couldn't push something like that onto someone. Besides, Midoriko herself would have been proud that she thought about the world first, instead of listening to her heart. Even if her heart continued to torment her, telling her that she should do what Inuyasha asked, and though she might end up doing so, she wasn't going to wish for something like that.
oOo
Off in the bushes, two figures bumped into one another, each trying to see out the small space they'd parted to watch as their miko friend talked with the none-responsive Kirara. They knew that Kagome was lonely, and they knew that she needed someone who would be devoted to her. They knew, merely from listening to her, that Kagome knew more then she spoke of, and probably felt the weight of it all finally coming down to rest on her shoulders.
Sighing, Sango whispered, "Kagome gives so much—"
"—Yet, she asks for nothing in return," Miroku finished the thought.
Nodding, Sango returned her face toward her friend, feeling the anguish in the young miko's voice. Mostly from when she spoke of the little kitsune Inuyasha had threatened to kill if they didn't leave him in the village with Keade. They knew that the hanyou had merely wanted to protect the kit, feeling that Naraku might strike any day now, since the jewel shards were beginning to get low, and fast. Inuyasha, in a brotherly way, hadn't wanted the kit to get hurt, but in the process hurt Kagome – not only in her mind, but he'd puckered her soul in a way no one would be able to heal.
Going after the child of a protective mother was the worse offence you could ever commit on a family, especially when they've done nothing to bring it upon themselves. Inuyasha should have known that, since from what they understood, he'd never been accepted by any race – ningen or youkai. He'd been shunned all his life, only his mother caring for him when he was younger. He should have known what those words would have done to poor little Shippo, who cowered away from him whenever they visited the village. In the future, Shippo might see Inuyasha as Inuyasha saw Sesshoumaru… an enemy who tried to take things from you, and sometimes succeeded.
"I didn't know Kagome-sama seemed so heart-broken as of late," Miroku sighed, feeling ashamed for not seeing it sooner. However, watching her now, he could easily see the signs of early depression and loneliness. Kagome would never tell anyone, since she was supposed to be sunshine smiles, and cheerful laughs everyday – at least, to everyone else. You look beneath her armor, though, and you'd see a girl who was a little frightened of what was going on, wishing that she had someone to share the burden with.
Sango nodded in return, "Hai, but we're the only ones Kagome-chan has, houshi. Lately, just as Kagome said, Inuyasha has been acting different… when I heard him panting Kagome's name somewhere off in the woods around a month ago."
Miroku's head lowered in acceptance, "That was around the time we found out Kikyo hadn't actually died on Mount Hakurei, wasn't it?"
"Hai," Sango replied, "it was."
"Do you think Inuyasha met with Kikyo-sama in private late one night?" Miroku asked. His hand tightened on his shakujo, thinking of the times when Inuyasha tore Kagome's heart up a little more, while he betrayed her trust for him.
Giving a small snort, Sango said, "I don't doubt it, if that's what you're asking, houshi."
"Neither do I," Miroku sighed, "which, in the end, makes it worse for us all.
"If we can't find someone else to hold Kagome's heart; to care for her, then we might lose her. Not in body, but in mind. Either that, or her heart will become so shattered when Inuyasha asks for Kikyo to be given another soul to live as a normal human woman, before Kagome jumps back into the Bone Eaters Well and never returns to us…"
"We can't let that happen, Miroku," Sango hissed, pulling him down when Kagome glanced in their direction. However, when she looked back, she gave a confused look, before asking, "Why are we hiding again?"
"Because, Sango-san, we're supposed to be finding Kagome-sama shade," Miroku replied.
"Right," Sango said, "lets hop to it, then."
Miroku smiled, flashing her a perverted grin, "Why, Sango darling, if you want to hop, then you may hop right into my lap and take a ride you'll never forget!"
"Oh, you're such a hentai, houshi," Sango hissed, moving away from him quickly. She dropped his name, deciding that 'monk' was better suited for him, since he should try to act as such. Really, he was beginning, no, he had, given many monk's a bad name.
Sighing, Miroku pouted, "Very well."
oOo
"Hurry, Kagura," Hakudoushi commanded, wishing to get this small, meaningless task over and done with before the sun went down. Though the breeze was nice, Hakudoushi was continuously assaulted with Kagura's thoughts. It would not bother him if he were battling another demon, slicing their head from their shoulders, or searching for the remaining jewel shards. No, he was forced to go out on an errand with his most annoying of siblings.
Kagura sighed, "I'm going as fast as I can, Hakudoushi. Don't worry, I'm sure Naraku will allow you to kill something after those fools are gone." Turning her head toward him, she thought, creepy little child… even after all this time. Strange.
Keeping his face calm and collected, Hakudoushi let his smooth voice form, "You remember that I can read your thoughts, do you not, Kagura?"
"Hai," Kagura hissed, pushing the wind a little harder. The feature they were riding twisted in the air, yet continued to glide with mastered ease. They would fly to Inuyasha first, knowing the hanyou would need more time to get to the device, before summoning Sesshoumaru. Hakudoushi would handle the demon lord, while she, Kagura, confronted Inuyasha like she'd done many times so far, merely landing in his campsite, before flying away. "I have not forgotten anything, Hakudoushi," she finished.
Hakudoushi's clear, soft lavender eyes twinkled a little, remembering the first time he'd told Kagura about his ability. Then, he had had Entei, and had confronted Inuyasha himself about the jewel maker – the way to the border between the living and the dead. Smirking a little, Hakudoushi said, "It is a shame our plan to force open the gate between this world and the next failed, Kagura. I was hoping Inuyasha would have died that day… A shame, really, that a dead soul managed to show up at just the right time."
Kagura remembered that day well. It was the day Inuyasha fought with the guardians of the gate, and nearly lost. However, that soul, a strong demonic one that had probably died in battle had come to the gate. The guardians had retreated, standing back to open the gate for the souls passage, but in the process allowed them inside as well. Of course, after obtaining the jewel shard they left, leaving Inuyasha and his gang between the living and the dead… However, the hanyou and his crew weren't willing to merely die, and had managed to somehow return to Earth. They really were quite annoying.
"Kagura, they are close by," Hakudoushi said, poking her in the back, "Head northeast."
Kagura gave a cocky, yet faked surprised reply of, "Oh! Really, they are?" She could smell Inuyasha a mile away, so she didn't need this boy telling her where they were.
"Kagura, this is no time for games, now go," the boy replied. Kagura shivered a little, hating it that the boy she her name at the beginning of almost all his sentences. It was just plain creepy. She hated it, since she was the one who was always sent out with him. Did Naraku go? No, of course he didn't, because he wanted to strengthen his hanyou abilities, the coward. He had no intention of trying to fight the Inu-gang or Sesshoumaru until he was sure that he could merely flick his wrist and they'd go down. Main reason why he was sending them out to do this mission, instead of doing it himself – he wanted to make sure that the idiots not only came to the device, instead of merely attacking him, but also so he didn't get any injuries. Apparently, Naraku wasn't completely confident in himself.
"Naraku is not confident about the device working on the group themselves, Kagura," Hakudoushi supplied. "He does not know if it will make them disappear as it did Akira."
Hm… so that was the reason. Either way, Naraku was a coward.
oOo
Sesshoumaru sniffed the air, scenting out the wind witch before her small wind vortex landed before him. However, as he growled, it was not the wind sorceress who stepped forward, but the young boy dressed in white grabs, his lavender eyes staring up at him with defiance. The smirk on the boys face told him that something was amiss, but as his retainer started screeching, his dragon growled in warning, and his young human ward gave a soft gasp, he turned his golden eyes toward them a little.
"Sesshoumaru," the boy spat.
"It is Lord Sesshoumaru to you, spoiled brat!" Jaken yelled, swinging the staff of two heads in a circle, ready to attack at any moment. However, the boy's glare silenced him, and he raced behind AhUn, wondering if he'd taken the right course of action. However, even if he hadn't his lord and master would take care of this young youkai scum with merely a flick of his hand. After all, he'd seen him single handedly kill the boy's oversized demon horse.
"Jaken, quiet," Sesshoumaru said, his tone cold but stern. He knew this boy. Though he was not as dangerous as he seemed to a fully trained youkai like himself, he could be a pain in the backside to anyone else. He knew that this incarnation was Naraku's worst, but probably not his last, since he was always coming up with new ideas and creatures. Naraku was more annoying then even his half-brother, for at least Inuyasha did not run from everything thrown at him, but instead fought it like a warrior.
"Hai… milord," Jaken gulped, hiding himself more behind the dragon. The boy might be scary, but his lord's wrath was real, solid, and hurt. He knew that from experience.
Kagura hung in the background, smirking at the memory of Inuyasha's body inside a crater before they showed. It would seem the miko wench had a way of controlling the beastly creature. Even still, the hanyou had tried to attack them, but Hakudoushi, obviously trying to make a big deal out of everything, fended the hanyou off with ease. All the while she told the others where Naraku would want them – that the final battle had come, and if they were not there, they might not get a piece of his demise… or theirs. This had gotten Inuyasha's attention, and he turned toward her, growling a reply about how he would cause Naraku's death, no one else. Of course, they hadn't paid attention to this, merely telling him that if he were late they'd miss out on all the fun… also that his scent would show the way. It was a good enough explanation for the hanyou since he wouldn't be able to understand very big words. Still, it was such a pity Naraku wouldn't allow her to toy with the hanyou. He'd continued to hiss at her within her thoughts, telling her not to touch Inuyasha because he was his to fool, his to destroy with his magical device. Now that they'd gone and went she still wished she could have gotten at least a few swings at Inuyasha before he was gone forever. Before Naraku pushed him into his stupid trap, and they all went bye-bye.
Of course, she'd never understood that either. They'd all have to be in the exact distance, for it to work, but they could easily move out of the twenty-foot range before the device began working. Then they'd jump over the damn thing and Naraku would meet his end. What was the point? Really, if they couldn't at least attack them to make them think it was safe to come within that distance, then there was no point, actually. But no, Naraku wanted them to merely fly over the device and nothing more. What a coward he was… oh, wait; she'd already established this a long time ago.
No wonder Naraku was an idiot. Of course if he ever heard her saying that he'd probably laugh his ass off. Naraku was… strange, as of late. Probably from the reappearance of Kikyo – the miko who would not die, no matter how many times Naraku tried. Not her problem, actually, but since she was a piece of Naraku, it became her problem. Mainly because she was always sent to attack the blasted miko, and when she was injured she ran away like a smart woman would do.
"Sesshoumaru," Hakudoushi continued, "I bring you a message from Naraku."
Narrowing his eyes further, Sesshoumaru lifted his lip, "I will not be apart of Naraku's schemes again, boy."
"Ah…" Hakudoushi gave a curt laugh. "You misjudge him, Sesshoumaru. He does not want your assistance, he wants your presence at the final battle… then it will be done and over with, and you shall be dead."
Rin gasped, covering her mouth with her hand. She was only around ten years now, but she couldn't bear to see her Sesshoumaru-sama die! He was everything to her. She loved him as she'd loved her father before he died. She did not want another father to die. She did not want to lose him like she'd lost her last family. AhUn, Jaken, and Lord Sesshoumaru were all she had. Well, she had Kagome-chan when they saw each other, since Kagome was the nicest girl she'd ever met. Kagome-chan gave her candy, but she knew that she'd have to make due with one of them, and Kagome-chan had to collect the pretty shards that Sesshoumaru-sama had grown accustom to giving Kagome-chan when they crossed paths. It seemed that Sesshoumaru-sama shunned all humans but her and Kagome-chan, but Lord Sesshoumaru would probably never consider taking Kagome-chan as his mate, since they were so… different. She wished he'd consider it, though, since then she'd get both her favorite people in the world as her parents. Of course, she also knew that Sesshoumaru-sama would never actually call her his daughter, since then other youkai would come to try and take her away from him, and he didn't want that. Lord Sesshoumaru knew everything!
Letting a small smirk curve on his lip, Sesshoumaru said, "So, Naraku has finally decided to stop hiding behind a barrier and fight me?"
"He wants to fight all of you at once, Sesshoumaru," Hakudoushi said. "I'm sure you wouldn't want others to say you were a coward compared you younger half-brother who showed at the final battle… but died. I'm sure we both realize that Inuyasha will not make it."
"The hanyou might not," Sesshoumaru growled, "but inform Naraku that I will take his head."
Giving a mocking bow, Hakudoushi said, "Hai, milord."
Before Sesshoumaru could reply, Kagura wrapped herself around the boy, her wind vortex once more forming around them. They flew into the air, before he saw the vortex break apart suddenly, the two youkai riding away on Kagura's feature. However, that did not concern him, since his mind was on the final battle. Naraku had finally decided to come out of his hiding place and fight them. He knew that Inuyasha's little group, though he only remembered the name of his half-brother and the miko, would be there, fighting for the same purpose. He swore that he'd be the one to take Naraku's head, since he was sure that even Naraku's regeneration powers would not work when his head was severed from his body.
His claws itched for the kill as he turned toward the direction Kagura and the boy were heading. He would not be put underneath Inuyasha when it came to fighting. He was the alpha of the inu group, not his bastard hanyou brother. His hanyou brother would never take that from him! He'd already taken the prized sword Tetsusigia, and he'd gotten the Sou'unga bond to him, which caused the sword to go haywire. Because of this he had to help seal it away in hell, instead of holding its power within his grasp. Inuyasha had taken enough from him; he would not take the title of the Prince of Dogs.
As soon as he had an heir, however, he would be the King of Dogs, and his son would be the Prince of Dogs. After all, he was full-blooded, and even if his child where to ever be hanyou – though he doubted they would be – then they would be higher in status then Inuyasha. Besides, Inuyasha would never deserve the title of prince.
"Come Jaken," Sesshoumaru called, knowing the imp would pull AhUn, and Rin behind him. After hearing Jaken's squawked reply, he began setting the pace, wanting to get to the battleground as soon as possible. After all, the sooner he got there the sooner the battle would begin, and Naraku's head would soon be sitting on his desk as a paperweight.
oOo
"Kagome," Sango called out to the miko. Seeing her turn toward her, Sango said, "Would you like to ride Kirara during the battle? You could get closer to fire off your arrows, and then you wouldn't have to carry your bag, Kirara can do that." She knew that the girl was very fond of the neko, and was pleased when Kirara transformed, and Kagome came to climb onto her back.
"Thank you, Sango," Kagome said, nodding lightly. She had a feeling Sango had heard her talking to Kirara before, but she was still happy that her bag settled onto Kirara's back easily, her hand holding it there for now. However, she knew that she'd have to situate it onto her back once they entered the battle, for she'd probably lose it otherwise.
Inuyasha sniffed the air, giving off a pleased growl when he caught the scent of Naraku. "He's this way, guys," Inuyasha called to the others, rushing off to the east. He did not mind that the others were far behind him; he simply wanted to taste Naraku's blood on his tongue. He wanted to feel Naraku's flesh sliding down his arms, while covering his clothing. He wanted it all, and he wasn't going to be late to get it - especially since his brother was supposed to be there.
Sesshoumaru would not get his glory!
Kagome sighed, before calling out, "Sango, you want to ride with me until we get there?"
Miroku, seeming offended, replied, "What about me, Kagome-sama?"
Huffing, Kagome scowled, "You're not sitting behind me, hentai."
Sango chuckled, Kirara coming to her side. Kagome'd already moved back so she could easily climb on, which she did within moments. The houshi continued to run, his human legs pumping to keep up with her demonic companion. However, she smiled, knowing that once they got to the battle everything would fall into place. After all, if they were destined to defeat Naraku then it would happen. If they were not, then someone else would, since Kagome's time barely had a youkai, and Naraku would have probably enslaved them all, including the ningens to work for him and him alone.
oOo
Naraku watched, seeing Inuyasha's form come into view as a small red dot. He sensed Sesshoumaru off in the forest to his left, but that did not matter, since he would probably exit the forest right in front of the device, which meant it would activate. He was positive that anyone could be thrown inside, but the only real thing was if they had a pure soul would they disappear, or merely float around. Not that it mattered to him, since the large keyhole looking stone would not bring them back. Akira was an example of that.
Smirking, he closed his eyes, waiting for them to arrive. It was Inuyasha who burst into the scene first, but Kagura, standing thirty feet in front of the device began blasting the hanyou with her wind attacks. It kept him at bay, since the hanyou was obviously more indulged with Kagura then with anything else. Still, he needed the others around as well, or they would wonder where Inuyasha was, before one of them stepped over the line and disappeared causing the others to run. That would probably get rid of Inuyasha, and one of his moronic friends, since Sesshoumaru if not touching the ground at the right moment would merely jump over the device, leaving the others to their fate. Then he'd still have to fight the stupid taiyoukai… though she was still positive he'd fall at his hand.
Inuyasha growled, hearing the echoing roar Kirara gave off, its sound traveling toward them. Within moments Miroku slide to his side, his staff coming up to protect him from the blades of wind Kagura continued to blast toward them. Sango landed next to them soon after, her hiraikotsu flying toward the wind witch. However, it was blasted back toward them as he watched an arrow fly down at Kagura from up above.
Hakudoushi turned his attention to the miko in the sky from his post on top of the device. Blinking, he reached down, grabbed a hishu (dagger) from the inside of his sleeve. Turning the metal in the sunlight, he flicked it out, watching as it came extremely close to striking the miko in the face. However, not only did he miss on purpose, but the neko had moved the slightest. Still, he might have to force the miko off the neko, for that might be the only way to get them to move over the line.
Naraku laughed, before calling, "Inuyasha!" He wasn't certain if the device only worked when you touched the ground, but he shot out his longest tentacle, happy to find that as it moved through the center of the device, never touching the ground, nothing happened. Of course, he might have to cut it off when the magic began, but he would deal with it when the time came.
Turning her eyes toward the voice of evil, Kagome swung another arrow from her back, urging Kirara toward the top of the strange looking stone tablet. She watched Hakudoushi with caution, but let her arrow fly. However, she cursed when the arrow missed him, hitting the dirt behind him, its energy causing the arrow to burst into bits. However, that was not the result she wanted! She wanted Naraku to be blown into bits, not just the arrow!
Sango raced forward a bit, throwing her mighty weapon once again. However, Kagura's wind attacks did nothing to help her boomerang. As it came back toward her, she ducked noticing how low it was, before turning to watch as it slammed into a tree, the trunk so thick it merely stuck there. Cursing, Sango moved toward Miroku, allowing her hand to grasp her sword's hilt, pulling the metal from its sheath with the 'sheeenk' sound. Twisting the sword quickly, she took up her stance beside Miroku, watching as Inuyasha raced forward, never once trying to draw his sword, but merely attacking Kagura with his claws. It was pointless to use the wind scar against Kagura, anyway, so she could understand why he didn't go for his sword, even when one of Naraku's tentacles slammed him in the back tossing him forward.
Kagome turned her attack, drawing another arrow, yelling for the others to look out as she aimed. However, when she let loose the wave of purification toward Kagura another hishu sliced through her cheek lightly. She jumped a little, the arrow falling way off course. Cursing again, Kagome yelled, "Kirara, I think its time to teach Hakudoushi a lesson, don't you?"
The neko gave another piercing roar, seeming to agree with the girl currently riding on her back. Running in midair, Kirara easily turned herself toward the boy, and went surging in toward him. However, even as Kagome readied an arrow on her back, and she came in at youkai speeds, the boy easily flipped away from both, landing back on the ground near Naraku. Growling, Kirara bared her fangs at him, knowing he was a threat to the ningen on her back, before heading back into the battle as Kagome's arrow was let loose. Like most of the other times they'd encountered Naraku, however, it struck a barrier, as the armored male laughed with humor. Growling again, Kirara gave another echoing cat roar, knowing it traveled for miles.
"That's the spirit, Kirara," Kagome smiled, patting the neko in the side. As she swerved in the air, Kagome gripped her fur tighter, knowing that letting go would mean her death. Either that or she'd hurt herself before anyone could catch her. She did not need that to happen.
Naraku watched the forest as Sesshoumaru's white figure sped outward. The dragon, currently carrying Sesshoumaru's other companions, trotted close behind, stopping when his lord stopped. However, Naraku watched Sesshoumaru with curious eyes, wondering what he'd do. He knew that it must seem strange that he did not have a horde of demons attacking them, but he could not risk that, since some of the youkai might give away the device. Then his plan would be ruined. However, he continued to watch the taiyoukai, watching as he moved from the edge of the forest, pulling his demonic sword from his obi, and began moving toward him.
Kagura smirked, knowing that the gang was all there. Dodging another one of Inuyasha's misplaced attacks, she cried, "Dance of the Dragon!" The whirling tornados went flying toward the hanyou, causing him to stumble back as she gripped the feature on top of her head. Within moments the feature had transformed into her transportation, before she began flying over the device.
Sango raced forward, going to go after the demoness…
Sesshoumaru, seeing his opportunity, sprang over the ground, going to fly straight through the strange looking stone tablet…
Inuyasha continued to fight against the whirling wind, not knowing that he'd be the only adult to be blown away from the distance…
Miroku glanced into the sky when another blast of pink shot through the air, only to see Kagome's arms flaring in the air, Kirara trying to catch her. He ran forward to catch her…
Seeing Kagura try to escape, Kagome pulled another arrow for her use, swinging it into her bow. The bag was heavy on her back as she let the arrow fly. However, Hakudoushi called out from the ground, and Kagura quickly swerved away from her attack. Giving a growl of own, she gave a gasp of surprise when Kirara reared back, her butt sliding off the soft fur, until she found herself falling toward the ground. Flaring her arms out, Kagome tried to grasp at the air, seeing Kirara, who'd been struck with an arrow in the collarbone. The cat tried to grab her, but missed, her energy going haywire before she was blown out of the sky, heading for the trees. Screaming, Kagome twisted in the air, seeing Sesshoumaru flying over the ground below her. She watched as Miroku and Sango suddenly stepped into the twenty-foot diameter. Her hands tried to grip the stone she'd nearly hit, but as she fell into the distance of the stone keyhole there was a flash…
The winds around him died, as Inuyasha gazed around. He'd known he'd seen it; the sudden flash before everything went blank. What had happened, though? He couldn't even see! A laugh caught his ears, and he turned toward the noise, recognizing Naraku's voice. However, the words rang in his ears like a ton of bricks, before he fell to his knees, his eyesight finally coming back to him after he smelt Naraku's scent leave the area.
Blinking away the sudden blindness he'd been forced into Inuyasha found that Naraku's words were true. He felt tears come to his eyes, but turned when he heard the sudden crying of a young girl. He heard her call out to Sesshoumaru, but the dragon caught her before she could rush forward toward that strange stone thing. Kirara came limping out of the forest, looking around for the others, but they were nowhere to be seen.
Sango…
Miroku…
Kagome…
Sesshoumaru…
They were… they were gone.
Just as Naraku had said, "Now, you are the only obstacle left, Inuyasha." How was he to fight, though, without his friends by his side? Kagome gave him strength because her love. Sango gave him training when he asked for it. Miroku gave him knowledge. His brother… his brother had allowed him to keep Tetsusigia. What would he do without them? What would he do…? He'd get them all out of there first… that's what he'd do…
… And he did.
OoO
KibaSin
Man, I spent so much time working on this and Breeding School that I'm not sure if I can get another chapter for Wounded Heart: Re-Written within the next hour. Probably can, though my hand still kind of hurts. So, I'm going to try that. Anyway:
Next Chapter:
Chapter 3 - Where Are We? What Happened?
In this chapter you will see the beginnings of the very first dimension, but it's really only about Kagome, Sango, Miroku, and Sesshoumaru all landing in an unknown place. However, when they meet up with a very familiar looking person they get very confused. To bad they don't know what's going on.
Kiba
