Light Within the Darkness
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or Yu Yu Hakusho... though a girl can dream can't she?
Chapter Twenty One: Trump Card
Her head was pounding when she finally regained consciousness. The shooting pain she felt at the base of her skull helped keep her from immediately panicking once she was able to gather her thoughts. Someone caught her and Sango by surprise, the last thing she remembered was the slayer yelling her name and the feeling of being carried away. She slowly flexed her muscles one at a time to make sure everything was intact. Relieved to find her only injury seemed to be her head, she shifted her attention to her other senses. The smell of rusted metal drifted into her nose and she held back the urge to spread her aura outward. Her first assumption when she woke was that Naraku somehow managed to kidnap her so if she was correct, the last thing she wanted to do was alert the hanyou of her conscious state. She couldn't sense any demonic auras nearby so if she was within his clutches, she was most likely locked up somewhere deep in enemy territory. Slowly opening her eyes, she stared at a small figure standing on the opposite side of what looked like prison cell bars as her vision adjusted to the lack of lighting.
"I had no other choice."
Immediately recognizing the voice that softly spoke to her, she felt her heart clench. "Kohaku..."
"He ordered me to take you. If I hadn't obeyed, he would have figured out I regained my memories. If he found out the truth, I wouldn't be able to help you defeat him..." he muttered softly, his gaze glued to the ground. Clearly he did not want to meet her gaze.
"Kohaku it's alright. We'll figure something out. We always do." she whispered reassuringly, allowing her gaze to take in her surroundings. She was indeed locked up, and now that her attention wasn't solely on the pain in her head she could clearly feel the biting cold of the metal around her wrists. Glancing down at her bounce hands, she scowled. Thick metal cuffs secured her hands together, restricting her range of motion. Her fingers were free though so perhaps if she found something to lodge between the cuffs, there was a chance she could pry them open.
"I left a trail."
She turned her gaze back to the boy and smiled softly. "Thank you, I'm sure the others have found it and are on their way here as we speak."
The boy fell silent and Kagome resumed examining her prison cell. It was barren aside from a small cot to her left. A snort escaped her as she reached up to find that her necklace was still around her neck. She shouldn't have been that surprised considering Kurama made the piece unbreakable. Seemed Naraku's plan was about to go down the drain; he didn't know about her necklace and its time traveling ability. Smirking slightly, she called forth her aura only to find it would not surface. Confused, she tried again.
"Those cuffs keep your purification from working. It possesses suppression abilities." Kohaku muttered as if he could feel her growing panic.
Taking a deep breath to calm herself once more, she released her necklace. "He thought this through quite well." she muttered sourly.
His frown deepened as his head snapped toward the door across the room from them. "He's coming... I must go before he sees me." he muttered before disappearing into the shadows of the room.
The door on the other side of the room creaked open and Kagome felt a chill down her spine. Turning her gaze directly to her visitor, she pinning him with a glare full of hatred.
"My my, so much anger in those eyes. Not happy that you were outsmarted?" he smirked as the gate to her prison swung open and he stepped inside. She stood her ground as he approached her and held back her urge to lash out when he took a lock of her hair into his grasp. "I am a little disappointed Kagome. I expected more fight out of you." he teased as he twisted her hair through his fingers. She envisioned those hands soaked with the blood of her loved ones and felt her muscles twitch. He let her hair fall to her shoulder once more as she clenched her fists.
"You are a coward. So scared of a weak untrained miko that you have to seal her powers?" she mocked, glaring up at him.
His smirk only grew. "You believe me foolish enough to think you haven't been training your powers? I cannot follow into your time anymore to monitor your progress but I would not risk my victory by pretending you are not my biggest threat."
Her anger continued to grow as she held back her urge to attack. Without her powers and her hands bound, she wouldn't stand a chance against Naraku so provoking him was not the wisest choice. "Inuaysha and the others will find me."
"Oh, I'm betting on it dear. And when they get here, they can watch as I take your life." Her fists clenched so tight her nails began to pierce the skin of her palm. The sharp scent of her blood grabbed Naraku's attention and he swiftly grabbed the cuffs securing her wrists. "Your blood smells so much like your mothers... I enjoyed my time with her."
"You coward!" she snapped, trying to yank her hands from his grasp. He held tightly, his claws emitting a piercing sound as they scraped against the metal of her cuffs.
"And what is this... so that is why your scent is laced with that of a male." he muttered to himself before chuckling. Realizing he was referring to the ring Yusuke gave her, she swiftly delivered a kick aimed for his ribs. He easily twisted her arms to force her to her knees, causing her to cry out at the sharp pain in her wrists from the metal biting into her skin. Releasing her, he kicked her in the gut hard enough that her back slammed into the wall across the cell. Gasping for air, she was relieved to see he did not move to approach her again. Instead her gaze caught sight of a familiar book in his hand. Her communication notebook she used to talk to Kurama and Yusuke while she was in this time... she must have had it on her when Kohaku kidnapped her. She could do nothing as he flipped it open and skimmed through the pages.
"I'm sure your mate is worried sick about you. He can't cross time either can he? Which means he feels absolutely helpless not knowing where you are or whether you are alive or dead." he mocked her with his cruel blood red eyes as he slowly closed the distance between them. "I assume you use ink to write within these pages. Unfortunately I do not have ink, so I suppose this will have to do." He smirked down at her. Before she could formulate a plan of how to defend herself while her powers were subdued and her hands were bound, a tentacle pierced her thigh. She ground her teeth at the sharp pain as it cut through muscle before he retracted the appendage. She watched as he flipped to the middle and began writing, using her blood as substitution for ink, and he strolled out of her prison cell. The pain of her wound forgotten for the moment, Kagome felt dread flood through her as she thought of what Naraku was writing for Yusuke and Kurama to see...
oOoOoOooOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
"How could Inuyasha be so careless!" Yusuke snarled angrily as he paced Koenma's office.
"It's not his fault Yusuke. No one expected Naraku to target Kagome." Kurama murmured, trying to keep himself from pacing right alongside his companion. "Does her group have even the slightest clue as to where Naraku has taken her?" He asked the demi god.
His face turned grim as he shook his head, his eyes never leaving the text that was appearing on the pages. "They are trying to trail his scent but they won't find the castle. Naraku made it nearly impossible for anyone to sense the barrier around his hideout."
"Damnit!" Yusuke growled. "This is bullshit! There's nothing we can do toddler?!"
Koenma slowly shook his head. "Unfortunately no... I cannot alter the time line anymore than it already has..." he mumbled under his breath as he continued reading. "Kagome just woke up. Kohaku is explaining why he kidnapped her... he left a trail for Inuyasha and the others to follow."
"Then why hasn't that stupid dog found her yet!?" Yusuke snapped.
"It would seem they haven't found the trail, Inuyasha went straight to tracking Kokahu's scent which disappeared once he passed through Naraku's barrier. They don't know there is a trail to follow." Koenma muttered as he continued to read. His eyes widened before his gaze met with Kurama's. "Where are your journals?" he asked slowly.
Kurama felt his blood run cold as he pulled his journal from his back pocket. Slowly opening it, he nearly saw red. Sensing the avatar's anger sky rocket, Yusuke pulled his journal from his pocket as well.
'Her blood smells just like her mothers. I enjoyed my time with the older human, I'm sure this little miko's screams will be just as entertaining...'
Fear engulf Koenma's entire being as he felt both detectives' auras flood the room.
Yusuke wasn't sure if it was his rage that was making the ink on the page look red in color or if whatever that bastard was using as ink was colored red. He snatched a pen from Koenma's desk. 'If you touch her, I'll kill you.'
'I plan to do so much more than merely touch.'
A snarl ripped from Yusuke's throat as his demonic blood began to take over. His hair was slowly growing in length and his markings could faintly be seen on his skin. His rage filled gaze landed on Koenma before he snatched the history book from his grasp. Reading the recently appeared words, he threw the book across the room.
'What a beautiful ring she wears on her finger. She became quiet feisty when I attempted to take it from her.'
Yusuke ground his teeth, not noticing his canines were turning to fangs and cutting into his lip. "It's her blood. He's using her blood to write in her journal! You're going to let him kill my mate?! I can't just stand here and do nothing!"
"I'm sorry Yusuke, only my father has the power to do anything here... and he will never allow you to go to her aid..."
A snarl came from the other side of the room and both Yusuke and Koenma turned their gazes to Kurama. The avatar's eyes glowed with a golden hue as he made his way toward Yusuke and rested a hand on the detective's shoulder. Reaching up to grasp the chain around his neck, Kurama's gaze locked with the demi god's. "I'm sorry Koenma." was all that was said before both detectives disappeared. His eyes widening, Koenma scrambled across his office to retrieve the history book Yusuke had thrown.
Yusuke felt his stomach flop as he suddenly found he was no longer in Koenma's office. Glancing around, his red gaze whipped to Kurama in question.
"When I helped Koenma make the jewelry, I made sure each piece also had the ability to time travel, not just Kagome's." the avatar explained as he allowed his demon form to take over.
"So we're in the feudal era?"
Kurama nodded, "I was hoping we would be taken to Kagome's location but it seems we teleported to Sango instead." he murmured as he expanded his aura in an attempt to pinpoint Kagome's friends. "They are still on the move, we must hurry."
With that said, they both took off toward where they could feel several powerful auras nearby. Yusuke skid to a stop and dodged left when he sensed an attack headed his way. A large boomerang flew past him before returning to a woman dressed in a black and pink jumpsuit.
"Who the hell are you and why do you smell like Kagome?" a snarl reached their ears and Kurama signaled him to stay quiet as a hanyou with long white hair emerged from the brush. Alongside him stood a large pack of wolf demons, a monk and the woman that attacked Yusuke.
"I am her step brother from her time, and this is her potential mate. We've come to help. You are Inuyasha?"
The hanyou didn't seem convinced by his explanation. "How do I know you're who you say you are and not one of Naraku's detachments." he growled, hand on the hilt of his sword.
The slayer stepped forward, her gaze focused on Yusuke. "You are Yusuke?"
He nodded slightly, quickly growing impatient. "While we're standing here fucking around, Kagome is stuck with that sick bastard. We're wasting time." he snarled, eyes glowing red.
Sango relaxed her stance and rested a hand on Inuyasha's shoulder. "They are who they say they are."
"How the hell do you know?"
She pointed at Kurama. "She told me her step brother is a silver kitsune. And he wears a necklace that matches hers and my bracelet." She then pointed toward Yusuke. "And he's exactly how she described him." she stated with slight amusement.
"I'm not sure if that's a good thing or bad." the detective scowled.
"How did you get here then? Kagome told us she was the only one that can use the power of the well now." Miroku questioned.
"I helped make the jewelry, I made sure each piece could travel as well... in case of an emergency like this." Kurama explained.
"Well how are we supposed to find Kagome? We lost Naraku's scent miles back." Kouga growled, also becoming impatient.
Kurama focused his gaze on Sango. "Show us where Kohaku's scent trail ended. He left a trail for us to follow."
Surprised by his words, the slayer took off back the way they'd come. The avatar easily fell into step beside the slayer. "Why would Kohaku leave a trail behind..."
"He had no choice but to follow orders. You are all aware that his memories are back. He couldn't just take Kagome without leaving something behind. He's hoping Naraku's plan to kidnap Kagome backfires and results in his downfall."
"How do you know this?" Miroku questioned curiously.
"We're from the future, we know a lot of shit you people don't. Let's get a move on. The faster we find this trail, the faster we can get Kagome away from that bastard." Yusuke snapped impatiently.
It didn't take them long to back track to the last location Inuyasha could smell Kohaku. Kurama was able to find the trail he left behind several yards away. There were barely noticeable 'x' shaped cuts in the trunks of the trees he had passed. Yusuke wasted no time following the trees until they suddenly came to what seemed to be the backside of Naraku's hideout. Smart of the boy to direct them away from the main entrances where Naraku might have immediately detected their arrival. Kagome's scent hit them like a slap in the face and rage quickly engulfed them. They could smell her fear and the coppery scent of her blood. Sango placed Shippo on the ground and with Kirara's assistance, peeked over the top of the high wall that surrounded the hideout. The slayer returned to the ground with a grim expression. "There are hundreds of demons. It'll be impossible to find her without being seen."
Unable to remain calm any longer, Yusuke took off toward the nearest entrance. Kurama quickly took Shippo into his arms before darting off after his comrade, knowing that Kagome's friends were right on his heels. If Naraku's entire army was waiting within those walls, there was no point in wasting time thinking of a plan. It would be impossible for them to sneak past thousands of demons through unfamiliar territory in search of Kagome. And the longer they waiting, the more of the miko's blood was being spilt... For once, Yusuke's attack first and plan later tactic seemed to be the best option.
"How come everyone complains when I barge in fists first but this bastard doesn't get shit for it?" Inuyasha grumbled halfheartedly. Kurama glanced back at the hanyou and could see the barely concealed smirk on his face. He could hardly wait to engage in battle and was clearly happy there was another person among them that didn't think before acting.
"Are we going to save Kagome in time, Uncle?" Shippo sniffled.
Kurama rearranged the kit onto his back so that his little arms were around his neck and he was protected by his long hair. "Yes kit, hold on tight and don't let go. I won't let anyone harm you."
Yusuke burst through the rear gate and was immediately engaged in battle. Thousands of demons filled the courtyard, all standing between him and his mate. "Hang on Kagome... I'm coming!"
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Kagome sensed their auras the moment they broke through the south end of the territory. Her eyes widened in fear when she recognized Kurama and Yusuke's auras among the ranks of her allies that had come to her rescue. How did they get to the feudal era?! She forced herself to stand despite the burning pain of the multiple wounds Naraku had been inflicting in the short time she'd been his prisoner. She assumed Naraku believed Inuyasha and the others would find them quickly but by the surprised expression she could see on his face now that he could also sense their auras, it was clear he thought he'd have more... quality time with her.
"It would seem your friends are here my dear." Naraku smirked, moving to the only window in the room to watch the battle that had broken out in the courtyard. "I don't recognize those two... but they're scents... they are all over you." he mused, turning his gaze to her.
"If any of them are harmed I will kill you Naraku." she snarled.
He chuckled as he crossed the room to stand before her. "One of them is your mate. But which one..." She tried to bring forth her powers but the cuffs stood strong, keeping her powers at bay. Smirking down at her, he grabbed her face roughly. "Perhaps I will let them live. Only so they can watch as I take your life."
"They won't let you lay a finger on me." she spat.
He chuckled once more and grabbed a fist full of her hair. She ground her teeth at the pain she felt from his claws against her scalp. Trying to keep her balance so she could minimize the pain shooting through her head, he pulled her toward the doorway. "We will see about that my dear."
Yusuke plowed through any demon in his path but found he wasn't gaining any ground. The demons of this time were far weaker than those in the future but their numbers were great. Far greater than he'd ever seen in his time. For every demon he killed, a hundred would take its place. And with Inuyasha, Sango, Miroku, and Kouga all occupied by more powerful demons they called Naraku's 'detachments', that left only the wolf pack, Kurama and himself to fight off the army before them. He wasn't tiring yet but his frustration was building. The mere thought of what Narkau might be doing to Kagome at that very moment boiled his blood. But he couldn't unleash his full power until they got Kagome safely out of the castle. He didn't want it to come crashing down with her still inside...
"I am impressed, you were able to pin point my location much quicker than I expected."
Everyone froze, even the attacking demons, as all their gazes turned toward a balcony high above them. A snarl ripped from their throats when they spotted Naraku holding Kagome up by her throat. Her wrists were heavily bound with thick metal cuffs that they guessed were the reason she hadn't attempted to escape. Kurama also concluded that the cuffs must also seal her powers because the sheer number of wounds that littered her body nearly caused the avatar and Yusuke to snap. Her clothes were covered in her own blood and she was slightly pale probably from the amount of blood she'd lost. Naraku smirked as his gaze landing on Kurama and Yusuke. "So which of you is her precious mate?"
"If you harm her further, I'll kill you." Yusuke snarled, his mind running a mile a minute already trying to figure out how to get Kagome out of the bastard's grasp.
Kagome strained her eyes to see Kurama and Yusuke. They both looked completely different. Kurama was clearly in his demon form that she only now realized she'd never seen before but she'd wasn't aware that Yusuke had enough demon blood to also take on a demonic form. Sure he'd told her before that his hair lengthened and a few markings showed but clearly he was downplaying it. His hair was as long as Kurama's, eyes blood red with rage, and tattoo like markings littered his slightly tanned skin. With his demon blood surfaced, she could clearly sense his immense aura and wondered how she'd missed it before. Perhaps his human blood and spiritual power concealed his demonic aura. If she weren't in the grasp of her worst enemy, she would be admiring her boyfriend's changed features.
"Funny, she also said you wouldn't let me lay a finger on her." He mused as his claws pierced the skin of her neck. She refused to utter a sound, merely clenching her jaw to distract herself from the pain. She could sense that each wound Naraku inflicted was laced with miasma, which explained why Hiei's attacks felt like child's play in comparison.
The fresh scent of her blood shattered any control Yusuke had left. Charging up his spirit gun, he fired it directly at Naraku. Sensing the attack, he easily dodge and turned a triumphant smirk down to them. "Guess you were both wrong." He watched as Yusuke's angered expression slowly turned to amusement.
"You're in for it now." His words reached his ears and before Naraku could react, Kagome unleased all the purification she could muster and directed it straight at him. Considering how close the miko was, he barely dodged. His attention now fully focused on the miko, he scowled at the broken cuffs that lay at her feet. So the boy hadn't been aiming for him...
Kagome searched for a way off the balcony while Naraku tried to recollect himself after her attack. She'd let loose so much power that she needed a moment to regain some energy. She'd hoped that one attack would be enough to finish her enemy in one blow... Just as she was going to climb over the balcony and attempt to make her way to the ground, a sharp pain shot through her stomach.
"Kagome!"
Naraku lifted the miko off the ground, a tentacle pierced through her midsection. "You thought you could kill me so easily?! You are no match for me!" He snarled, throwing her from the balcony. As if the battle had been placed on pause when Naraku made his appearance, the fighting started once more the moment Kagome was flung through the air. Kirara reacted the quickest and caught the miko before she could hit the ground. Carrying her as far away from danger as possible, Kirara set her down and shifted to protecting the miko while she collected herself and began healing now that her powers were no longer subdued. Yusuke quickly cleared a path to the miko, brushing past the fire neko and Kagome's barrier before falling to his knees beside her. Before she could utter a word, he pulled her into his arms tightly.
"Baka... don't you ever scare me like that again..." he muttered into her hair.
She smiled softly, trying her best to ignore the sting of her wounds that he was agitating by squeezing her so tightly. "I'm sorry Yusuke..."
"How about getting all mushy after we get the hell out of here alive?!" Inuyasha's snarl reached them and effectively pulled the couple back to reality.
Springing to his feet, Yusuke offered his miko a hand that she graciously took. "You stay back here with the neko and your friends. I'm going to tear that bastard apart..." he growled softly, his gaze focused on Naraku who still stood on the balcony above them with that same sadistic smirk on his face.
Kagome tightened her grasp on the detective, not allowing him to dive into battle just yet. "I don't want you anywhere near Naraku, Inuyasha and I will finish him."
He scowled. "You think I'm going to let you fight that bastard?! Over my dead fucking body."
"This is what I've feared Yusuke! That Naraku would take you from me! I can't watch you fight him, not with the chance that he will kill you!" she snapped.
"Kagome, please trust us. Yusuke and I will take care of Naraku. Allow us to avenge your friends and family." She turned sharply when she heard Kurama's voice behind her. He looked so different in his demon form; long silver hair and golden eyes. He moved to stand beside her before reaching under his long mane of hair and revealing Shippo. Her step brother gently handed the frightened kit to her. A groan escaped her when she spotted his ears and tail now that he was so much closer for her to see. How dare her step brother hide those adorable ears from her... shaking those thoughts from her mind, she pinned him with a stern glare after instructing Shippo to remain within the safety of her barrier.
"You know just as well as Yusuke that this is my greatest fear and the reason I kept my distance from you two for so long. And yet the both of you want to leap right into battle and risk your lives?!"
The wind was knocked from her when Yusuke pulled her into his arms once more and kissed her. Pulling away, he smirked down at her arrogantly. "You worry too much. Let us show you just how strong we are. We can take him Kagome. He has no idea how much more powerful demons in our time are."
"Yusuke..." she muttered, feeling tear burn her eyes. She felt fear running through her veins like ice. She had no idea how powerful Yusuke and Kurama were since there weren't any missions she'd witnessed that they needed to actually put effort toward. And yet her fear of losing them still held her in an iron grip. How did Yusuke know the demons of their time were more powerful? Just because it was the future did not necessarily mean they were stronger...
"Have faith in us babe."
She bit her lip but nodded slightly, hoping she wasn't going to regret this decision. "I'll kill you if you die Yusuke..."
He chuckled and kissed her cheek before releasing her. "Kurama, let's go man."
"Be careful Kagome." her step brother called out to her before disappearing from sight.
Her heart hammered in her chest as she stepped out of her barrier, leaving it intact only to keep Shippo safe from harm, and joined her friends in battle. "About damn time wench! Where are those other bakas?"
She swallowed the lump in her throat as Sango quickly approached with a weapon for her to use. "They're going to fight Naraku."
"What?!" He roared as his gaze whipped to the balcony. She also glanced toward where she could sense their auras and felt her pulse race once more. Yusuke and Kurama were already engaged in battle with the hanyou... "Those bakas are going to get themselves killed! They don't stand a chance against Naraku!" Inuyasha snarled as he pounded his fist into another demon.
"They seem to be doing well actually." Sango pipped up, remaining back to back with the miko so that they could both watch each other's rears. "I know you can sense their power Inuyasha, They are far stronger than you, even Sesshomaru." The hanyou snorted at her comment but surprisingly did not argue.
Kagome nodded, allowing herself to examine their auras and watching their battle as closely as she could while also keeping her own guard up. They were strong... stronger than she initially realized. They could defeat Naraku, she just had to have faith in them. The battle raged on for what felt like days but in reality was mere hours. Naraku's army was nearly destroyed and Kouga had successfully avenged his tribe by defeating Kagura. Although they suffered some casualties among the wolf tribe that had joined their fight, everyone else was still breathing. Severely injured but alive. Those that could no longer fight, which included Kouga, Inuyasha, and Miroku, remained away from the carnage attempting to regain enough strength to fight once more. Inuyasha nearly lost a leg with his battle against Hakudoshi but Miroku was able to catch the boy off guard and pull him into the wind tunnel. Unfortunately, several of Naraku's insects had also been sucked into the void which removed the monk from battle. Kirara, Sango and Kagome continued to clear the courtyard, intent on eliminating all enemies. As Naraku's numbers dwindled, the miko was able to watch the battle between the hanyou and her mate and brother a bit closer. Halfway through their fight, Naraku took the cowardly route and unleashed several of his puppets to fight for him. It had initially worried her as she could recall Inuyasha struggling to fight one puppet, so how would Kurama and Yusuke fair against half a dozen? They had quickly eased her fears, each puppet seeming to drop like flies within moments of each other. But now that Naraku was running out of plans, she knew she needed to watch them closely. The hanyou was notorious for fighting dirty and she didn't doubt he already had a plan set. She just needed to foil his plan, as she always did.
A sharp pain shot through her shoulder, causing the miko to revert her attention back to the fight around her. A demon had slipped past her defenses and landed a hit, clearly she was more distracted than she originally thought. Quickly dispatching her attacker, she pushed her healing aura into her fresh wound.
"Kagome! Pay attention!" Sango scolded, cutting down yet another demon. "I realize that your healing powers are much stronger now but do not rely on them. Conserve your energy, this battle is not over yet."
She nodded, throwing a quick apology to the slayer. But her attention was again wavered when she spotted Kanna finally make her appearance a ways behind Kurama and Yusuke. Panic rushed through her as she took off at a dead run toward them. She had to stop Kanna... they didn't know about her power to steal souls. How had they forgotten about the last of Naraku's detachments and possibly the most dangerous of them all? "Yusuke! Behind you!" she screamed just as the albino demon lifted her mirror. She wasn't going to make it in time... her eyes widened in disbelief as a sickle suddenly pierced the mirror, causing it to shatter into pieces. She watched as Kohaku swiftly took the void demon's life before she could attack Kurama and Yusuke. Just as relief filled her, dread quickly replaced it as she felt a hand close around her neck from behind. She let her guard down again... and was now within the grasp of her enemy once more.
"Kagome!"
"Get your hands off her you bastard!"
Naraku tightened his grip on her throat, causing all to stop in their tracks. "I will admit, Kohaku's betrayal came as a surprise. I am unsure how he regained his memories but it matters not. Without the guardian of the jewel, the Shikon will remain forever tainted."
"Even if you kill me, they will destroy you after... you cannot win." she choked out, trying to pry his fingers away from her throat.
"It matters not, because everything is still going as planned. I told you I would make them watch as I took your life my dear. Now watch as the life fades from her eyes!"
The ground below them began to shake violently and Naraku watched in confusion as large plants erupted from the soil, completely surrounding him. Kagome gazed up at the plants with wide, terrified eyes. They had large teeth and no eyes... and she could practically taste their desire for blood. A scream broke from her throat as they attacked.
Yusuke watched in horror as the plants tore Naraku apart, Kagome nowhere to be seen. "Kurama what the fuck is wrong with you!?" he roared as he took off toward the death plants he recognized all too well. He was stopped in his tracks when Kurama firmly grabbed his shoulder and prevented him from going any closer to the carnage. "Let go of me! Kagome is in there!"
"If you go anywhere near them, they will tear you apart too." he muttered.
"I don't give a shit! They're going to kill her!" he snarled, turning to throw a punch at the avatar.
"Calm down Yusuke." he snapped, easily dodging the detective's attack. "You think I would allow Kagome to be harmed? Now let me concentrate so I can ensure she remains unharmed."
Confused, Yusuke turned his frantic gaze back to the death plants that were only now calming after tearing Naraku apart. He watched as Kurama casually walked up to one of the plants that he only now realized had it's head raised high above the others. The plant lowered its large head to the ground and slowly opened its jaws, revealing a shaking, wide eyed Kagome. The moment its mouth was open enough for her to escape, she scrambled out of its jaws, completely covered in green saliva. Kurama placed his hand to the ground and all the plants except one disappeared back into the ground. Yusuke sped toward the miko as she glared at Kurama.
"I don't know what I'm covered in but this is disgusting... And did you have to scare me half to death?! That thing had me in its mouth! I thought it was going to eat me!"
The kitsune rolled his eyes at her hysterics as he ordered the last plant to empty its stomach. It did as it was told and a gasp escaped Kagome when it coughed up Naraku's portion of the jewel. Just as she heard Yusuke's heavy footfalls quickly approaching her, she turned only to watch him abruptly disappear. Confused, she turned to Kurama but he was nowhere in sight.
"Where did they disappear to?" Sango asked softly as she approached the miko. "Dear Kami... You stink Kagome..."
The miko grudgingly stomped toward the last of the jewel and dropped it into the small jar on her necklace. She watched in fascination as it fused into the nearly complete Shikon, missing only two shards. Quickly making her way to Kouga, she thanked the wolf when he handed her the jewel with no complaints. Turning to Kohaku, who seemed to be keeping his distance, she smiled softly.
"Keep yours for now Kohaku. I'm going to figure out how to keep you alive without the shard but until then the jewel can wait."
Sango held back her tears as she whispered her thanks to the miko. "Where did your mate and brother go? I would like to properly thank them for assisting in the battle."
The miko frowned. "I'm not sure... But I'm going to check to make sure they are alright. I'll be back."
A/N:
I'm sorry it took so long to update! My muse suddenly went on this crazy desire to write a Youko/Kagome fic and the plot was clouding my mind so I had no choice but to start a new fic to get it out of my head! On the bright side... once this story is finished you all can look forward to a new Youko/Kagome! It will be called Destiny so keep an eye out for it 😉 Anywho, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, next chapter is already in the works so hopefully it wont take as long to post it lol. R&R please 😃
~Icyfire~
Next Chapter - Chapter 22: Consequences