Chapter 35 – Impasse
Her heart thudded in her chest, she had found the soul-stealing demon. Not only that but there seemed to be a hoard of demons at her beck and call. She noted the Halfling clad in red standing off to her side, a sword attached to his hip. Sango smirked she was the best swordswoman in her village the Halfling would be no match for her. Casting her eyes across the many full fledged Inu youkai, she noted that two were many years older than the shorter white Inu. The younger one was more preoccupied with the black and white male that was hovering in front of the soul-stealing demon in miko form. Sango nodded to herself, placing the demons in their weakest.
Miko demon, Halfling, the male defending the miko demon, the younger white, the elder white and black were equal in strength and power, and would likely be the most challenging to bring down. She watched each of them, noticing their quirks, how the black Inu with the white forepaw, watched her every flinch. She noticed how that particular male - and she called it male as no female demon she knew of other than a kitsune could manifest themselves in such a manner, had bowed down low as if protecting the miko-demon. Sango smirked in satisfaction whirling her katana in her hand, she eyed her Hirakotsu embedded in the earth not too far away, reachable should the need arise, and she had no doubt it would.
Kirara her trusted companion was hissing at the group of Inu. Her huge eyes watched them, listened to their grunting to each other, but paid it no attention. She brushed her mistress with the side of her large body, ensuring Sango that they were a pair. That she would allow no harm to befall her mistress, as sango allowed no harm to come to her. They knew every fighting tactic, could read each others thought patterns with nothing more than a shift in footwork or a growl on Kirara's part. They were a well oiled and practised team. Kirara pulled herself upright and tall eyeing the older two Inu waiting for Sango to launch the attack.
Placing her weight on the balls of her feet she pivoted towards the miko-demon and lunged, katana drawn in attack over her head. As she predicted the black and white male defending the miko-demon snarled, and in turn the younger white male retaliated followed by the other two. The Halfling however was suddenly abandoned and prime for attack. Her plan had worked perfectly. Using her agility than none others of her family possessed, she twirled on the balls of her feet and turned towards the Halfling. To her amazement only one of the other larger males reacted. The larger white inu snapped at her, his form shining in the midst of a transformation. She swung her sword downwards at the halfbreed only to clash swords with another.
Kirara attacked, flanking the elder black Inu, she snapped at his hind legs attempting to meet flesh only to constantly miss. She hesitated a moment as she heard the swords clash, as one of the more powerful Inu had changed and attacked directly. This small hesitation cost her, she was snapped up in the mouth of the larger black inu and hurled across the way, into the bushes.
"you dare raise your sword to me and mine" he growled, then turned his attention to those behind him, his amber eyes glaring at one of the others. "Kaya, decide now to whom you side with" Sango listened behind her as one of the larger Inu growled in response. "I care not, She was charged first and foremost to protect my youngest, not some half dead miko. She chooses, Now" Tashio moved away from the human woman with a sword putting some distance between them. Inuyasha moved towards his father, eyeing Kikyo all the while. "I don't need Kagome looking after me, I can handle myself" Inuyasha snapped glaring at the two females before him, especially Kagome, whom shifted on her paws sniffing towards Sesshoumaru.
Sango orchestrated her movements very carefully, turning to see the bigger picture. It appeared the Inu male whom held off her sword was the father of the Halfling and the younger white Inu. The two black ones were obviously related, but he had mentioned something about a female. She eyed the larger all-black Inu, then the much smaller black and white one, it was at that moment she realised that it was a female. Smaller head, smaller body generally a lot more feminine now she could notice the differences. It was looking between the younger white Inu and the miko-demon, almost confused and torn as to what to do. Sango used this to her advantage.
Sango allowed her eyes to close as she took in a deep steadying breath; reached deep within herself, following the pulse of energy that swam in her veins, to the orb that was nestled beside her heart. She caressed it with her being, cupping it with her thoughts, commanding it. She felt it answer, a roar was heard in the recesses of her mind - Kirara would change their attack patterns. She felt the vibrations in the air before anything actually occurred. This was Kirara's and her most lethal combination. It was all or nothing, the demons or the two of them who would be laying ice cold and dead on the ground this day.
She dropped into a kata very slowly and carefully, awaiting her companion. Kirara slid into the area stalking behind the demon-miko. As soon as her Neko was in striking position Sango lifted her Katana and charged the Halfling once again. She expected resistance from the elder, and was ready when he too lifted his weapon against her. Kirara launched herself at the demon-miko, long sharp teeth hanging in her mouth, aimed at the womans torso.
Three things happened very quickly, that if one blinked would've missed them. Sango had miscalculated the elders strength and now had a sword tip at her throat. Kirara had clamped her teeth around Kagome's hind leg, and refused to release. And Kikyo had an arrow pointed directly at the larger black Inu's heart. "Enough!" Tashio ordered, twisting Sango around in his arms so he held her against him, his swords blade resting against her throat. "I have nothing to lose" Kikyo added flaring her powers, making all wince in discomfort. The flare of miko power ran along Kagome's skin, jolting her from Kikyo's grasp. She blinked repeatedly, snarled at the Neko attached to her. Kagome looked to her mate, bemused at what was going on. She'd been barely coherent running on auto-pilot, now it had worn off and she had one hell of a headache and a sore leg.
Lifting a mighty paw she swiped Kirara, forcing the Neko to release her flesh. Kirara did so, however ripped flesh as her teeth pulled away. Kagome forced the pain at bay, pulling on the more primordial part of her deep within. She felt the transformation take hold. Becoming humanoid once again. She stood now on two legs instead of four, her hair in disarray, and blood flowing freely down her thigh. Sango watched in amazement, unsure as to what to say. Never in her years had she seen a fully formed Inu, a female. Only Daiyoukai had that much power, and even so, it wasn't very common. "Dai…Daiyoukai?" Sango whispered looking each of them over. Her eyes settled on the Halfling and the demon-miko trying to understand what was transpiring.
Kagome gripped Kikyo's throat in a death grip snarling against her face "I told you bitch, I am not your pawn. You dare to invoke your power over me. I am no longer yours to command" Kikyo smirked "as long as I hold possession over your soul you are mine. Only when I release you will you no longer have to answer to me, to which I shall prove" Kikyo felt Kagome's fingers clench tighter around her "Shirei" Kagome struck Kikyo forcefully, causing the arrow in the bow to fly. Kikyo lay sprawled on the ground holding her reanimated cheek, eyes wide in shock. Kagome looked at the flying arrow and flung her hand out towards it calling Midoriko's spiritual energy deep within her "knock it away" she ordered "It is infused with holy power, it will purify me instantly daughter" Kagome's hands glowed an off hue as the holy power that flowed within her body consumed the power within the arrow. "No father, it is nothing but a wooden arrow shaft, there is no harm but a mere scratch should you miss. I have absorbed the reiki from within" Taro knocked the arrow away with his hand, watching the dull shaft fall uselessly to the earth below him. He lifted his gaze to his daughter amazed and somewhat intimidated by her new power. Sango however was stunned into silence. No demon should wield powers of a miko.
The four irate Daiyoukai all turned heated glares at the reanimated miko. Tashio lowered his sword from Sango's throat, but kept it firmly within slitting distance. Taro growled his warning to Kirara as the neko approached once more. Sesshoumaru sent an icy glare towards his half sibling whom was standing close to the bitch, and Kagome towered over Kikyo her claws flexed in anticipation. "Now bitch, you understand that under no circumstances do you ever order me to do anything. You are not my master as you once were; i longer your slave. I am a daiyoukai and a mated one at that. You have no power over me" Kagome stood tall and regal, regarding the human onna with distaste. "who are you, you are a slayer, not with this bitch". Sango narrowed her gaze at the vile thought of working alongside a demon miko.
"no, My village is south of here. I was dispatched to destroy the soul stealing demon that passes for a miko in this region." Kagome eyed the Taijia carefully "Demon Slayer, tell me your name" she asked as she nodded to Tashio to release the young female, sensing no real imminent danger towards themselves from the young woman. "I am Sango" Kagome smiled lightly dipping her head to the young woman in greeting. "Father leave the Ki-Neko, she is merely protecting her mistress" Taro ceased his growling, and disregarded the Neko completely. Kagome approached Tashio removing the swords blade from the Taijia's throat. "Please, we are not undignified heathens". Tashio allowed Sango to move away, and sheathed his sword.
Kirara stepped out from the brush and approached Sango cautiously. Kagome dipped her head in respect of the Neko, who clearly cared for the taijia. Kirara growled as she stood beside her mistress. "No Kirara, we will not harm Sango, you have my word of honour on that" Kirara relaxed allowing Sango to climb onto her back. The taijia adjusted her weapon before casting a glare at Inuyasha and Kikyo. "There's no point in my sentencing you, these daiyoukai seem to have more reason than I. May the kami's take mercy on your soul" sango and Kirara took off leaving the demon miko in the hands of the demons.
Kikyo glared at the four daiyoukai in turn before turning to Inuyasha. "Will you allow this bitch to destroy me?" Sesshoumaru growled at his younger sibling. "Kagome will not raise a hand to you. I shall destroy you, for the sins you caused my mate to suffer". Sesshoumaru stepped towards the miko, his fingers cracking as the bones allowed his claws to extend; he wrapped his muscled hand around her throat. Kikyo allowed her pain and suffering to radiate through her being, the feeling of death and dismemberment to fill her broken souls with sadness and remorse. Deep within Kagome, Midoriko stirred Kagome, she seeks to control those whom hear the souls of perished women. Those who hear the cries of mortality and despair. You must not listen to the deceitful tomes. Inuyasha stepped closer compelled to challenge his brother, but was cut short.
A clawed hand wrapped itself around Sesshoumaru's throat, thick sharp talons against his soft skin. He heard the deadly hiss at his ear, before he felt the moist heat, telling him something deadlier than himself was close. Kagome saw as Sesshoumaru's form faded into nothing before her eyes, his long platinum hair turning a deep obsidian, his firm masculine body turning to something soft and feminine. Until all she saw was her worst nightmare – the bitch whom forced her compliance through pain and torture; Kikyo's mother. Taro looked at Tashio, whom had disappeared, he growled menacingly as he saw his twin brother, hands covered in blood, laughing evilly at some unknown death he'd caused without remorse. Tashio himself was looking at Taro, seeing a filthy wolf, remnants of his deceased mate's kimono laying in scraps in its mouth. Tashio hissed in seething anger towards what he believed to be his beta mate's murderer. Inuyasha stood perfectly still watching the four inu daiyoukai hiss and growl at one another, as though they were not seeing those whom were before them, but something they either feared or truly despised. Kikyo used her Shikigami to escape. Allowing the long tapered serpents to wrap themselves along her body and lift it effortlessly like the earth it was created from, she watched below as each of the Inu youkai turned on one another believing the illusion she had cast.
GJS
Miroku ran alongside Shippo through the dense foliage of the southern forest, their breathing heavy with exercise, their muscles screaming in protest. Shippo ceased running, one small hand clutching at his chest as he attempted to regulate his breathing. "I dunno Miroku, maybe we should've stayed where Lords Sesshoumaru, Taro and Tashio left us" he sighed. A deep thunder clapped around the area, the sound vibrating from the distance. Grunting and growling followed which struck the two somewhat odd. Shippo cast his liquid green eyes to the monk's questioning violet. The two of them took off running in that direction without another word, but a dreadful feeling within their hearts.
As they approached the dense area in which the thunderous growling was emanating from, they caught sight of four fighting figures. The sounds of cloth ripping and thick bones snapping alerted them that something was amiss. Sesshoumaru's form was the first that hurtled towards them, with him lying upon his back, panting with fatigue. Blood stained his once pristine white Haori and hakama, his sleek silvery-white hair dishevelled and filthy. He sported a long gash upon his face from hairline to chin, the blood dripping steadily. Miroku was about to ask what had happened when he caught sight of his lady Kagome stalking her mate with death in her eyes. Sesshoumaru lay still watching, unseeing of the monk and kitsune, of his sire and his mates. There was nothing but his feral mate and himself. He balled his fist tightly, flexing the acid whip within his talons. He eyed his lost mate with finality that he was the one to defeat her, to destroy this Jigoku Inu as all others had been previously, he wanted to defy the thought of killing her, but he didn't have a choice. Kagome eyed her prey, her upper lip furled, a hiss of contempt escaping. She flexed her claws, eyeing the line of Ai's throat, the way the human had rather successfully thwarted her attempts thus far, and managed to prolong her miserable existence was surprising. It was by sheer chance that the rather strong human female was distracted for a moment, which Kagome managed to slash her face and hurl her across the distance. She now lay sprawled across the ground, her brown eyes locked with Kagome's a look of defiance and death.
Kagome made the first move lunging towards her prey determined to kill the murderous bitch that stole her life. Sesshoumaru closed his cinnamon eyes momentarily inhaled her scent, resigning himself to her murder. He snapped them open swiftly, unfurling his hands. As Kagome made a grab for him, he wrapped his acid whip around her throat and heaved tightly. Kagome was suddenly stunned, where did this wench find a tree vine and why was it so strong she could not break it? She felt the thick root tighten around her throat, cutting off her air that she gagged. Miroku and Shippo instantly rushed to aid the fighting female. "I will not be defeated by a ningen bitch!" Kagome screamed in frustration as her claws continually scratched at her throat, at the acid whip that burned her flesh. Sesshoumaru pulled her against his body, fitting her underneath him as he tugged ever harder, ignoring her hisses and grunts "Forgive me mate. I will follow you into the netherworld in moments, relax" he whispered in her ear as he tightened his hold once again.
Miroku held his staff tightly, resigning himself to the kami's above for the action he was about to commit he prayed. Then swung his staff into the back of Sesshoumaru's head with as much force as he could muster. The dazed Inu suddenly released his mate, and fell to one knee, his hands cradling his pounding head. Kagome lay at his feet coughing as her windpipe was freed. Miroku stood over Sesshoumaru, his staff raised to strike once again. "Lord Sesshoumaru have you come to your senses?" he asked curtly. The monk watched carefully as the male Inu rolled his head in his hands, slowly comprehending that there were others around him. Shippo approached Kagome, looking into her large blue eyes. "Kaya-san are you okay?" he asked placing his fingertips on the welts around her throat. Kagome blinked, finally seeing Shippo for the first time. "Shippo?"
"thank goodness, are you alright?" he asked as she seemed to come back to herself once more. Kagome nodded, looking over to the monk and her mate. Miroku cast her a swift look to check on her, then turned his ministrations back to Sesshoumaru "I am myself monk, you hit me hard enough just the once" Immediately he felt the pain of the wounds he'd received from his beloved mate. The burning flesh from the tear on his face, the flames licking upon his skin from the ripped muscles at his leg, and the weight of cracked ribs in his chest. He lifted his head and noticed Kagome, she was panting, bright red welts running across her throat in messy lines, the previous wound from Kirara on her thigh still oozing her precious blood, and a new gaping wound on her arm, an uneven tear from elbow to wrist deep enough to see bone. "that bitch deceived us, pitted us against each other, playing off on our worst fears, she has gained much power since I was tied to her last" Kagome's ceruleaun eyes catch the sight on Tashio laying on the ground, his form slumped on itself, she heaves herself to her hands and knees, crawling to her sire by mating.
Each slight movement was unbearable torture, but she managed to crawl to his side. Kagome sat beside him, towering her slight frame over his larger one. Tashio was alive, beathing erratically a gaping hole in his chest where it appeared a fist had driven itself inside. Kagome placed her hand over the hole to assess the size, and suddenly recalled her father had been too close to Tashio. Could her father have wounded Sesshoumaru's? Kagome lowered her face to the wound and sniffed, the blood called to her, but the scent of blood was all she could detect. There was no lingering death, no rotting tissue, Tashio was laying as still as possible to stem the blood flow. "Tashio-sama can you hear me?" she asked softly. "I hear you child, your father is not in his mind, he sees me as his brother, I understood the problem as i faced my own demons, I knew I could not fight mine as my demon was already dead. You cannot destroy a ghost. I tried to help you and my own son, but you heard nothing from me. I thought I failed as Sesshoumaru was strangling you" Kagome sighed lightly. "where did my father go?"
The bushes around them rustled and Taro intruded on them. His eyes were feral slits, eyeing Tashio with hatred and death. Kagome rose herself to meet her father, favouring her good leg. She was a little light headed from the blood loss, but she would not leave her father to madness of the mind. "father, please enough. We have all been fooled. You attack your friend, by sire by mating. Father can you hear me?" Kagome attempted, watching with alarm as her father approached closer and closer. "how fitting Kiros, you bring your mate and sons to witness your downfall" Taro launched himself skyward to fall onto Tashio's prone form. Kagome placed herself over his body to protect him "you cannot stop him, you are too weak" Tashio growled lightly. "My father may not be in his frame of mind. But he wouldn't harm a female even Valane whom he believes me to be". Kagome let out a whimper of pain as Taro dug his claws into his shoulder, Tashio made to grab her, to pull her to safety, Sesshoumaru took two steps towards his mate before he too fell to the ground.
"there's only one way I know how to bring him back to us" Kagome admitted to those around them, she dropped her head in defeat, never wanting to commit the atroscity she was about to. She felt the tremors as the muscles in her face contorted, as her upper lip furled into a lethal smile, she shivered as the ice cold heat ran across her flesh. Four exceptionally sharp fangs dropped in her mouth, glinting in the afternoon light. She lifted her head to acknowledge Tashio, letting him witness what his daughter by mating truely looked like; what a true Jigoku Inu looked like when they were death.
Tashio couldn't suppress the urge to grab her by the shoulder and hurl her away from them all. Despite the fact that Taro had lost his mind, and his own daughter, his own blood could stop him by this method, was enough to make him hold. But Tashio felt an instant tremor of fear run through his being at the sight of a fully matured female Jigoku Inu. His eyes took in everything about her, her facial markings, her protective posture, even heard the distinct growls as she warned off her own sire. But her eyes, her eyes were directly at Tashio himself, two perfect crimson rubies of twinkling blood shone into his own golden orbs. "Your fear calls to me Tashio, best you reign it in" Tashio nodded in understanding, and allowed his eyes to close slowly, shutting the thought of Kagome; A Jigoku Inu towering over him, mere inches from his throat should she wish to feed from it. He opened his eyes swiftly as he heard an amused chuckle eminate from said lethal killer. Her top lip was lifted in a half smile, and her liquid crimson eyes shone with mirth.
Taro launched himself towards his prey, his claws elongated for the kill. Tashio heard her soft plea as she turned and attacked her own father. A crunch echoed in the silent woods, the sound of a muffled cry of alarm followed. Within moments two bodies fell to the ground in slow motion, one after the other. The houshi and kitsune being the only two who were not compromised approached the last two Inu still clutching one another in a fierce grip. Kagome lifted herself from her father, her face that of a soft youkai once more, a small trickle of crimson liquid belying her true nature on her lip. She moved away, favouring her right side. She fell towards Miroku, allowing the monk to support her. "this has got to stop! I have had enough. Constantly being pitted against my family and comrades. Kikyo must be stopped!" as the words were spoken a bright light shone from inside her, it consumed her body leaving all those around her to shield their eyes.
Kagome, you have spoken a promise of souls. Kikyo must be stopped, her soul darkens with every moment she remains on this earth. I shall seal away your demonic blood once more and merge with you wholly. Only you with the aid of the houshi can complete the jewel of four souls lest Kikyo's soul and thouse she encounters remain lost for eternity. Inuyasha must accompany you, he will be the demon you require for your own demon within will be nothing but a shadow in your mind. Seek the slayer, Sango she too will be your guide, she is from the shikon village and holds many secrets within. You must complete the jewel before it falls into more sinister hands
As the light dispersed, Kagome stood before those who watched through narrowed eyes. Her demonic heritage upon her flesh faded away, and was replaced with the mark of the Shikon upon a necklace of quartz crystal. The third demonic mark that belonged to Kaya shivered a soft violet before turning pale pink. A cerise ring echoed around her sapphire eyes belying the miko power coursing through her veins. The second set of fangs, reserved for the consumption of blood, receeded into the cavern of her mouth leaving flat teeth behind. Her entire aura sang of a miko's holy energy, singing alongside her darker demonic one. To those who were demon would fear her miko, to those who were holy would fear her demon. She now walked a precipice of hatred, belonging to no-one and nothing. All wounds were healed, her skin glowing healthily. She approached Tashio, kneeling beside him, she placed a hand, palm outstretched upon his wound.
Tashio heard her voice, singing in a soft chant in his mind, felt as his wound tingled with warmth and comfort. Within moments it was gone, not even a mere scratch. Tashio stood and helped his daughter to her feet. She moved swiftly but gracefully across to each and every one of them, healing all injuries. Tashio knelt down to assist Taro, whom was clutching his head, in some semblance of pain. Sesshoumaru caught Kagome in his arms, hugging her closely. They exchanged silent words and muffled growls, words that Tashio did not hear, but understood. Kagome was leaving, and Sesshoumaru was not to follow.