A/N: The final chapter for this tale. A special thanks to all who supported it.
Shining Day
Kagome's eyes widened in terror as she realized what was to happen and she thrashed wildly in her captor's arm. Setsuna, however, was unmoving in his grasp and he merely clutched her neck tighter, causing the young woman to cry out in pain.
Then Kagome suddenly found the pressure had been released and the cries of the soldier was heard from behind. She turned and joy filled her face as she beheld her friends grinning at her not more than a few yards away. Miroku held his staff in a defensive position with Sango by his side while Inuyasha posed in a smug stance.
Setsuna now stood to her left, his shoulder bleeding from one of Inuyasha's attacks with his Tetsaiga. He scowled at the newcomers and stepped back from the group, his eyes weary of their actions. However, their attention was turned away from the pawn and toward their friend.
"That'll teach ya to go messing with Kagome" the hanyou boasted as he held his sword over his shoulder.
"Kagome!" Sango shouted in glee as she rushed to her friend clothed in a tight black outfit. The former servant recognized the clothes she had seen hanging in the cook's room, but had never asked about them. "Thank goodness you're all right! We didn't think we'd find you in time!"
"Indeed" Miroku agreed as he stepped forward. "Thanks to Sango's skills as a former tracker, we were able to find you here."
"Yeah, yeah" Inuyasha piped in, insulted at his ignored contribution. "We can have a chat later. Right now I think we have bigger problems."
"Sesshoumaru!" Kagome remembered as she turned broke from her friend's grasp and ran in the direction of the castle.
"Hey, wait!" the hanyou exclaimed as he growled in frustration and set off with the others after their friend.
Setsuna had watched the exchange in silence, but he had been biding his time. When the group had sprinted off toward the new battle area, leaving him neglected as if he were insignificant, then did he decide what action was best. With an ugly grin upon his features the soldier pulled forth a crystal from his armor, the dark light glowing eerily in his hand.
Kagome sprinted through the trees as she followed the heavy trail of blood which led to the castle. Her breathing came out in rasps as she pushed herself to the limit, her illness effecting her pace. To the young woman's relief the structure was soon in sight, but the sounds of battle came to her ears.
"Geez, that Kagome" Inuyasha loudly complained as he and the other two followed the tracks of their friend.
Because of her head start, Kagome had lost her friends in the thick of the forest. Now they were once more relying upon the tracking skills of Sango to find where she had gone. They had all seen how gravely ill she had been, even for that brief moment, and the pace of their strides showed their worry.
Unfortunately, unpleasant surprises awaited them ahead as the hanyou suddenly halted in his tracks.
"Wait" he commanded with a tone which caught the other's attention. "Something's wrong" he explained as he sniffed the air in apprehension. "You smell that?"
His companions smelled the air, and both caught a whiff of a repugnant odor wafting around where they stood.
"I think we have company" Inuyasha growled as he held his massive sword aloft and pointed directly before them.
At his final words an unnatural fog began to surround the group, enclosing them within the stench of decaying flesh which nearly caused them all to gap from the strong odor. Each stood ready for the coming attack, and none were surprised when their former adversary, Setsuna, walked out of the mist.
"I have not finished with you" he commented as he strode to stand before them. "And I bring another with me" he announced as his hand swept to his side.
The newcomer caught the group off their guard as Kagura emerged from the fog, her eyes vacant and unblinking as she came to stand beside Setsuna. He smiled wickedly upon her form and nodded his head in approval.
"Quite a nice toy Naraku brought from foreign lands, don't you think?" he asked the others as he held up the small purple jewel he had gazed at earlier. "And with this key, we shall make her dance."
Before anyone could move he pressed the gem against the woman's forehead, causing a scream of wild pain to erupt from her lips. The group, and even Setsuna, stepped back as a furious wind suddenly swept up about her form. Her cries were drowned out by the gusts and soon she was engulfed in the maelstrom of fury.
Just as quickly as the wind had appeared, the tornado disappeared and from within emerged the new Kagura. Her appearance and clothes had not changed, but her countenance was entirely different. She seemed to hold a devil within her body as she smiled wickedly upon the group, her teeth sharp with malice and her eyes as cold as stone. Within her hands she now held a large fan, one which she wielded with the depth of practice.
"Now, Kagura" Setsuna ordered as he stepped behind the woman. "Destroy them."
"Yes, sir" she replied as she stepped forward and, with a deft flick of her wrist, swept her fan toward the three.
The companions barely had time to dodge as a strong force of wind cleared out the very ground where they had just stood. The trees behind were completed knocked down or blown to the side, leaving only splinters in the wind's wake. The three members looked at one another in shock before they each had to dodge their own personal demons as Kagura brushed her fan three times to create small tornadoes.
"I'm gettin' tired of this!" Inuyasha yelled in frustration as he deflected another blow with his sword and barely managed to jump to the side in time to avoid a small hurricane. "It's your turn now!" he announced as he jumped high into the air and sliced his sword down upon the demon mistress.
To the group's disappointment she brushed aside the blow with a single wave of her fan, leaving her cackling at his failed attempt.
"Perhaps we have to destroy that stone in order to win!" Miroku yelled above the gales as he dodged another harsh blow.
"It's worth a try" Sango agreed as she followed the monk's lead toward where Setsuna stood with the stone.
Setsuna, sensing their tactics change, stuffed the rock deep into his armor and drew forth his own sword. Even with one arm he would be a formidable opponent, and Inuyasha looked eager to start the challenge.
"Miroku, you and Sango deal with the witch" the hanyou ordered as he aimed his sights on the soldier. "I've got this pretty boy."
"Be careful!" Sango yelled as she and the monk began their double-team against Kagura.
Inuyasha grinned and, after managing to dodge the last of the gusts of wind in his direction, jumped toward Setsuna. He yelled out in fury as his sword came swinging down upon the soldier's head, but the enemy was too swift as he evaded the storm of power which swept from Tetsaiga. With another wide push the hanyou propelled an energy blast toward his opponent, who this time held his own blade up for protection.
Inuyasha watched in horror and rapt fascination as his blast was cut into two by Setsuna's blade. The man laughed at the hanyou's expression and pulled the stone from his armor.
"While I hold this nothing can hurt me" he announced in a smug tone. "And your friends are starting to grow tired" he pointed out as Inuyasha looked to where the enemy's eyes were focused.
The hanyou realized the soldier spoke the truth as Miroku and Sango appeared weary from the dodging and fruitless efforts of attack. He knew they could not last much longer, but there appeared to be no way to get the purple gem from Setsuna's grasp. However, a strangled cry from the insane warrior caught Inuyasha's attention, and he turned to view a wonderful sight.
Kikyo stood at the edge of the blasted clearing, a bow in hand and her arm still outstretched from releasing the arrow. The hanyou's eyes traveled to where the weapon had been shot, and now saw that Setsuna's hand had been pierced through, forcing him to drop the stone.
"I got you now" Inuyasha lowly spoke as he cocked a grin on his face.
He raised his sword with both hands and swiftly brought the weapon down upon the ground, creating a vortex of wind energy which was propelled toward Setsuna. The man cried out in agony as he was hit by the power, his armor tearing away and the stone at his feet shattering to pieces.
Kagura stopped her assault and suddenly let out a long wail, her body beginning to steam. Within seconds she dropped to the ground and vanished into the wind she had controlled, her body nothing as Setsuna lay dying not far off.
The soldier chuckled lightly as Inuyasha and the group walked over to where he lay.
"You fools don't know what you've done" he managed to speak as he coughed up some blood. "Now you will be forced to kill your friend."
"Kill our friend?" Sango repeated in confusion. "You mean Kagome?" she asked to Setsuna, who nodded his affirmation.
"Whadda ya mean?" Inuyasha questioned as he scowled down upon the bleeding man.
"She is tainted by the monster of the castle" he explained with another short, blood-splattered laugh. "She must either die by your hands, or become a creature like him."
Before any more questions could be asked, Setsuna's eyes closed and his head rolled to the side. His breathing slowed to a standstill and his face began to hold the pallor of death upon its features.
"Time to find Kagome" Inuyasha spoke as he and his weary group once more took up what remained of the trail.
Though their limbs were weary, their pace was increased by the words spoken by the dead man. They had to get to Kagome before something terrible happened.
Kagome frantically pushed her way through the foliage surrounding the castle and sprinted into the courtyard. She yelled and ducked as a piece of stone came flying at her head, smashing into the wall behind where she was now crouched. Looking up she beheld the compound in a state of chaos as the two in the center battled.
Sesshoumaru, his wounds still unhealed from the paper which flapped against his person, was on the losing end of the fight as he was barely able to dodge the blows which came his way. Naraku laughed gleefully at his enemy's predicament, one he enjoyed immensely as he called forth another stone from the rubble which lay about.
Kagome watched as the hard object lifted from the ground and was propelled across the way to Sesshoumaru. He moved out of the way of the main portion of the rock, but the stone nicked his shoulder and he stumbled to the ground. Naraku walked over to his fallen prey, defenseless but still with his pride, and soundly gave him a kick.
Kagome grimaced but bided her time as she listened to their exchange.
"Why won't you give me what I ask for?" Naraku questioned as he strode about Sesshoumaru. "You have nothing to gain from the world, and I have everything." He knelt beside the unnatural creature, his eyes peering into those of his foe. "So why do you not tell me?" he spoke barely above a whisper.
Sesshoumaru remained silent, though the young woman swore his eyes flitted to where she stood hidden behind the arch to the courtyard. Naraku, unamused and frustrated by the lack of response, snarled and stood to his feet.
"Perhaps a moment to recollect your thoughts" he commented aloud as he turned his back upon his enemy. "While you lay dying, there can be nothing more but for you to give in." The former master looked over his shoulder, a sharp grin upon his lips. "Or perhaps you wish to meet your father?" he spoke with a laugh as he walked to the far side of the courtyard.
Kagome, seeing her chance as Naraku stood distracted by his own annoyed thoughts, silently crept across the courtyard to the short distance where Sesshoumaru lay. The lord made no sound as she smiled at him, a gesture he did not return as he warily watched her grab hold of the spell sheet on his chest.
Sesshoumaru ground his teeth together as Kagome suddenly pulled hard upon the paper, but a strangled cry erupted from his lips.
The sound alerted Naraku to mischief, and he turned to find the young woman struggling to remove the spell.
"Get back, wench!" he ordered as he strode toward the two allies.
Kagome ignored his command and pulled as hard as she could, causing Sesshoumaru to cry out in pain as the spell flared up in protest. The young woman could feel the energy sparking off the paper, and her hands were burning from the power. However, she sensed the strength of the spell weakening as she pulled harder.
Kagome cried out as a hand suddenly slapped her face, propelling her away from Sesshoumaru as she crashed to the ground yards away. She coughed violently as her breath was knocked from her lungs, and she unsteadily lifted herself up to a seated position with her arms.
"I see Setsuna failed my command" Naraku angrily assumed as he stepped over to where she lay. "I shall have to destroy you myself."
However, his attention was caught by a simple scrap of paper which lay in one of Kagome's hands, and he had only enough time to turn around before a strong hand grabbed him by the throat.
Sesshoumaru stood before them both, his eyes blazing with unnatural fire as he tightened his grip upon Naraku's neck.
"Your soul is rotted to it's depths" the lord snarled as his wounds healed in seconds. "Your time is through" he spoke through gritted teeth as his hand squeezed tightly, causing muscle and bone to tear and crack beneath his fingers.
Kagome watched through hazy vision as the lord dropped his former servant to the ground in distaste, Naraku's body seeming to disintegrate upon hitting the earth. Dust blew around where the two stood and sat, cleansing the courtyard of the filth as the young woman felt her strength fade.
Inuyasha and the group made their entrance at that moment, and they stood at the arch of the courtyard in horror as their friend lay still upon the ground. The hanyou clenched his fists as he tried to force back tears of rage.
"You bastard" Inuyasha spoke through gritted teeth as he tightly gripped his sword. "What did you do to her?!"
Sesshoumaru ignored the question which was asked of him, and was instead quiet as he stooped down and peered upon the face of the woman who had saved his unlife. She was near death, her heart beating slower with each passing moment. Her last bit of energy had been used to tear the spell from his body, and even now her burnt hands smoked slightly from her efforts.
Her face was pale as he brushed back a lock of stray hair, the strands falling limply upon her shoulders like a dying branch. He could not have fathomed the woman he had chosen to die would instead die for him. Such an unselfish act he had not witnessed since he was alive and among the radiance of youthful warriors in battle, and even there it had been a rare breed who would perform such an act.
He now held within his hands a choice. One would lead to damned salvation for them both, and another for him alone in eternity. But perhaps this strange wench was worth giving such a decision, as rare a flower as he viewed withering beneath his eyes.
With a calm movement Sesshoumaru suddenly placed his arms beneath her limp body and lifted her up against his chest. Ignoring the group not far off, he turned and made his way toward the arch which led into the castle.
"Where do ya think yer going with her?" Inuyasha questioned with a growl as he threateningly stepped forward with his large sword in hand.
"Your friend must make a choice" Sesshoumaru cooly responded as he looked over her shoulder toward the group. "Do not interfere with her decision" he commanded as he proceeded into the castle.
Inuyasha would have swiftly followed after the monster, but Miroku caught hold of his shoulder.
"He is right, Inuyasha" the monk spoke as he shook his head in dismay. "Kagome must decide what she really wants. We must merely wait and accept her decision."
Inuyasha's ears flattened in dejection as he turned back to where the two had vanished. The group could only wait patiently for their return, and each prepared for the consequences of either outcome.
Kagome dreamed she were floating high in the air, away from the troubles of life and the pain which wracked her body. She could see the manor far below where she flew, and the winds took her over the forest to the castle beyond. The highest tower seemed to beckon to her, calling her to its platform. With a light laugh the young woman landed and looked about, wondering at the view of the green lands around where she stood.
Peering over the broken battlements of the tower, Kagome suddenly sensed she was not alone. Turning around, she found Sesshoumaru standing at the far side of the platform. His face showed a strange mix of emotions ranging from curiosity to almost pity. She was confused about his expressions, and why he would appear in her dreams.
"You have a choice to make" he quietly announced as he carefully watched her reaction.
"A choice?" she repeated in question as she took a step toward where he stood. "What kind of choice?"
"You are dying" he calmly explained, though his words caused the young woman's own heart to speed up in panic. "And you must make the choice."
"Dying?" she softly asked as she tried to grasp the situation. A fresh breeze blew past her face, one which softened her mind and lightened her heart. "You can't be serious" she replied with a faint smile on her face.
Suddenly Sesshoumaru was no longer at the far end of the platform, but standing right before her. His eyes glowed brightly, and his face was calm as he raised his hand. Kagome could not move fast enough as he back-handed her face, sending her to the ground with a cry of pain. She furiously looked upward in anger, but her ire was forgotten as she now looked around at the scenery.
The forest was gone, replaced by dark mist lying just beyond the tower. No wind blew and the air was cold with the chill of death. She struggled to her feet, but a sudden fatigue struck her body and she could hardly stand by using the side of the battlement.
"Death brings you gentle scenes to lure you to his grasp" the undead monster explained as he looked out into the mist. "Here we stand on the threshold of your own demise." Then his eyes slowly turned toward the woman barely standing by his side. "You must make your choice quickly, or you will die."
For a long moment silence was between the two as Kagome thought over his words. Then, slowly, she smiled and closed her eyes as a few loose tears flowed down her cheeks. The monster lay quiet as he awaited her decision, his thoughts curious as he waited for the mortal to choose.
"I want to live" Kagome quietly announced as she opened her gaze upon her companion. "But what choice do I have?" she asked as she looked about herself. "How can I escape death? How can anyone?"
Sesshoumaru ignored her questions as he stepped forward and held out his hand for her to take.
"If that is your choice, then come with me" he commanded in an almost soothing voice. "And do not regret what you have decided."
Kagome looked to his pale, clawed hand, and then turned upward to his softly glowing eyes. Then revelation struck her thoughts and she realized what he was offering.
She would become like him, an undead creature who thrived only at night. The thought of becoming such a creature repulsed her senses, but her memories spoke of her friends and allies, those who had fought to keep her alive and who still needed her. Even the cold monster which stood before her, the one who had shared his memories and blood, needed her presence.
After all, who would be the one to keep him from such trouble should it again occur?
"I won't regret" she replied as she reached out to take his hand. "I have too many people waiting for me" she spoke as she stepped forward.
Kagome's footing, however, failed her and she stumbled into his arms, her face buried into his soft clothing. She felt a vague sense of warmth in his cold grasp, one which soothed her to her very soul. The young woman sighed as she closed her eyes, the world of the dead fading as she felt herself floating again.
Kagome had trouble opening her tired orbs as she struggled against the covers which were atop her frail form. She finally managed to awake, and the darkness of the room in which she found herself in was a comfort to her weary body. The young woman slowly raised herself to lie back against the plush pillows behind, and she looked about the room in curiosity.
"Do not grow accustomed to these quarters" a voice suddenly spoke as Sesshoumaru stepped forward from the shadows. "You can no longer sleep in such an open area."
"Then where am I going to sleep?" Kagome asked as she shifted to ease the aches in her body. Her neck was particularly sore. "The basement?" she asked with sarcasm.
"Yes" he bluntly replied as he walked over to the bed.
Kagome blinked and pondered whether he was telling the truth, then brushed aside the thoughts for another time. There were more urgent questions to be asked.
"So..." she hesitantly wondered aloud, looking about herself for any wounds or changes. She could find neither the marks from the scorching upon her hands, nor any visible signs of transformation. "Am I...like you?"
"You are" he replied with a similar simple reply as he gently took up one of her hands in his own.
Kagome noted how pale her skin was, and how long her nails seemed to have become. Her maker apparently noticed the same, as his eyes glowed softly with approval.
"The changes will be more pronounced as you age" Sesshoumaru explained as he set her arm back. "But for now, I believe Rin wishes to see you" he spoke as Kagome's eyes lit up in gladness.
At the mention of her name the little girl sprinted into the room, her smile wide as she jumped onto the bed.
"Kagome-san!" she exclaimed in glee as she hugged the pale woman. "Rin was afraid you wouldn't come back to her!"
"I'm fine now, Rin" Kagome soothed as she laughed and returned the gesture.
"Kagome must rest now" Sesshoumaru commented to the little girl, who regretfully released her friend. "Take her friends to find some rooms in the castle. They will see her tomorrow evening" he commanded as the little girl smiled at the prospect of helping her lord.
With an eager nod Rin ran out of the room with a final wave to Kagome, who only had the strength to nod. Then the young woman turned her attention to the tall gentleman at her bedside.
"When the times comes, will you give her the same choice?" she quietly asked.
"Perhaps" Sesshoumaru replied as he listened to the patter of small feet echo down the hall. Then his gaze fell back upon the pale woman lying within the sheets. "Your strength will not recover for a few nights" he informed as he turned to go from the room. "Rest now, and later I will lead you to your new quarters."
Kagome nodded in agreement and settled back down upon the pillows. They were soft against her head, and soon she was back into the sleep of death which would now hold her days. The nights, though, now belonged to Sesshoumaru and herself as they would plot out their eternity with one another.
Kanna and Kilala watched from the tall tower of the castle as Rin emerged from the structure and led the friends inside. With a knowing smile on her face she stroked her pet, the cat creature purring in contentment within the little girl's arms.
"So all ends" she softly whispered to the feline. "And our part is played out."
The little girl stepped back into a lager mirror, the world reflected beyond one of eternal bliss for those of good deeds. With Naraku no longer holding her soul, she would now be able to rest in the peace she had longed for.
Her good deed had been done.
The End