Chapter 12: Fighting Fire with Fire

"Sangooooo!" The little fox demon cried as the body of his friend fell lifelessly on the floor. A strange floating woman holding a blue luminescent orb in her open hand stood directly above the demon slayer as the tail of the small light exited Sango's mouth and joined the rest.

Jakotsu gasped and Bankotsu's eyes widened. Shina screamed.

"She didn't seem all that different to me," the fury said flatly as she watched the human's soul bobble in her hand. "What is it that I should be so interested in?"

The guards accompanying the captured humans bowed humbly as they displayed their catch. Each Bankotsu, Jakotsu, Shippo, and Kiara were subdued from resisting. Bankotsu had flaming shackles chaining him. No matter how hard he tried he could never remove them. He only burned himself more and blistered his skin. Jakotsu had similar bindings, but Shina, Shippo, and Kiara were in normal iron shackles. They had been stripped of their weapons and brought to this place. At first Bankotsu thought it would be ok to play along for awhile until they reached the queen, but soon realized his plan would only work well if he could escape once they got there. He couldn't.

"My lady, the captives appear to have their souls on the outside," one of the shades explained.

The queen drifted forward, her dress wafting behind her. She hovered before Bankotsu and took his chin in her hand, propping it up to look her in the face. His eyes narrowed dangerously. She inspected him shortly.

"So I see," a smile broke across her thin lips. The tips of her razor teeth just visible beneath her upper lip. She soothed one of her spiny claws over his cheek and watched how his eyes never left hers. His embittered expression only pleased her more.

With her other hand she uplifted Sango's soul. She brought it to her chest and it assimilated inside her body. Shippo and Kiara watched in horror. Then out of her slippery dress she revealed a small blade. It was nothing more than a dagger, but everything she did was frightening.

"Explain to me how it is that your soul serves as your body, human," she peered at Bankotsu with her hideous shadowy lenses. Bankotsu didn't respond but just stared back. She smiled. Then she stabbed him.

Bankotsu lurched in the holds of the fiery chains. He shuddered and struggled against the shackles. It felt like a flood of pain and fury was coursing through his being. He was overwhelmed by the agony. It felt like he might burst. His legs gave out under him and he slumped forward.

The knife withdrew and the suffering ebbed. His muscles shook and his breath came in short halting intervals. He could feel the cold sweat on the back of his neck. His whole body felt swollen. His pulse beat incessantly inside his flesh and every time it did he felt like it expanded.

"Bankotsu!" Jakotsu yelled beside him.

A mirthless chuckle rang in his ears. He looked up to see the fury watching him recover.

"Had enough? Of course not. That's why you're here, isn't it?" She gave him a wicked smile. "Perhaps you could explain that as well. I don't recall inviting you." He glared at her as she mused. "You came to slay me did you? That's rather impressive and rather idiotic. You have no idea what you're doing do you?" she snickered. "Don't feel bad. You're not the only ones. Now spill your secrets to me," she showed him the bloodied edge of the dagger, "or I'll spill your entrails all over the floor."

Bankotsu grimaced. There was something about that dagger. It was no ordinary blade. He didn't want to be stung again, but he wasn't going to give her the satisfaction of torturing him into submission.

Suddenly a long twisted knife dug out of her dress from behind. The queen gasped and spun around. Tadao stood with his dagger out. She sneered at him. The dagger failed to harm her at all. Her tresses only wisped as she eyed him harshly.

Not daring to miss his chance, Bankotsu lunged forward and threw the linking chains of his bindings around her neck from behind and pulled her back. She hissed and squirmed violently in his grasp. Her faithful shades dashed to her rescue and scourged Bankotsu on all sides. He growled his pain, but wouldn't let go.

Thinking quickly, Jakotsu threw the other end of his chains around the fury's neck as well and pulled in the opposite direction. She screamed and shrieked. Her nails dug deep into Bankotsu's arms. She was as slippery as a fish and writhing like a snake. With a hideous crack her head lopped off and fell to the floor. Jakotsu fell backwards. Bankotsu landed on his butt in the opposite direction.

Tadao rushed to his love and freed her of her shackles, as well as Shippo and Kiara. The shades present all spewed torrents of flame and retaliated at the beheading of their mistress. Fearing the vengeful flames, everyone retreated after Tadao led them out of the line of fire. Kiara grabbed Sango's limp body and hurried away.

"That was a close call," Jakotsu said as they ran down the cold dark cave.

"I hope it's over," Bankotsu said warily.

"What about Sango?" Shippo peeped. "Will she be alright?"

Bankotsu grimaced. Jakotsu eyed her with an uninterested expression. They still carried their shackles despite the desperate attempt to break them and the fury's neck in one collaborative operation.

The cave was dark except for those rattling chains. Then a light became clear coming from above the blackness.

Bankotsu grit his teeth and kept forcing his screaming muscles to continue for only a little while longer. Once outside the cave, they could reorient themselves. It's not far now. The demonic aura in the darkness was stifling. The shades must be catching up. And they aren't happy. Bankotsu cursed the weakness of his own legs.

They scampered out of the cave and into the fresh light of day. Shippo breathed in the air with relief. Jakotsu huffed as he stumbled out of the hole from whence they came. It was painfully bright on their nocturnal vision.

Bankotsu gasped. A thrust of claws ripped down at him and he tried to hastily deflect the attack. The spiny nails burst through the chains on his arm with a shattering crack. Then he felt a gush of warmth as they pierced through his blistered flesh. He let out a cry and dropped in the marsh by the steaming remains of the shackles.

Shina screamed. Jakotsu gasped.

The fury stood before them with her deep black eyes, which appeared even blacker now. The sun poured down her back and her ghostly appearance was even more apparent. Her delicate crimson hair fluttered about her and her deep dark dress unfurled before them. Her right hand was spattered with Bankotsu's blood and her mouth twisted in a heinous smile.

"She's not dead!" Shippo's high pitched voice cracked.

888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888

"Inuyasha!" Kagome screamed across the room. The half demon was holding Waruimaru's staff high above his head. From behind, the two slender arms embracing him tightly could be clearly seen by both Kikyo and Kagome.

Waruimaru was on the floor. He tried to stagger to his feet. Miroku stumbled away from the half demon and the familiar priestess. His breaths were shallow and he watched in shock as his worst fears were realized.

"You won't let them hurt me, will you Inuyasha?" The priestess's voice was smooth and innocent. She embraced him intimately in her arms and nuzzled her head against his chest.

The half demon appeared frozen in position. He didn't move a muscle, but grunted a response.

"No.." the sound drifted off his lips. She smiled into his kimono. She withdrew and as she slowly released him, his stiff muscles relaxed. His knees bent groggily and his eyes were hazy and doped.

"Inuyasha!" Kagome yelled from across the room. "Are you alright? What's going on?"

The half demon didn't appear to hear her. Miroku looked up, but didn't know how to react.

"Gotchya!" Waruimaru lurched from behind her and seized at the crafty woman from behind. She swiftly side stepped and grinned maliciously. In a vain attempt to stop her yet, he threw and arm out at her. "Ah!" The old sorcerer screamed in pain.

Inuyasha's clawed talon held the old wrinkled hand in its vice like grip. His face was still completely blank. Waruimaru grimaced as he looked from the possessed half demon back to the priestess.

"Dispose of him," the priestess said lackadaisically.

Inuyasha lifted Waruimaru off his feet by his hand and flung him across the room. With a crash he landed in a rustling cloud of dust and debris. Miroku gawked, then swung his vision back to the danger before himself.

"Inuyasha snap out of it! You can not allow yourself to fall under her influence," he scooted backwards on his hands as he retreated from the encroaching menace.

"Miroku!" Kagome's worry flickered in her frightened eyes. "Run away from him! Inuyasha sit!"

Expecting the half demon to drop at her command, Kagome gasped in horror. Oh no! That's right. The beads...

"Ahhhhhhhhh!" A burst of rubble erupted where Miroku was. Inuyasha stood back up after removing his claw from the pit of the hole he created. Miroku couldn't be seen from where Kagome stood in terror.

"Miroku!" She screamed.

Just then the priestess darted away as yet another attacker assailed her from behind. She turned to face her new opponent and then broke into a wide grin.

"Do you always try to kill your reincarnations?" The dark priestess wore an ugly smile.

Kikyo's face remained icy as she continued to slowly approach her double.

"Heh," the dark priestess jittered with amusement, "my name is Kyoko. It is indeed a dubious pleasure to see you, both of you." Kikyo held out her bow, a somber expression tugging at the soft curves of her face. "Inuyasha give me the staff," Kyoko commanded.

The half demon delivered it promptly. She grinned as she wielded it at Kikyo. The dead priestess showed no concern.

"What do you think you can do to me, Kikyo? There is nothing you have that I don't. Better than that, I have more," she held up the staff, "so come at me, if you will."

Kikyo swung down her bow at the woman. The staff rebuffed the spiritual power and met every blow. Inuyasha jumped to Kyoko's side and growled with hate in his eyes.

"I won't allow you to hurt her! Not while I protect her!" The half demon's shiny golden eyes were fierce. Kikyo's brow furrowed and she widened her stance.

"Go!" A voice called across the room. Kagome watched her arrow fly toward the dark priestess. This could be it. This could end it. I can't let Inuyasha fight Kikyo. He's hurt too many people as it is. He better turn back to normal!

Twang! Kagome's anticipation wilted as she witnessed her arrow shot out of the sky by Inuyasha's Tetsusaiga. She gasped. Inuyasha...

Kikyo's face soured. She drew her own arrow from her quiver and took careful aim. Kyoko's eye caught her movement from the side. She turned to face her rival.

"Well?" Kyoko waited.

Kikyo's eyes narrowed. With a snap, the arrow whizzed off the draw string and speared at Kyoko. Inuyasha axed Tetsaiga down on the stream of pink light, but bounced off like a flea. Tetsusaiga transformed to rusty metal.

The priestess reached up as the arrow came and squeezed her hand shut around the swift projectile. Its harsh pink light faded when it was captured by her hand. The skin of her palm ripped and bled due to the flesh skewered as she snatched it out of the air. She only smiled.

"I already told you," she stared at Kikyo smugly, "there's nothing you can do that I can't. Although it wouldn't grieve me to kill you myself, I think I'll let Inuyasha do it. I heard he's had a lot of practice."

Kikyo's eyes resonated contempt. With that the half demon jumped to his feet and transformed his sword.

Inuyasha... Kagome felt small still standing by the entrance. Have you forgotten us? Her eyes fell on a form lying at the back. He wasn't moving. She raced over and shook his shoulder. It was the old man. He looked so rustic in the dust and rubble where he landed, like an unvisited antique in the attic.

"Are you alright?" Kagome asked over the clashing sounds coming behind her. She glanced anxiously over her shoulder. Inuyasha was actually attacking Kikyo. He used his claws when his sword wouldn't thwart her powers. Kikyo rebuffed him with her glowing bow, but he just kept coming. Kagome frowned. A stirring noise snapped her attention back to the sorcerer.

"Oh my gracious," he said groggily, "that wasn't cordial at all now was it?"

"You have to stop Inuyasha. Make him go back to the way he was or we'll be in serious trouble. He's already after Kikyo," Kagome explained.

"Loved to lass," he agreed, "but I don't have my staff."

Kagome bit her lip and peered once more around her shoulder to locate it was when she knocked her head into something solid and bumpy.

"You mean this?"

Kagome's breath faltered as she recognized who was speaking. She glanced up to see Kyoko pointing the staff straight at her. She retreated backwards.

"I'm sorry to say, but Inuyasha won't be changing back any time soon. He belongs to me now."

"What do you want with him!?" Kagome yelled at her.

"Sorry sweetie," Kyoko's voice was harsh, "but you'll have to wait your turn. After all, I am the only one of us who belongs in this time period. Therefore I'm the one Inuyasha will love."

"'One of us'?" Kagome repeated, "you mean Kikyo and me?"

A slippery smile slid across the dark priestess's face.

"You shouldn't have ventured into this era. There's no room for two, not to mention three, of me. Kikyo's dead and you aren't even born yet little girl," Kyoko pointed the staff at Kagome and Waruimaru. Waruimaru grimaced. "I was suppose to break the spell. I was suppose to pull him off the tree."

The rubble on the ground started to rise into midair. The floor shook. Kyoko held out the staff and concentrated hard. Waruimaru's face was pale. Kagome reached for her bow and arrows. She swiftly knocked one in and it pelted at the priestess.

With a meek zap it disintegrated as it hit the staff. Kyoko's eyes were frightening and dark.

"I'm the one he will die for," she said coldly.

Kyoko thrust the staff down and light exploded on them in a blinding flash. Kagome screamed. She couldn't feel her arms and legs.

When she finally felt ground beneath her, Kagome opened her eyes. Her ears were ringing and her head was swimming. She looked up to see Kyoko with a frustrated expression. The staff was still white with light, but was pouring back at her instead of her victims. Just behind the priestess, Seo stood with his hand on the side of her leg.

Kyoko glared at the small child. She was disappearing. The staff sizzled with energy. Seo's eyes were grave. Then a crafty smile descended on her lips.

"Iron reaver soul stealer!"

Seo crashed forward into the wall by Kagome. His clothes were torn and he fell unconscious. Inuyasha landed beside Kyoko with a worried expression. His eyes fell once on Kagome, but didn't even recognize her. His apathy yanked on Kagome's heart strings.

"Kago-me," she heard a broken voice mutter. She looked over to see Miroku pulling himself toward them.

"Miroku," she yelled and helped him. Kyoko watched in disdain.

"You know what to do Inuyasha," the dark priestess said and turned briskly. Not to her surprise, Kikyo was heading for her.

Inuyasha withdrew his sword and Kagome could already see the windscar wrapping around the blade.

No.

"Inuyashaaaaaa!!!!!!"

With amazing speed the old sorcerer leapt up and grabbed a hold of the sword. Inuyasha growled.

"Not so fast, my boy," he said in the half demon's face.

Kagome watched with fear. Miroku tried to get up to help. Seo still lay unconscious beside Kagome. He had claw marks running down his side. Kagome nervously watched Inuyasha and then turned to help Miroku get away from the danger.

Waruimaru grit his teeth and struggled to push the sword back. If Inuyasha managed to pull a windscar off on them now, it would strike all of them, and it would be the end of them. Waruimaru himself was fairly resilient, but it wasn't worth the risk of being knocked unconscious. They'd be sitting ducks.

"I'd rather hoped it wouldn't come to this. But you leave me no alternative."

Waruimaru swiped out a small sword from inside his kimono and stabbed Inuyasha between the ribs. The half demon gasped and his sword dropped to the ground with a crash. The wisps of windscar disappeared from its blade.

Kagome gasped to see the old man holding the sword inside the half demon. She stood up and ran over to them.

Waruimaru continued to press the sword inside his chest, despite Inuyasha's sharp claws pushing him back.

"This aught to slow you down," the old magician smiled at the tiring half demon. Inuyasha panted and growled. But he was clearly losing energy. For the sword was the same Waruimaru had used in their last battle together. It continued to steal the life force out of Inuyasha and transfer it inside its masters body.

Kagome shoved into Waruimaru.

"What do you think you're doing!? You're killing him!" She grabbed the sword too. Waruimaru's eyes sharpened and pierced at her for interfering.

"Lay off child," he hissed, "it's him or us. You don't want to end up cold-cuts for his lunch picnic with the dark priestess do you?"

"No! Not like this. I can't let you hurt him."

As they argued Inuyasha picked up Tetsusaiga and thrust it against the sword in his chest. With a chinking noise, the sword broke in two. Waruimaru's eyes widened. Then Tetsusaiga sliced across him, sending him flying back. Kagome fell to the floor with a yip.

Waruimaru pulled himself up. His chest had a long cut across it which met his biceps on one arm. He curled in pain as he sat up. Inuyasha yanked the other end of the sword out of his chest and dropped it on the ground. It's broken end glowed a light blue that traveled back into Inuyasha. He was regaining his strength. The wound closed.

Inuyasha picked up his sword. The windscar curled around the tip. Kagome sat up.

"No, Inuyasha. Don't do it!"

Waruimaru's eyes widened. He saw the half demon prepare to strike. Waruimaru fished wildly inside his robes until he came across a small round object. He twisted it until he heard a small click.

"Kagome, get away from there!" He yelled at the girl. Kagome looked up and backed away. The old man tossed the small ball at Inuyasha.

"Windscarrrrr!"

A burst of black smoke exploded right on Inuyasha. He yelled in surprise and his windscar went soaring into the ceiling.

A rumble echoed throughout the entire temple. Birds perched on the gargoyles outside cawed and flew away flapping their wings hastily. The building moaned.

The only thing penetrating the silence was a horrid desperate scream.

Waruimaru got up as the ground stopped shaking. Kagome felt fear raging inside her as she watched Inuyasha. He was screaming and screaming. He had his hands over his face and was tumbling around on the ground. Every time he tried to stand up he immediately fell down. His screams were ragged, dragging across his voice box. He clawed up and down his face and pulled at his ears.

Kagome looked from him to Waruimaru.

"What did you do to him!" She screamed.

"Come quickly, this is our only chance to stop him. The poison is only temporary."

"What did you do!?" She repeated.

"It's just a little noxious gas. He'll be fine. He's lost his balance, hearing, sight, and smell."

"What?" She couldn't believe he'd carry such a thing.

"We must subdue him now," Waruimaru hobbled over to the wild half demon. Kagome ran up to him and grabbed his arm. He screamed and jerked her off violently. She recoiled in fear. This is awful. He doesn't even know it's me. And he's only hurting himself more!

Waruimaru picked up a large rock nearby. Kagome's eyes widened as she realized what he would do with it.

Across the room, Kyoko realized Waruimaru's intentions as well. She shoved back Kikyo with the magical staff and hastily hurled an attack at them. The blast of light hit Waruimaru square in the chest and lifted Kagome off her feet. The wizard moaned as he smacked against the wall and fell to the ground. Kagome was winded as she struck the solid unyielding wall too and fell to the dusty ground in a crumple.

The ceiling groaned in the aftermath of the blast. Rocks started pouring out from the weakened stone where the windscar first struck. Kagome screamed as she saw the falling avalanche of stone raining down on her. She braced with her hands and waited.

A rumble of rocks cracked and clattered across the ground until it was silent. Kagome breathed in short gulps of air. She noticed a thin barrier waving around her. She blinked in surprise to see Miroku holding up the small fortress. His eyes were hazy, but his will was strong.

"Are you alright, Kagome?" He said heavily as his barrier disappeared. He'd managed to protect her, Seo, and himself from the boulders. She nodded sheepishly. Then he collapsed.

"Miroku! Say something!" Her eyes darted around when he wouldn't wake. Seo appeared fine, but Waruimaru was lost from sight. Inuyasha was lying on the ground, safe from the rocks, but as still as a dead man. Something caught her attention and she saw a hand sticking out of the rubble, Waruimaru's hand. It was all that could be seen of him. Everything else was covered in cold stone.

Kagome heard someone scuffling and she looked up to see Kikyo fighting with Kyoko. The dark priestess had relinquished Waruimaru's staff. It lay on the ground.

"You're all alone now, Kikyo." Kyoko smiled at her and then turned to Inuyasha. "Inuyasha," she said, "get up." The half demon stirred on the ground. He slowly got up, then rushed forward.

Inuyasha? Kagome couldn't believe he got up. He's ok?

Inuyasha swung his sword with amazing speed. Kikyo used her bow to block, but to her dismay she felt the wooden frame bending and bending. She hastily lead Inuyasha over to the mirror. She waited for another heaving blow and slid behind the mirror.

The sword smashed against the glass. Kikyo watched Inuyasha's face, hoping that he'd finally been released from the enchantment. He drew the sword out of the mirror, but as he did, the cracks in the glass sealed. The sword began to crack. The blade was suddenly covered with crevices, just like the mirror had been.

Inuyasha stared in horror. His eyes fizzled with rage as he met Kikyo's gaze. She took a step back. Inuyasha lunged with his sword slicing down at her. Kikyo's glowing bow met the sword just above her head. With a clang the Tetsusaiga hurled from Inuyasha's hand and sunk into the wall. Kikyo dropped her broken bow.

Something grabbed Kikyo from behind. She twisted for release as Kyoko's sinister chuckle rang in her ears. Kikyo seethed in reproach until her eyes fell on something coming straight at her. Her eyes dilated for only a moment.

"Kikyo!!!" Kagome felt her voice scratch as the air ripped out of her lungs.

Kikyo shuddered as Inuyasha's bare claws met her cheek and ripped down her neck and across her chest. She felt the blood burst open from her body and her skin separate. The scrape of his ivory claws against her porcelain ribs made her mouth fall open, her neck arch back, and her body convulse.

There was nowhere to run. Kyoko had her propped up for Inuyasha to mangle as he chose.

She could feel the fresh warmth of her crimson blood pouring down her stomach. She moaned. Her chest was searing with pain. Breathing stung. Inuyasha stood and stared. His eyes were dark. She closed her eyes.

When she opened her eyes again Inuyasha was staring at her. His golden eyes ran over her open kimono, the ragged tears he made with his bony claws. The fissures in her muscle were only too familiar. She swallowed hard. She could taste blood. She grimaced.

"Kikyo!" Kagome ran over, despite the two dangerous opponents standing beside the priestess. Kyoko let out a vicious laugh of triumph as she saw Kagome coming.

"Stupid girl," she said through a heinous laugh, "You should have fled while you had the chance. Now you're next."

Inuyasha turned to her while holding up his bloody claws. Kagome skidded to a halt and gasped.

"Inuyasha," the name fled off her tongue. Kagome saw Kyoko toss Kikyo's limp body aside. Her eyes were closed and her chest was covered by scarlet rags.

"Inuyasha," Kyoko spoke. His head turned to her. "Here you go," she tossed him his sword. He transformed it in his hands. Kagome sucked in another breath.

"Inuyasha," her voice shook, "what have you done?" Kagome's eyes were watery. "How could you?"

"You're breaking my heart," he said mechanically. "Now die." His eyes set with determination.

Kagome stumbled backward. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Tears slid down her cheeks. Her foot bumped into something and she startled.

"Ka-gome," Miroku whispered. Kagome gasped to see him awake. "Get out of here. Run. As fast... as you can," his breathing was labored. "Get help."

"Miroku," she felt her voice breaking up, "I can't leave or he'll... or you'll die."

"He'll kill us all," Miroku shuddered, "go now while you... still... can."

"I'm ready whenever you are," a rough voice spoke behind her. Kagome grimaced and turned around. Inuyasha stood with his sword propped over his shoulder.

She felt her mind clouding. She could see him before her, like he used to be. She wasn't afraid. She was beyond fear. I'm sorry Miroku, but... none of us can escape now.

888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888

"You didn't think it would be so easy did you?" The fury cackled. She stared at Bankotsu as he sat in the muck cradling his sliced up arm. She floated over to him. "I think I know what this is about." She stooped down to his level. "You're dead, aren't you?" she stated instead of asked. "I thought so. But you won't even be that for much longer." She stood up. The dagger from before fell out of her sleeve and she caught it in her hand. She raised up her hand and swung down the dagger.

Bankotsu scooted back in the mud, and her swing missed. He desperately tried to stand in the thick fluid beneath him.

"Fox fire!" Shippo tossed his blue flames at the fury queen. Her face boiled with rage and she dispelled them with a sweep of her hand. Shippo hid in fear.

A flash zipped before them and Tadao swept his own dagger down on hers. The metal clanged together and her dagger dropped into the mud. Tadao thrust his grizzly dagger inside her flowing robes. She seethed at him with no show of pain and latched onto his arm with her strong fingers. She twisted his arm down. His mouth made sucking throaty sounds as he tried to verbalize his agony. He thrust his free hand into her face. His knuckles met her teeth. A gargling noise puttered out of his mouth. She was biting him.

"Tadao!" Shina cried.

He yanked his knuckles out of her mouth and nimbly hopped backwards. He cradled his gushing fist. The fury snorted. Her chin was covered in a shiny black-red fluid. Then she flew forward with amazing speed. Tadao's eyes widened.

Just as quickly as she charged toward him, she stopped. Tadao stared at her curiously. She was paralyzed. He glanced behind the wicked woman to see his beloved half demon holding her at bay with her freezing powers. Tadao steadied himself and held firmly onto his injured hand.

"Everyone get away!" Shina cried. "I can't hold her much longer. Run! Run for you lives! Go get help," she cringed as the fury started to slowly break free of the magical hold.

"Come on," Bankotsu ordered to Jakotsu and ran over to Kiara. Tadao glanced fleetingly at the men, then back at Shina.

"You must leave," she said in a shaky, but determined voice. "There's nothing you can do." Tadao looked heart broken. His eyes quivered. "Please go! Just go Tadao. I'll be fine."

Bankotsu ran up to Kiara and hauled Sango's body up on top of the great feline's mane. He threw his leg over her back and Jakotsu, not ready to question at this point, did the same.

"You can fly, right ninja cat?" Bankotsu said into Kiara's ear. The demon nodded her head with an added purr in her throat. "Good, take us down." Kiara's feet lifted off the ground. Shippo hopped up on Bankotsu's shoulder from behind. "Hold onto her as long as you can!" Bankotsu shouted at Shina, "We'll be back for you." The half demon wore a hollow expression. Her eyes were dim, but she nodded. Bankotsu kicked his heels into the side of Kiara's ribs and she took off back into the darkness.

"Hey Bankotsu," Jakotsu called from behind as the cold foul air from the cave whipped through their faces, "the ninja didn't come with us."

"It was his choice. We can't go back now. Can't say I blame him though," Bankotsu's voice grew reserved with his last sentence. I would have done the same in his position...

"Why are we going back in here again?" Shippo asked. "Our only remaining option is to run for our lives. There's no way to beat her. It's impossible."

"Rule number one if you're going to be on my team fox cub," Bankotsu proclaimed, "nothing is impossible." His face set with determination as he peered down into the deepening darkness. "We're going to get our weapons back."

"But they didn't work on these enemies anyway," Shippo despaired, "what's the use?"

"You make it sound like we're losing," Bankotsu grinned.

"I would have been better off going with Inuyasha and Kagome," Shippo sniffed.

"Hey," Bankotsu began irritably, "no moping until you're dead. That's the rule."

They glided into the inner caverns. Kiara lead them directly to the room with their confiscated weapons. She remembered the way better than any of them.

Bankotsu jumped off before she stopped and landed running toward his Banryu. He grabbed it up and slung it over his shoulder on his way back to Kiara. Jakotsu grabbed his sword too. As Bankotsu reached the great feline, a row of shades stepped out from behind her, blocking the exit.

"So nice of you to return," one of them smiled wickedly. His radiant violet light flickering off their faces. Bankotsu glared. With a quick charge he swung Banryu clean through the row of them. None of them had time to move, but none of them would have bothered anyway. They just grinned. "Haven't you noticed by now?" The same shade continued his pompous act. "We can not be slain by demonic swords. They only feed our strength. Your efforts are all in vain."

Bankotsu's cerulean blue eyes flickered in the light. So they feed off demonic energy, huh? Great. Just great. The shade's fiery eyes danced with pernicious schemes and a bemused smile played his obscure lips. Bankotsu grimaced.

The obscure man standing before him thrust out an arm and seared through his armor. Bankotsu growled and sent his own fist back at the specter. The shade laughed as Bankotsu's fist melted into his face. Bankotsu seethed and retrieved it from the burning lips.

Another shade assaulted him from behind and burned his back. Bankotsu felt his armor start gathering tremendous heat to scorch the skin off his bones. He swung his sword out of reflex, but the flames only burst with more energy.

"We already told you," the shade holding his shoulder grinned in his face as his fiery tongue licked inside his mouth, "we feed on the demonic energy. You're only stoking the flames of your demise."

"Big brother," Jakotsu cried as a rumbling slash of metal swooped around Bankotsu. Jakostu's sword slid right through the fiery entities. Jakotsu hissed and retrieved his sword. The shade holding Bankotsu's shoulder furrowed his brow in annoyance. Then under his order, another shade swooped down upon Jakotsu.

Jakotsu unleashed a torrent of blades from his snake-like sword on the approaching shade, but they all flew through him without any effect. Jakotsu yelled in distress and then was enclosed in fire.

"Jakotsu!" Bankotsu gasped.

Kiara leapt at the flames feeding off of Jakotsu, but as she tried to pry the human from the fire it suddenly exploded into a conflagration. Bankotsu's mouth hung open and his eyes were wide. Shippo screamed in terror.

"Kiara!!"

"How many times do we have to tell you," the shade laughed in his face again, "demonic power..." The man shook his head disdainfully. "It's all you have isn't it? And you thought you could fight fire with fire," the man's conceit flourished in the heat of his red flames, "Stupid humans. Don't you know anything? It only adds to the flames." Bankotsu glared at him hatefully. "Now do you understand?" With that, the man stepped into Bankotsu.

Bankotsu's eyes widened. His entire body was covered by the shade's flames. His armor combusted and his kimono licked up in ravenous flames. The rest of the shades who were watching drifted forward and swallowed him in all their combined light to produce one enormous bonfire atop him, trying to cremate his very soul.

Banryu dropped from his hands and a deep ringing cry emanated from his chest. Shippo could do nothing but watch. He felt totally powerless and knew his end to be coming soon. The tears spilling from his eyes were warm on his young baking skin. Any minute Bankotsu would disintegrate into ash. Shippo watched as the mercenary flung out his hands. Is this it?

A rumbling hiss blasted apart in the room, shaking the rock walls. Dust fell from the ceiling. Shippo hid his eyes, then dared to look. Bankotsu stood where he did, but his body was wisping with a thick silver smoke that leaked off him from all over and rose in a line to the ceiling. Shippo stared in disbelief. The room distilled to a dusky darkness. Shippo found it better than the baking heat from the hellish flames, but the silence swallowed what was left of his courage.

Bankotsu sank to his knees and dropped his hands to the floor. His armor was glowing with residual flames and his kimono was crispy and steaming smoke. His hair wisped and hung limp beside his neck. His eyes were closed. Shippo couldn't tell if he was breathing. There was so much smoke around him. Is he dead?

Bankotsu coughed. His body shook. Smoke poured out of his mouth as he tried to cleanse his lungs of the biting poisonous air. He wiped his mouth with one of his hands. Blood smeared across his wrist from his lips. Shippo gasped.

"You're alive!" The fox demon ran over to him and grabbed at the tattered sleeve of his other arm. Bankotsu's eyes slowly peered down at him. "But how did you do that?" Bankotsu's eyes started clearing and the blue of his irises sharpened with alertness. "Your hands!" Shippo cried as he noticed a pink glow radiating from them, "they're still burning."

Bankotsu brought a hand up to his smudged sooty red face. A slight smile graced his chapped blood-tinged lips. Shippo peered up at him apprehensively.

"Heh," the mercenary let out a thoughtful laugh, "I'm glad I wrestled with her in the tub." An insightful countenance settled on his charred face, replacing the smugness. His deep blue eyes turned soft and he appeared almost sad.

"Huh?" Shippo stared at him even more worried than before.

The pink purifying light faded from his hands slowly. Bankotsu hauled himself to his feet. He cringed and pulled off his burnt blackened armor and let it clank to the floor. Shippo peered up at him, wondering what was wrong with him.

Bankotsu turned and looked over at Jakotsu. He was lying on the other side of the room with his sword over him. Kiara laid in her kitten form beside him. Bankotsu shook Jakotsu's shoulder. The mercenary rattled awake. A puff of smoke escaped his lungs as he coughed violently. Shippo picked up Kiara. She mewed and pinched her eyes shut in pain.

"Oh Kiara, are you alright?" Shippo peeped.

Jakotsu shuffled to his feet and Bankotsu grabbed Sango's limp form and tossed her over his shoulder. He picked up Banryu.

"Let's get back outside," Bankotsu turned to the two remaining followers, "I think I know how to beat her."

Jakotsu nodded. Shippo blinked and picked up Kiara. He still felt shaky and didn't believe Bankotsu's claim, but he wanted to... for all of their sakes.

"Once we get out there, you three get as far away as you can," he continued, "and take her with you." Sango was still as death. Bankotsu handed her to Jakotsu. Jakotsu stared at him gravely. Shippo frowned.

"Bankotsu," Jakotsu couldn't grasp the severity of the situation, "do you really think it's a wise decision for us to leave? I can help you."

"No, this is something I have to do on my own."

"But why?" Shippo peeped.

"I'm the only one here who can," he turned to face them. Shippo silenced his argument. Jakotsu nodded.

Bankotsu stepped out into the dark cave once more. It still stunk, but the heavy smell of smoke no longer pervaded his nostrils and stung his eyes.

Something large and bulky collided into him and Bankotsu stumbled back. He stared at what struck him. It was a body. The form lay lifeless on the ground. A burp echoed in the cavern before him. He glanced up.

The fury emerged from the darkness, her hair billowing crimson trails behind her. She smacked her lips and grinned.

"Such little souls. It's a pity they aren't more filling. I always need more and more. Lucky I have a whole buffet in front of me."

Bankotsu's face hardened. It was Tadao's body at his feet.

"I've never had a soul like yours before, warrior," she continued, "I'm hoping it will be tastier than this miserable wretch."

"Well look who's coming to dinner," Bankotsu replied and sunk Banryu into the hard ground. She cackled at his wit and drifted over to him.

"You're a funny one," she said upon closer inspection. He could see his reflection staring back at him in her empty doll eyes. Her face was pale as the moon and her skin just as barren of life. Her pointed little nose dipped down to her petite lips. As she spoke, he could feel her cold breath on his neck. Her icy breath stunk of decay. His eyes narrowed.

Bankotsu lunged forward to snatch her when she disappeared into a poof of smoke. He stumbled forward unexpectedly. She laughed and materialized behind him. He gasped and swung around, but she grabbed his wrist as he came. She channeled his own motion and pitched him sideways into the wall.

"Just what exactly do you think you can do to me," she laughed. "I am an entity of which your kind can never even touch."

Bankotsu pulled himself out of the grime and rocks. He stood up and slowly walked over to her. She smiled, invitingly, truculently. Bankotsu felt sweat run down his neck. As long as she's overconfident...

Bankotsu swept forward and grabbed her neck in his hands. She gasped and her eyes bugged. He squeezed his grip down while the purifying power from his hands started to burn her sallow skin. She screamed and scratched his arms and shoulders. She pushed and tugged away, writhing in pain and losing breath. She fell to her knees. Her dress billowed gaseous black clouds like ink from an octopus trying desperately to escape. Bankotsu kept his hold. His hands glowed pink light that danced off the puffing smoke and steam from her neck.

Shippo watched in shock. He's got her!

Bankotsu's face scrunched in aggravation. He looked over at them and yelled.

"What are you doing? GET OUT OF HERE!"

Jakotsu ruffled. He anxiously looked at Bankotsu, then picked up Sango. Shippo grabbed Kiara and jumped on Jakotsu's shoulder as he ran out of the cavern with his sword. After they left, only Banryu stood to watch as a vacant bystander. Tadao was crumpled on the ground.

Bankotsu's hands were shaking. He could feel her cold pulse pump frantically beneath his thumbs. She sucked in squelched breaths and coughed.

Suddenly a small orb of light popped out of her mouth. It whizzed about wildly then struck Tadao's body. He glowed momentarily. He shifted, as if stirring from sleep. Bankotsu watched in awe, until the fury battered him with her claws. Bankotsu held steadfast as she sliced his skin and dragged her claws across his chest, wildly trying to thwart him. Another ball of light twisted out of her mouth and soared up and out of the cavern. If I can only hold her a bit longer... Bankotsu desperately focused. She rolled and twisted in his grip. She fell onto her back, dragging Bankotsu with her. He straddled her and refused to let go.

Then pain, unlike any he had ever felt before, hit him. It split through his body from his side, shredding and lacerating him from the inside. He screamed and bolted upright. His body wrung with agony and he tenderly gripped his affected side, just below the ribs.

The fury queen stood up and rubbed her neck. She wheezed and glared at him, she wouldn't stop. Bankotsu had never seen such rage in a woman's eyes before, it was sheer unbridled hate. In one of her hands, she held the small dagger from before. It was black with his blood. The blood absorbed into the edge.

Then in a fit or rage she yanked Banryu out of the ground and hurled it at him. Bankotsu hopped back as small rocks showered him.

Suddenly someone rammed into his side. Bankotsu jumped in surprise and winced at the pain it broke out, as the ninja grabbed his arm and ran out of the cavern. Bankotsu stumbled and tripped to keep up with the ninja's speed. Bones rattled and crunched beneath their feet. A high pitched wail followed them. Bankotsu felt the hair rise on his neck. She was coming after them.

Bankotsu cringed as his fresh wound throbbed and bled freely. Tadao kept tugging him to come faster, but he couldn't climb any faster.

They broke out of the stinking pit into the light of day. Bankotsu panted and grabbed his side. Jakotsu and Shippo were standing by a tree with Shina. She appeared very weak, but brightened to see Tadao. She stumbled forward and embraced him tightly. Bankotsu saw the glint of tears slip down her cheeks as she held him. He patted her back softly.

"I was so scared," she breathed. He nodded in response.

"So what now?" Jakotsu said over the intimate moment. "She isn't dead is she?" His voice was sore and full of disappointment.

"Shina," Bankotsu caught her attention, "I need you to do something-"

The ground started to shake.

"She's not dead," Jakotsu confirmed for himself.

The earth split between Bankotsu feet and he fell out of the way. Banryu went soaring through the air out of the crevice and crashed into the muck on its way down. Bankotsu frowned. The fury manifested before him coming out of the crevice and grabbed a hold of his leg before he could get away. She jerked his ankle so he fell to the ground.

"Spiritual power!?" She dragged him savagely along the ground so he was easier to reach. "A bastard like you with spiritual power?" Her grip was bone-breaking. Bankotsu grit his teeth.

Crowds of shades collected to form a ring around of them. All the queen's men appeared grim. Each carried a flaming sword. The mob created a circle of fire enclosing them. The smoke from their bodies mixed with the swamp air and rusted the color of the air. The sky darkened. Their watchful eyes were furious. They only seemed to bide their time while their mistress carried out her revenge.

"You worthless piece of shit," she seethed, "Do you think you can purify me? A wretched soul such as you?" She retrieved her dagger and flashed it before his eyes. "I shall show you what pain really is." She drove the dagger down to his neck. He caught her wrist, barely abating the hungry tip of the dagger from piercing his flesh above his collarbone. With the other hand, he drove his fingers through her chest into her heart.

Her eyes seized with panic. Bankotsu let out a coarse breath. Her mouth hung open. Bankotsu could clearly see the ragged edges of the barbed teeth hiding in her jaw.

"He did it!" Shippo yipped. Jakotsu glanced around nervously. The crowd of shades hadn't even moved. They continued to stare. Why are they just standing there... unless-

"Ahhh," Bankotsu yelled. The dagger sunk in his collar. She twisted it in his flesh and dug deeper. Her eyes were even darker than before and she smiled furiously as she inflicted pain on him. Blood soaked his clothes. He felt a torrent of raging energy grind through his body, lacing about, searching for an exit, but only shooting more pain through his muscles.

Bankotsu forced her wrist to pull the blade out of him. She swung the dagger to his ribs, but he held her hand back, trying to break her wrist.

"Did you think you could purify me?" She hissed in his face. "You have nowhere near the power." She spit as she spoke in his face. "But I will have your soul!"

She thrust the dagger down again, but she froze even before Bankotsu could stop her. She didn't move an inch. Bankotsu glanced up behind her to see Shina standing there. She's using her power to hold her in place! It's now or never!

Bankotsu focused all his energy inside his hand that was still lodged in her heart. Steam frothed out from the hole.

A laugh broke out in the still air. Bankotsu caught the glint in her eyes as the fury came alive.

"You fools! The half demon bitch is only helping me! I can use her demonic power," she cackled.

Bankotsu's eyes widened in horror. Shina gasped as her body started glowing red with power. She screamed as the red aura left her body and surrounded the fury. The aura slipped inside her. Shina fell to the ground. Shippo gasped. Jakotsu stood in shock.

Suddenly the dagger plunged into his chest, slipping between his ribs, and unleashing a torrent of rabid powers coursing through his body. The force was stifling. Bankotsu couldn't move if he wanted to. He focused on the power from his hand. Then he felt the eviscerating force change directions inside him. Instead of bursting through every piece of him, it flowed in one direction: up and out his hand.

The fury let out a blood curdling scream. Her chest suddenly filled with red energy flowing out of Bankotsu's hand. She dropped the dagger and stumbled off him. Her hollow ghostly body was suddenly full of excited red orbs of light, all bouncing around inside of her. She let out another scream and as a slash of red cut up from her stomach to her nose. A shower of crimson burst forth and she fell on her back. A sea of bright red lights flooded out of her and diffused into the air. She lay still.

All the shades watching gasped and yelled as they were snuffed out individually, like candles. The atmosphere lightened until the redness ebbed away. In the air hung countless balls of crystal blue light. The light was brighter than the sun. Bankotsu shielded his eyes. They drifted up and diffused into the blue sky. One orb wound around out of the sky and struck Sango's body. She glowed an unearthly light, then the light faded. Sango's eyes fluttered open.

"Sango!" Shippo screamed. "You're alright! I was so worried." He sobbed into her demon slayer uniform. She blinked.

"S-shippo..."

Bankotsu stood up weakly. Tadao was huddled by Shina, propping her up. She appeared... strange. Bankotsu thought something was different about her. She had long black hair and no kitten ears. Her eyes were blue instead of yellow.

Her body pulsed. Tadao's eyes widened. A red light came from her eyes and her hair waved. She transformed back to a half demon and slowly opened her eyes.

Beside Sango, Kiara regained her demonic power as well.

Bankotsu glanced over at the fury. She was a gruesome sight. Her flowing dress no longer billowed, her hair lay flat on the wet ground, her eyes were blank. She was split open, almost cut in two. Bankotsu turned and walked over to her. He retrieved his Banryu from the mud beside her and stepped away. So the dagger was full of souls... millions of angry souls. She probably killed every single one of them. Banryu... I don't want that to happen to you...

888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888

"Inuyasha," Kagome's voice soothed. She reached out to him and took a step toward him. He huffed.

"I take it you're ready to die then?" he sneered at her. Kagome bit her lip to keep from crying. He held Tetsusaiga at her. The blade was still covered in fractures. She quivered and her knees felt weak. She'd never imagined it could ever come to this.

"I-... I love you," she whispered.

His ears twitched.

Kyoko stood behind them, watching. She drummed her fingers on her lips. Something moved behind her. She raised an inquisitive brow. The mirror shivered. She turned about.

Kikyo was standing before the mirror. Her blood tattered clothes and lethal wounds made her wobbly on her legs, but her resolve was firm. She peered at her reflection. The mirror shimmered and her reflection healed to her normal appearance. Then, as she hoped, her own body took on the reflection. Her wounds were gone.

Kyoko gasped and made haste to reach her.

Kikyo grabbed the side of the mirror and tugged. It lurched forward. She grit her teeth and shoved with all her might. The great mirror teetered on its feet, but it was extremely heavy. Kikyo sucked in another breath and pushed. She felt it giving way.

"Nooo!"

Kikyo heard the dark priestess shriek as she grabbed the mirror. Kyoko slammed her body into it before it could fall over. It bucked back and reversed directions. Kikyo grabbed it as it came back and tried to make it fall over in the other direction.

Kyoko screamed again and yanked onto it before it could fall over backward. Just as she saved it from shattering, Kyoko was struck with a blast of spiritual power. She yelped and fell over. Kikyo pursued her downed form.

"Inuyasha!!!" Kyoko's scream was ear-piercing as she scrambled backwards away from the enclosing priestess.

"What the..." He looked up at Kikyo in surprise.

Kikyo grabbed Kyoko's leg as she crawled away. She yanked her across the floor on her back before showering her with purifying energy. The dark priestess screamed in agony.

Inuyasha reacted instantly.

"No, Kikyo!!" Kagome screamed and shoved Inuyasha as he prepared to deliver a final blow.

"Out of the way!" He shoved her off briskly then sliced his sword down at Kikyo.

The windscar ripped into action. Kikyo let go of Kyoko just in time to escape. The dark priestess raced to her feet and grabbed hold of the mirror, turning it as the fissures of energy tore through the floor beneath her.

The powerful wind reflected in an image on the mirror and suddenly came pouring out. Kagome gasped.

Kikyo only had time to breath before the light hit her. She disappeared beneath the current.

"Kikyo!" Kagome yelled. The rumble of the windscar died out. Dust filled the room. Tetsusaiga let out a ringing noise and shook between Inuyasha's hands. He stared at it angrily.

The dark priestess let out a relieved laugh as she emerged from behind the mirror. The windscar had nearly consumed her as well. She quickly healed herself as she caught her breath. Even she knew that only luck had saved her life. The half demon was more irrational than she thought. He's dangerous. Her eyes slid over to where Kikyo lay in a pile of ruin. That could have been me... Her eyes narrowed.

"Inuyasha," Kyoko spoke gravely. "I have no more use for you." She held up her hand and Inuyasha's eyes rolled into the back of his skull. Tetsusaiga clattered to the ground out of his hand. His jaw fell open and he slumped to the ground. Kagome watched in horror.

"Inuyasha!" Kagome screamed and shook him. He didn't wake. The priestess's curse had rendered him paralyzed. Kagome couldn't even hear if he was breathing or if his heart was still beating.

Kagome picked up her bow and arrows. She shook as she knocked in an arrow.

"Oh? Are you going to avenge him?" Kyoko laughed. "He would have killed you eventually."

"You don't know that," she muttered.

"So defiant and angry, just like Kikyo," Kyoko scorned, "and you'll meet the same fate if you keep up your impudence."

Kagome fired the arrow. It barely missed Kyoko's head and disappeared into the standing mirror. The reflection shimmered. Kagome glowered at the woman.

"Return Inuyasha to normal right now!"

"Shoddy aim," Kyoko noted. "You are a mockery of Kikyo's image, Kagome. I, on the other hand, am the perfect match to Kikyo's skill and power, coupled with beauty and wrath, I am the perfect priestess. She might have been too, for awhile, if only she hadn't given up her hate. And you... you've got the gift, don't you? Yet you don't use it, but rather cling to the half demon. I don't believe I've ever seen anyone more pathetic. Not even Inuyasha."

"You don't know anything," Kagome said bitterly.

Kyoko laughed sinisterly.

"We're no different, Kikyo and I. We both love to hate Inuyasha, and... we both despise you."

Kagome shook her head and closed her eyes.

"You're so obsessed with being Kikyo that you don't even have your own identity. You're just a miserable wannabe." Kagome bit back.

Kyoko sneered with a murderous grin. Kagome stared at her angrily as she prepared her last arrow, then something caught her eye. Kagome blinked in astonishment.

Kyoko saw the surprise in the girl's eyes and spun her head around.

"Kikyo!" Kyoko said in shock.

"Do not compare yourself to me." Kikyo's balled fist slammed into Kyoko's face and she tumbled backward banging her head against the foot of the mirror. She crumpled on the floor.

Kikyo's fist was red and her body covered with wet and dry blood. Her hair was matted and tangled from all the abuse she took. Her bangs clot together and her face was smudged with dirt and blood. Her eyes were dark and hazy. She fell to her knees and looked ready to collapse.

Kagome woke from her paralysis and ran over to the priestess.

"Kikyo!" She grabbed her. Kikyo's head lolled back and her eyes were blank, yet still somewhat receptive.

Tap. Tap. Tap. Scrape. The mirror tipped and wobbled strangely, staggering on its legs, until it toppled over. It pitched face forward and fell directly for Kyoko. The dark priestess stirred, rubbing her cheek, and laughed darkly. She turned to see her own reflection falling on top of her, and the look of horror plastered to her swollen face. She shrieked as the glass swept down on her, then burst into a million pieces as it hit the solid floor.

Kagome hugged Kikyo and braced as the glass scattered across the floor.

Only the frame remained intact. And the priestess, was simply gone. Among the shattered pieces dispersed across the floor, she was nowhere, forever swallowed up by the empty glass.

Kagome released Kikyo from the tight hold and rested her head on her lap. Kikyo's priestess robes were rags. There were cuts all over her. The worst were on her chest. Kagome bit her lip with a pained expression lingering in her eyes. Inuyasha did this...

"Kikyo, can you still hear me?" She squeezed her shoulders. "Stay with me ok?" What do I do? What do I do?! Kagome's eyes raced about. She felt Kikyo's head move on her lap. The priestess's eyes had closed. "Kikyo!?"

The woman was as still as death. Kagome felt the sweat beading on her brow. Every single one of her friends was unconscious and in terrible condition. She didn't know what to do. She was all alone.

Her breathing shallowed as she tried to stay in calm. Should she go for help? But she couldn't just leave them like this. Inuyasha was near comatose, Kikyo was bleeding to death, and Miroku, Seo, and Waruimaru were all still pinned in a clutter of rubble. She hesitated, then lowered Kikyo's head gently onto the ground. She ran over toward Miroku. She pulled him out from beneath the rubble covering his legs.

"Miroku! Wake up. Please!" The monk lay motionless.

Kagome desperately cleared as many rocks off Waruimaru as possible. She ran over to Seo and shook his shoulders.

"Someone, please! I can't do this on my own! Please wake up."

No one moved. The room crowded with silence. Before panic could get the better of her, Kagome remembered her bag. She practically ripped it open. She pulled out her medical pack and scowled at how low her supplies were. What she wouldn't give for some smelling salts...

A pained groan immediately caught her attention. Her head shot up as she searched for the source. Inuyasha sat up holding his head between his hands. Kagome almost forgot to breathe because she was so glad to see him awake.

"Kagome?" He peered at her through glassy eyes. She threw her arms around him and squeezed. He blinked groggily. She'd never been so relieved to hear him speak her name. He was really back. "What... happened?"

88888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888

Author's Note: Yo! Sorry this took freaking long. I actually had to rewrite some parts of it and I could never get it to be just right. Anyway, I guess it'll have to do. I thought about cutting it into two separate chapters, but then thought what the hell. I've kept you guys waiting long enough as it is. I figured by now you're all used to my long winded chapters. :P I hope it was to your satisfaction.