YAAAS one of my favourite chapters to write, so we get to see Kikyo react to InuYasha in human form. Due to her stronger spiritual power I see Kikyo being able to sense InuYasha losing his demonic aura but not questioning him on it out of respect.
Kaede having spiritual power can hold her own against the demon also
I remember the original scene of which InuYasha says "You smell good" really clearly. Somehow if Kagome smelled like cherry blossoms and sunshine. I see Kikyo smelling like rain, spring flowers and maybe incense.
Kikyo smiled warmly, sighing in content as she felt the gentle breeze flow through her hair, the sound of the splashing water and waves caused by the current filling her ears. Surrounded by nature and the blissful calmness of the simplicities of life. The boat bobbing down the river soothingly, unknowing of where they were headed of what was in store for them. Kaede sat by the boat side, smiling eagerly as she dabbled her fingers in the water, giggling in amusement as small fish swam by the boat, their slimy scales tickling her skin. "Oi, Kaede, be careful. The current would drag your scrawny form down the river in an instant" InuYasha warned. She was small in stature and lacked body mass, though she was strong in spirit someone her age could be dragged down the river in no time. He wasn't an avid fan of the water and didn't plan on taking a bath anytime soon. Kaede had the same habit of getting herself into trouble as her sister.
Kaede pouted but nodded, averting her gaze to Shippo who was leaning over the boat with a pale green face and looked rather nauseous "Nani? Do you get seasick Shippo?" she asked in surprise. Shippo usually acted so fearless and stubborn that seeing him keeling over the boat was rather strange to her. If he was feeling so crappy they could give him some medicine to help ease his stomach. InuYasha rolled his eyes wearily, Shippo was just a kid so he wouldn't tease him. But for someone who breathed fire down his neck, he was always getting into trouble. Shippo had the words pushover written all over his face, it was just too easy to manipulate or push him around. But he didn't want to give the brat too hard a time, thanks to Kaede he was learning manners and to behave less childishly.
Kikyo averted her gaze, hearing a rustle and sensing demonic aura from the cliffside, was it a surprise attack? Had a nearby demon sensed the jewels and began to follow them? She saw the figure of a young girl, older than Kaede clambering from the cliff edge in a panic, gripping flowers in her hand, was she alone? Where were her parents? A creature with glowing red eyes, its form concealed shadow appeared behind her, lunging at the girl, its head separating from its body as it attacked her. She screamed as she lost her footing as the demon sent her flying from the safety of the cliff, at this height she would undoubtedly be injured.
"INUYASHA!" Kikyo yelled frantically, they had to protect her, a girl that young falling from such a height could prove fatal. They needed to attempt to prevent her fall in any possible way, otherwise it would mean trouble. They had no net and no way of catching her, perhaps Shippo could transform and catch her in midair before damage was done.
"Milord, tis a demon" Myoga panicked, he had seen all manner of demons in his long life but he had never seen one quite like this before, how strange. Despite his many millenia's of life there were many demons he had not been educated on due to his obliviousness of their girl screamed in panic as she hurtled towards the ground, awaiting her fall to her imminent death.
"She's heading towards the boat" Kaede panicked in surprise, at this height she could break her fall and hurt herself or perhaps even damage the boat. They had no means or protecting her or themselves from her fall. This was the first time they were saving someone spontaneously instead of being able to plan around it. It seems someone was always in trouble in the feudal era. Just what were they going to fo?
"She'll crush us" Shippo panicked, clinging to Kaede for protection
InuYasha huffed, why was he chasing after so many kids these days? No matter where he went they were always getting into trouble and he was the one saving them. Just once peace and quiet would be greatly appreciated at this time. "Relax brat, I got this" InuYasha sighed, he reached out his hands and caught the girl, catching her in midair before she could fall into the water. They could just drop her off at the riverbed and let her go about her own way while they continued their mission.
"Good catch Nii-chan" Kaede praised proudly, that canine sense of his always made him cautious to danger and always allowed him to come up with a plan. They could always rely on him for some kind of answer. Sometimes having a hanyou around to protect you really did have other advantages.
InuYasha peered at the cliff suspiciously, the demon watching them closely before escaping into the shrubbery. He peered at the girl in his arms, she looked not much older than Kaede, maybe around the age of thirteen or fourteen. Just what was she doing alone and wondering around, where were her parents? Weren't they worried about her and possibly looking for her?
The girl's eyes opened timidly, having sensed she had been caught or landed somewhere safe? Surely she hadn't landed in a tree or dreamt the whole thing had she? Had she been rescued by a saviour? A kindly nearby fisherman or something of the sort? "A…Arigato… you…. You saved me from that frightening…." She trailed off. Her eyes widened in shock as she acknowledged the creatures silver hair and pointy ears protruding from his head. An expression of disgust and horror appeared on her face, she slapped InuYasha across the face angrily, struggling and kicking with all of her might "Akuma! Sawaranai!" the girl screamed
InuYasha winced as the girl slapped him across the face, frowning at her crossly to hover his hands across the side of the boat before dropping her into the water irritably. That ought to cool her head down and teach her a lesson about showing gratitude. He was in no mood for her ungratefulness at this point in time.
InuYasha sat nearby Kikyo protectively, glaring down the girl who had struck him irritably. She had been staring at him since they saved her, still sulking from being dropped in the river as payback for being slapped. Surely her parents would have taught her to learn basic manners or something along those lines. Kikyo wrapped bandages soaked in herbal medicine across the girl's arms to help ease her wounds, though nothing serious she had some scrapes and wounds. But they would scab over and leave bruises soon enough. The medicine would help speed up the process and fight infection "So I understand you reside on this mountain" Kikyo responded calmly.
The girl huffed, why was a girl and her family accompanying demons? It made no sense to her, they were wicked, evil creatures that only existed to cause suffering to humans. Why was this woman helping her when she was happily showing kindness to demons? "I don't owe you anything" the girl huffed, averting her gaze.
Kaede scoffed, this girl was being childish given they just saved her life "You owe us some respect given we just saved your butt" she huffed. They could have allowed her to be eaten or drown in the rapids alone, yet they had saved her life by chance. Most people would have shown more gratitude and gone about their way in blissful ignorance yet she was picking fights with them. How ungrateful.
The girl glared, noticing the fox demon that sat beside the girl "Damare! I'm not blind, I can see the demon perched by your lap!" she growled. She peered at the ground, gripping her hands into balled fists on her lap "All I can feel for a demon is hatred" she muttered. She was treating the fox cub like a pet as though they weren't cunning tricksters who lured humans away.
Kikyo bound the bandage around the girls arm tightly, a look of concern forming on her face "Would you please explain what demon that was?" she asked patiently. There were still many strange creatures in this world she hadn't encountered, but perhaps by learning about them from the locals she could be educated. Learning about demons would better allow her how to defeat them in battle. She could learn how to protect herself and the others from their power. Unfortunately, the ancient book she had back at the temple only had a vague history on certain demons and artifacts.
"It's called a spider head, they've resided on the mountain since spring. But it's not the only one of its kind, they take the heads of their victims weaving their nests in their corpses. They've killed dozens already" The girl warned. They poisoned their victims to a slow death and then laid their eggs in the corpses and possessed their bodies. It was a cruel and frightening way to die and they were just one of many breeds of demons in this area.
A look of concern flashed across Kikyo's expression, remembering the demon toad they previously faced which captured young girls to consume their souls. She pitied the poor humans whom had to live in constant fear of such overwhelming demonic power, fearing for their lives on a daily basis. But they could preserve this girls life at least with one kind act. She tied the knot and released the girl's arm, turning to InuYasha calmly "InuYasha, we should make sure she gets home safely" she suggested. They couldn't irresponsibly abandon her as it got dark, trying to find her way back and finding herself blind to any potential attackers.
InuYasha hesitated, he didn't want to be wandering this mountain tonight with rogue demons venturing around. He was at risk of his own wellbeing at a night like this, he was running out of time. But he wasn't so cruel as to neglect a child to fend for herself "We get her home and then we're gone, I don't want to stay on this mountain longer than necessary" he muttered impatiently. They needed to get away from the scent of demons who were wary to his condition and may use it against him. The last thing he needed was to make reckless decisions at this point in time.
Kikyo gazed at him with an expression of silent concern, her mind swimming with suspicions as to what could be causing him so much grief. Though she attempted not to pry her empathy wouldn't allow it. InuYasha's anxiety had been heightened these past few weeks, he seemed on edge, anxious, sleeping with one eye open. His moods had been short and he was prone to sulking more than usual, given the restrained his anger since meeting her. But InuYasha would never usually neglect the premise of demons attacking humans, he would help them and drive the demons away. "We merely need to avoid the demons to pass through the mountain, if need be I can form a barrier" she reassured him. She would use her spiritual power whenever needed be for extra protection, she knew that would bring him peace of mind.
InuYasha gripped his hands into balled fists, he knew she was trying to help but now wasn't the time to consider risks. Even her spiritual power wouldn't be enough to protect them from anyone who picked up his scent, but it would form a protective barrier to stop them from hunting him down. "Kikyo, I don't want to endanger us all for the sake of an ungrateful brat. I won't risk both of you for one stupid kid" he warned. He knew Kaede wasn't stupid but this girl had wandered away from home of her own volition. They weren't responsible for her actions.
Kikyo nodded, she knew of how Nobunaga had led to them fighting a frog in a castle, A demon mask nearly destroying her home and then previously the soul of a ghost child which nearly dragged her to hell. InuYasha had become wary of Kikyo being harmed and refused to ignore his gut instinct when something felt wrong. InuYasha had spent his whole life fighting, every day being a blessing when someone wasn't trying to kill him or eat him. "We can at least see she gets home before dark" she agreed, she would not abandon a child to fend for herself in a nest of demons. They could then make camp somewhere and she could form a barrier for reassurance.
"Oi, Baka! What are you doing?" Kaede scolded, the girl began to climb the cliff, gripping to vines and rocks with all of her strength. They had just saved her from a perilous fall and now she was showing that gratitude by insulting them and running away. This girl clearly had no intelligence if she was ignoring what happened and running head on into danger again. However, watching her behave recklessly and refusing to learn from her actions was certainly amusing.
"I'm going home, thanks for nothing" she muttered, these people were strange and she didn't trust them. Anyone who allowed demons into their lives was a fool, these women were travelling with demons. Either they were under a spell or they were simply moronic, either way she didn't want to become involved with them. They were allowing themselves to be manipulated blindly and it sickened her to watch.
"You know you'll just become demon chow doing something so reckless" Kaede scoffed, demons would be able to hide easier in the dark and jump out on her. She needed their protection to make it through the evening and get home safely. She understood her reasoning for feeling such fear, but to allow it to rule her life would ruin her experience of meeting people. But then wondering through the landscape alone and without any protection was dangerous enough.
"I wouldn't entrust my life to a demon no matter the cost" she huffed, suddenly, the vine she gripped snapped sending her tumbling to the ground in a heap. Kaede biting back a snort and facepalming herself in amusement. InuYasha rolled his eyes and groaned, approaching the girl as it seemed they would be babysitting her for a while.
Kikyo gazed upwards at the large wooden gates of an upcoming temple, the paint fading but still ancient and sturdy. The temple itself old and worn but still stable and habitable. Nothing like their shrine back home, for this was older and less cared for, they tended to do regular repairs to their home given they lived there on a permanent basis. She was relieved they made it here in such a short period of time, meaning they could drop Nazuna off and continue on their mission "This must be the residence" Kikyo confirmed in relief.
An old man appeared from the grounds, walking down the cobbled path towards the entrance. He was an elderly monk, was he the caretaker of the grounds? Nazuna's guardian perhaps? "Nazuna my child, who be these visitors you bring" he questioned curiously. They seemed like nice people but what were their real intentions visiting this temple?
"Master!" Nazuna cried, rushing towards him and away from her travelling companions, she gripped at his robes and clung to him affectionately. It seemed he had indeed adopted her, acting as her caregiver. She had been so afraid but now she was back in safety, she didn't need to worry any further.
The master ruffled her hair affectionately "Was ye attacked by demons my child?" he asked in concern. To wander around on her own she would be endangered, but she had done well to keep her wiles and act cautiously as she returned home. However, she had seemingly gathered companions on her journey back, had they been the ones to save her life?
"I… I was collecting flowers for the graves when…these blind fools and their foul demon companions forced me to bring them to the temple" she babbled. They had tricked her when she was confused from the fall, causing her to lead them to the temple. But she wouldn't be led astray by them again if she could help it. Hopefully she would never see them again after this moment.
Kaede frowned bitterly, as a trainee priestess she had pride in herself, she had learned well from her sister that not all demons were as cruel as others. This girl blindly allowed her fears to control her life and judged others. Making her gullible and stupid, anyone could pretend to be a good person, taking advantage of her. Now she was insulting InuYasha when he had been the one to catch her "Dare? What did you just call InuYasha Onii-chan?" she questioned scornfully. She had a mind to give this girl a piece of her mind.
The monk peered up at InuYasha and his companions, indeed he harboured a demonic essence as did the small fox. But he sensed another power flowing from their two female companions, something akin to priestesses but they didn't appear nor behave like priestesses. "Be ye demons?" he asked curiously. Just what had brought them to this place?
InuYasha huffed, he wasn't in the mood for an interrogation, Nazuna had caused them enough trouble and he was eager to leave. "Relax old man, we were just passing through" he grumbled. This place gave him the chills and he didn't want to linger more than necessary, he doubted Nazuna would accept thanks and he was happy to part ways with her. He'd learned to never trust others when it came to his human night, following his gut was best of all. The longer they waited around, the more time they ran out of.
"Onegaishimasu, you have travelled this far, we would welcome you to stay the night" he begged, they had plenty of rooms they could use, after their long journey surely they would want a hot meal. It wasn't often they had visitors and they would be very welcome in this place, so company was longed for. He knew Nazuna got lonely, she could at least have someone to speak to now.
Nazuna's expression flashed with anger "NANI?" she snapped, just what was he thinking? How could he trust and show kindness to these people? They should be turned away and go about their journey, they were demons. Creatures such as themselves didn't belong in a place like this. How could her master be so blind?
"Go Nazuna, prepare a meal for our guests" he suggested sternly. Nazuna pouted but nodded, trailing off before shooting a sullen look at the group. The monk sighed "Gomen, young Nazuna came into my care when a spider head slew her father. From that night onward she felt only terror towards demons, you must forgive her impertinence" he apologized. "With my weak spiritual power, I have shielded this temple to the best of my abilities to make sure no demons can enter". He then averted his gaze to InuYasha suspiciously "Then perhaps you sir, are more mortal than demon" he responded quizzically.
Kikyo stiffened, gripping her bow in hand and peering at the monk suspiciously, was he baiting InuYasha? For she knew he was already a half breed, but she accepted and loved him regardless. She had her own flaws in which InuYasha accepted, she had shared with him personal matters she had never told anyone. Though she understood monks, priestesses and priests were generally enemies with demons, not all demons were monsters. But how would a priest be able to sense the human in him? InuYasha glared at the monk defiantly, was he trying to pick a fight? "Less than a demon? Better watch what you say to me old man" he growled
The monk sighed "You appear that of demon nature, yet your soul harbours not a trace of demonic essence" he explained
InuYasha stiffened, could this old man sense his demonic blood ebbing away? That wasn't good at all, they needed to get out of here. He could feel his anxiety heightening, as though he was trapped. Tempted to run into the woods and hide in a tree, giving himself time to breathe. Kikyo shielded InuYasha, stepping between them before a fight could break out. She knew InuYasha was on edge and his judgement would become clouded. It would be hard to explain his actions to an elderly man whose words were muddled. "Gomen, we would indeed be grateful to stay the night. However, we must be gone by morning to continue our mission" she lied abruptly.
The monk smiled calmly "Arigato my child, you are most welcome here" he smiled, leading the way towards the inner temple.
Kikyo sat in the corner, gripping her hands to her lap as she expected InuYasha to scold her, she knew she had chosen the decision without his consent. She had just been so worried that he may start a fight and cause tension with Nazuna. He hadn't spoken a word since their arrival, nor since the monk made such a strange comment. She needed to soothe his spirit and alleviate the thoughts that frustrated him so "InuYasha, you seem most troubled by something at late. Something plagues your mind most fervently" she explained restlessly. She respected that InuYasha had secrets, but something told her his silence was out of fear.
your soul harbours not a trace of demonic essence
"You aren't one to usually give in to such childish mockery" she soothed curiously, when someone would bait him usually he would ignore. The only person he ever argued with regularly was his brother, but given how unpleasant he was, the matter was understandable. But regular civilians was a whole different matter altogether. She doubted the priest meant it out of spite, spiritual power often gave you an insight that normal humans didn't. She recalled as a child explaining to other children that she could see spirits and other demonic creatures that they could not. However, she used to protect those in need, even if they thought her strange.
Myoga nodded, nibbling on a spec of leftovers "Lady Kikyo speaks such wisdom milord. Your father was the great dog general, your mother a pureblood mortal princess. You carry nobility in your mixed blood" he agreed. As much as Sesshoumaru was in denial on the matter, InuYasha was a lord and a prince, both of his parents were of royal blood. He was the legal child of Lord Touga, their father had loved two women and shared happy marriages with both.
"What's so noble about being a half breed?" Shippo scoffed, Kaede yanked his tail sharply causing him to yelp before continuing with her meal. Shippo whimpered but continued his meal in silence. Knowing that insulting InuYasha in her presence was becoming a big no no.
InuYasha growled, averting his gaze as he allowed his mind to wander and reflect, trying to make sense of it all. Was his anxiety getting the better of him? It was a common trait around this time of the month. But something didn't feel right about any of this. How had that monk known? How had he sensed his demonic aura ebbing away? Making him wish they had just left Nazuna at the side of the river and continued on their journey. Kikyo's expression softened to one of sympathy, she knew he sought comfort and his mind was a mess right now. She edged closer to InuYasha, clasping his hand in her own to squeeze it tightly. "InuYasha, gomen, if I had known coming here would hurt you so…" she muttered, she would have simply left as soon as they made it to the temple, heading on their mission to find a campground. She knew that would have made him happier. InuYasha hesitated, his expression becoming perplexed, just how in the hell was he supposed to explain this to her? He could only imagine how worried he was making her by remaining silent. "I am aware you are accustomed to my spiritual aura but perhaps others may cause you harm" she suggested. Perhaps the monks spiritual aura around the temple was burning him, he was weakened to such powers after all. InuYasha stared at her, did she think the weak spiritual aura of that dumb monk had hurt him? Yes he had grown accustomed to her spiritual power but it was still something that hurt him when it came to other people.
He groaned in frustration, cupping his face in his hand before getting to his feet to get some headspace "I'm sleeping outside tonight, I need some air…" he muttered. He saw Kikyo's expression become pained, blaming herself for his bad mood, "You aren't to blame Kikyo… this is just…" he trailed off. There was just no easy way to explain any of this. There was a rumbling in the ceiling before a swarm of spider demons formed on the ceiling of the temple room, their webbing and bodies amassing together into a large clump. Looming over them with blank and emotionless eyes. Kaede shrieked in disgust, hugging Shippo for comfort as she backed away in panic, be they demonic or regular in being, Kaede had always hated bugs. But these were no ordinary spiders whatsoever. Kikyo stared in awe, her eyes wide in panic and disgust, were her eyes tricking her or was this really happening? Were these the creatures that had chased Nazuna before they rescued her? InuYasha staring in disbelief, had they been followed? How had the creatures known they were here?
Nazuna ran through the temple frantically, her breath ragged and her eyes wide with fear, hoping to seal off the rest of the temple. "Master? Daijobudeska?" she called, how had the demons gotten in when they formed a shield to keep them out? She stared in horror as she found the priest bound in the webbing of the demon spiders
Kikyo gripped her bow and arrow tightly, prepared to do whatever it took to keep the demons at bay, but she didn't know if she had enough arrows to last. She hadn't seen any other weapons lingering around the temple before they arrived. Surely a temple like this would have protective amulets of some kind. "There's no end to them" Kikyo stammered, they just kept growing in numbers, blurring together in ghostly faces. Perhaps if they had some form of flame, but there were no lanterns to scare them off.
"To hell with it" InuYasha growled, he wasn't going to waste anymore time. They should have left while they could but instead they lingered because that stupid monk had suggested it. Now he was trapped and forced to fight his way out and waste his remaining strength, he turned to Kikyo adamantly "Kikyo, get your sister and Shippo outta here now" he warned. He wouldn't be able to protect them for much longer and they needed to make a headway in escaping the nest.
A look of horror flashed across Kikyo's face, she knew something was wrong with him, how could he think she would abandon him? His demonic aura seemed imbalanced and he wasn't behaving like himself. Why was he asking her something so foolish? Had he not learned by now that she would rather face danger alongside him than run away like a coward? "InuYasha, Naze?" she stammered nervously Why would he ask her to run away and abandon him? Why would he ask her such a cruel favour when he needed her power now more than ever?
"I need you to run, I can handle myself" he warned, these things would be crawling out of every crack in the wall. There was no end to them and they seemed unfazed by their attacks. The spider heads launched themselves at them eagerly, their ghoulish eyes glowing with hunger. InuYasha drew Tetsuigha, though the blade remained in its rusted and shielded form, instead of the demonic fang in which they had become familiar with. Kikyo stood back, guarding her sister and shippo defiantly, though her eyes widened when she gazed upon the blade. She had been correct to listen to her suspicions and question what was happening. There was something wrong with InuYasha and he could no longer deny that statement. The fang wouldn't transform, it remained in its rusted form rather than the fang he usually drew, he was protecting them so he was using the weapon correctly. Kikyo had been correct to assume something was amiss, her instinct was rarely mistaken.
"The Tetsuigha will not transform"
The spider heads swarmed around InuYasha, spitting their webs at him while he fought to break free and become untangled. Fighting to break free of their trapping and battle against them. Kikyo gripped her arrow, shooting it directly at the demons webbing, burning it instantly, the creatures whining in complaint. She ripped InuYasha from the demons remaining webbing, covering his face with its sticky substance. She held him protectively to her chest, focusing her spiritual power to ward off further attacks. She didn't notice the shard necklace around her neck becoming entangled in the webbing, ripped from around her neck. All she cared about was escaping this place and hiding from the demons before they could consider another plan "InuYasha, Nigeru" she yelled frantically.
Kikyo dragged InuYasha through the forest, shielding them both with a spiritual barrier to prevent any demons from being able to attack them. She couldn't be too careful and they clearly seemed interested in them for whatever reason. But why hadn't they attacked them during the day? Why had they waited until night to attack them of all times? A sneak attack perhaps? Kaede and Shippo rested nearby panting heavily, still shaken from the attack. "What in the hell were those things!" Kaede panicked anxiously, her breathing ragged and tears still spiking in her eyes. Confused and frightened at what she had just witnessed.
"They don't appear to be following us any further" Kikyo explained in relief, she hadn't sensed their demonic aura during their escape. Their essence had become weaker the further away they got. They could now breathe easier but consider what they would do next. But she had to make sure none of them had been hurt, what if their webbing was venomous? It was better to be safe than sorry after all. A simple pleasant morning had reverted into a night of horrors.
"Kuso… of all times…" InuYasha growled, of all the luck, this was utterly laughable.
Kikyo turned to InuYasha tenderly, he was hiding from her and he was upset, but they were safe now. He could relax and breathe easier, so why was his body language so guarded. Had he been hurt during the fight? She couldn't bear him keeping secrets from her like this "InuYasha, aishiteru, please talk to me" she pleaded. She wanted to know the truth and understand his suffering. She could hear the conflict and anger in his tone, but she couldn't understand why he was feeling this way. She didn't want him to shoulder this burden alone.
InuYasha stiffened, his body becoming rigid as he cowered away from her, he felt so ashamed. So far she had accepted all of his ugly sides without fear or reservation. She showed no fear when faced against his brother, she had accepted his half breed nature and even gone as far as to fall in love with him. The look of love in her eyes was unwavering whenever she was around him. She called him her beloved half breed after all, he'd given her his mother's lipstick, he wouldn't do that for just anyone. But allowing her to see this face of his, it was so personal he felt more afraid than he had in his entire life, what kind of face she would make. "Baka, you really should be more worried about yourself at a time like this" he scoffed, he began to pull the webbing from his hair irritably.
"InuYasha Onii-chan…." Kaede stammered, this was not what she had been expecting at all. He looked so different, yet somehow the same, it was rather unnerving.
InuYasha pulled the webbing away to reveal a handsome human form with dark brown eyes to match Kikyo's, flowing black ebony hair and a softer human face. His demonic aura had vanished completely, not a scent of demon clung to him. "If you're expecting me to protect you, I think you'd better concoct another plan" he warned, as it was they were all sitting ducks. He usually waited it out until morning when he transformed like this, but it seemed tonight he found himself in bad luck. Shippo stared in awe, this was the same dog who growled and barked when he was annoyed? The same sharp tongue who loyally protected Kikyo and Kaede?
Kikyo gazed at InuYasha in shock, a light blush dusting her cheeks, she knew InuYasha carried mortal blood within him but she never thought she would ever see his human face. This was InuYasha's human form? The blood given to him by his mother? She had never expected him to have such a handsome face and boyish charm. This was the human side of the man whom had fallen for her? Was this the blood in him that allowed such tenderness?
The temple flowed with a demonic aura as the spider heads surrounded the building, weaving their new nest. Nazuna backed away in horror, gripping a candle to her as she stared at the monk being kidnapped by the demons "M… Master…douyatte?" she panicked. The temple had always been safe until now, but demons had broken in and now attacked her beloved master. But why was this happening tonight? What had changed in the protective seal?
The monk raised his head to acknowledge Nazuna's shaken form "Nigeru… this place is no longer protected" he warned, she would be endangered the longer she stayed in this place.
"Master…Dame….I cannot abandon you" she stammered, she wouldn't be cowardly and abandon him. He had done so much for her after she lost her family, so simply escape and fend for herself would be too cruel. How could he ask her such a thing? Did he doubt her devotion?
"Dete Ke! Do not be foolish child, my magic cannot hold them off for long. Escape with Lord InuYasha and his companions, you must like a long life" he warned. Nazuna's eyes filled with tears as she ran from the temple grounds desperately, she hated to admit it, but she needed the help of the dog demon and his companions.
Kikyo gazed at her lover in awe, a bashful pink colouring her cheeks as she felt a sense of girlish awkwardness flutter in her belly. Though she was aware of his human blood, she felt as though she was meeting InuYasha for the first time all over again. She felt as though she was in a dream if she pinched herself everything would go back to normal. "Inu…Yasha…" she stammered, hoping that her instinct was correct, hoping she wasn't making a fool of herself. She had so many questions, so many feelings, but she couldn't muster the words to express herself.
InuYasha shifted, averting his gaze awkwardly as he felt a bashful blush forming on his own cheeks, he remembered the first time Kagome ever saw his human form. It had taken a year for him to trust her with such personal information, but with Kikyo she had discovered it in in a matter of months. He felt naked, emotionally and spiritually, a gnawing part of his instinct telling him to hide. His human form had been his most precious secret, though he knew this would be inevitable, he had hoped she would learn of it another way. He always acted so cool and playful around her that showing such a bashful, defensive and frightened side of himself felt shameful. She hadn't stopped staring at him the entire time, stunned into inarticulacy. "I take it you must be disappointed, you're awfully quiet" he muttered, she had known him for his demon side until now.
Kaede's eyes widened in awe "InuYasha Onii-chan! You're even more handsome as a human!" she boasted abruptly. She admitted his puppy ears were cute, but his human side was adorable too. He was so stubborn and shy, he was pouting and he became socially awkward. Though she knew it was probably rude, she felt an urge to touch his face to better understand him. But for now simply complimenting him would help to comfort him during this time.
InuYasha shifted, his cheeks darkening but his appearance softened, Kaede had broken the ice and admittedly her compliment did give him a confidence boost. But then Kaede admired him regardless. But now he just had to wait for Kikyo to give her response on the matter, he hoped she didn't faint however. Kikyo shifted, taking a deep breath to calm herself "You… you've become human…. Correct?" she stammered. She hoped in the future they would be able to prepare for this more clearly. That way they could avoid InuYasha feeling pressured and anxious, thus less hindrances like the one they ran into today.
InuYasha groaned in frustration nodding "Hai, I've got no fangs, no claws, I'm just a useless deadweight" he muttered, he didn't know how his mother coped, nor how any human coped. This feeling of weakness, the lack of demonic strength, the duller senses and the vulnerability. It gave him a greater respect for humans but also a hatred of his weakness. This was why his brother mocked him, why demons mocked him.
Myoga appeared on Kikyo's shoulder, a look of concern on his face "Milady Kikyo, in the life of every Hanyou offspring, there comes a time when every Hanyou loses the demonic influence of their demon heritage. Their demon blood becomes sealed away and they are rendered human" he explained. Though having the demon blood active most of his life allowed InuYasha to train and hone his skills, it also meant that his human blood would become active at a certain point in his life. Though his master despised it, Myoga admired it.
"Which means InuYasha is in great danger then, he is vulnerable to demon attacks" Kikyo replied calmly. Now she understood why he had been behaving so strangely, why his aura seemed off. "You didn't want me to see you like this because you were ashamed, you were afraid" she whispered. He was trying to protect himself because that was all he had ever done. With his brother and other demons mocking his existence, of course he would hide such a personal part of himself out of self defence. But that only gave her more of a reason to protect him, because nobody else would.
"Lord InuYasha's human night is on that of the new moon when the moon becomes dark" Myoga explained. He glared at InuYasha in frustration "Really Milord? You couldn't have entrusted me? Your retainer with such important information?" he yelled. His most weakened state and he hadn't warned them, keeping it a secret until the very last second. Why did he have to be so stubborn and insist on dealing with this alone? His father would be disappointed that he wasn't relying on Myoga for guidance during these times.
InuYasha scoffed, peering at the cowardly flea demon, rarely was he around when he turned human as a pup. Myoga scurried as soon as he even sniffed a threat, so why would he warn him when his human night was due? "So you could escape beforehand?" he mocked. Not telling Myoga meant he would stay nearby and had no chance to attempt an escape. Call it payback for all the times he had abandoned him to save his own skin.
Myoga turned silent in guilt as InuYasha pinpointed the truth before becoming angered "Haven't I earned your loyalty more than that?" he yelled
"I owe you nothing old man!" InuYasha growled, this was his personal problem and he dealt with it in his own way. Hiding until the morning came and his demonic power returned. It had kept him alive all these years and he wasn't going to change now. So there was no point in Myoga berating him for a method that clearly worked, only complaining when it was inconvenient to him. Though Nazuna becoming involved had complicated things immensely, he wouldn't lie.
Kikyo reached out to squeeze InuYasha's hand softly, her expression calm but her eyes filled with a storm of conflicted emotions. Surely Kagome knew of this side of him, his human blood, yet here she was learning for the first time. She couldn't help but feel hurt that InuYasha loved her yet had failed to warn her that he would be in danger. If she had known, they could have continued their boat journey and made camp, she could have formed barriers, anything to keep him safe. "InuYasha, why did you hide this from me?" she asked heart-wrenchingly, she couldn't bear not knowing, it would eat away at her. InuYasha shifted bowing his head shamefully, she had every right to be upset given how close their bond had become. This was just one of many milestones they would have to face together in the future.
"I.. I'd sensed an imbalance in your aura for some time, your demon blood seemed abnormal. You were distancing yourself from me emotionally. I knew something was wrong but…. I insisted we go to that temple…" she trailed off. Maybe if she had listened to her instinct, all of this could have been avoided from the start, causing less of a hindrance to InuYasha. She had led him to a nest of demons which could have killed him, how could she have been so foolish?
InuYasha glared, due to her strong spiritual power, surpassing Kagome's, of course, she would have picked up on this. It was something he idiotically forgot to take into consideration, her spiritual awareness. But to blame herself for his decisions wasn't something he would accept, considering this had just been thrust at her, she was coping very well. "Don't go blaming yourself, this is the way I've lived for the past 150 years. I've survived this long by listening to my instinct" he stewed bitterly. His brother would never protect him due to his spiteful pride and hatred of InuYasha. Myoga was known for his cowardice and he had nobody else who gave a damn about him. He just learned the hard way how to fend for himself and cope with his human night on his own terms.
Kikyo bowed her head, she couldn't help feel responsible, she'd used a barrier so many times to protect them before, she used her powers to save them again and again. Now when he needed her powers more than ever, she hadn't protected him. She called him her lover yet she had endangered him like this, thinking of how the spider heads could have poisoned him had they not escaped. She felt her eyes stinging with fresh tears, her heart felt as though it was being squeezed. InuYasha stiffened, he saw her body tense as she bowed her head, withholding her emotions from him, trying to not appear selfish. "G.. Gomen… I…just… I hoped you would show me your face without shame. But you… you hid this from me…" she wept.
Kaede's expression softened, she couldn't be mad at InuYasha for this, even if it had been stupid of him he had his reasons. He'd survived on his own long before he met Kagome and after meeting her sister, he didn't do this out of malice, he was merely protecting himself in an ugly world. But now he had them to protect him and he didn't have to feel alone. He could breathe easier knowing he could rely on them for protection in the future.
InuYasha panicked, he hated when Kikyo cried, he felt as though his heart was being ripped from his chest. He hated to see her upset because he knew how strong she was, all the heartache she had endured. She was already contemplating scenarios in which they never went to the temple and none of this happened, her anxiety flaring and blinding her. He reached out his hand awkwardly to stroke her hair, his cheeks matching his robes, she really was cute when she cried. This woman with endless empathy for those around her. "I trust you Kikyo, more than I've trusted anyone in my entire life. But… endangering myself was never something I could risk in this form" he muttered. The first thing he ever learned growing up was how different he was, how the world saw him, the divide between demons and humans. How he was unwanted by everyone but his own kind and the mother who raised him. Opening up and trusting people hadn't been easy for him, but Kikyo had helped him mature.
Kikyo softened, raising her head to gaze at InuYasha with glassy brown eyes like a puppy dog, tears spilling lightly down her cheeks. She was aware of how messy and childish she appeared, she just couldn't help herself. Her emotions flared like a storm and this was so much to take in at once "Inu..Yasha…." she muttered bashfully, wiping her tears awkwardly. She understood his words, the way he trusted her, she had never felt such a thing around anyone aside from Kaede. She felt as though she could pour her heart out to InuYasha without reservations and knew he would listen.
Kaede hummed reflectively, giving her sister and InuYasha some space "Now that InuYasha is a human, it's up to me and Kikyo Onee-chan to protect him. Good thing he's got two powerful priestesses to watch over him" she stated proudly. He was in safe hands and he had no reason to fear a second longer, suddenly, Kaede heard a rustling and grabbed her sister's bow and arrow, aiming in the direction of the sound. "Dare? I'm armed and prepared to fire" she warned. Though not as skilled as her sister, she had improved greatly. Nazuna stumbled down the hill, tumbling on her hands and knees through the long grass and reeds, Kaede scoffed "It's the ungrateful village girl come to seek our help" she muttered. She had some nerve showing up now of all times after she had been so rude to them and now endangered them all. If they made it through the night she owed them a lot of apologies.
"Nazuna?" Kikyo questioned in concern, how had she escaped the temple and how had she found them? Unless she had been blindly running in no direction, she had the feeling Nazuna had been attempting to locate them. But surely she had the common sense to escape the temple and find refuge elsewhere.
Nazuna clambered to her hands and knees, she knew she had caused them trouble but she needed their help. "The monk, he's still alive, you must save him" she begged, "that Inu-Daiyokai of yours, he can help can't he?" she protested. He had enough strength to chase away the demons and save her home. She would never trust a demon but needs must the devil drives, she didn't have any other options so she would simply have to bite her tongue until this was over. She didn't have to like him, she needed merely to work alongside him.
Kikyo frowned, though she pitied Nazuna she wasn't willing to risk her lover and sister at the hands of a demon when they were weakened like this. She knew when to back down from an unnecessary battle for the greater good and this was one of those times. To return was what InuYasha had been attempting to avoid the whole time. "InuYasha… I will not allow him to recklessly endanger his life at this current time. If we are to save the monk we must think tactically" she explained. They could counter an attack plan that would save the temple, purify the grounds and slay the demons who had made a nest. She would need time to formulate the plan but she would have no issue.
InuYasha huffed, he wasn't willing to risk Kikyo after her nearly being killed twice for the sake of this brat "Pssh, yeah right. Nigeru, we have to get off this mountain by morning" he assured. The sooner they left this place the better, he didn't want any rogue demons sniffing out of his scent. That would put them all in danger, he wasn't going to allow someone to be endangered because of him. This girl had insulted them and treated them like outsiders, after her rudeness she was ballsy to ask them for help.
Nazuna stared at InuYasha in awe, his silver hair was gone, his demonic traits were gone "You…You're human…" she muttered. But she swore he harboured ears and demonic blood, how could he possibly become a human like herself? Was she mistaken or perhaps this was a fever dream brought on by shock. She couldn't quite believe what her eyes were seeing.
InuYasha scoffed, he wasn't in the mood to explain the intricacies of his human heritage, it was a long story he didn't want to relay to a stranger. The less people knew about his secret, the less enemies he would have seeking his death. "Only for tonight brat, I doubt you'd want to be around me by morning" he mocked. Then he would be back to fangs, demonic senses and power, the way he preferred it. They would never cross paths again and he would simply be a passing memory to Nazuna, a face she recalled but had no attachment to.
"You'd run away and abandon the master?" Nazuna protested, after he had welcomed them into the temple and showed them kindness? He would take the cowards route and ignore that gesture? Was he so selfish even as a human? Had he no empathy? The monk had fed them, given them a room for the night and he would turn his back on them?
InuYasha huffed, she really didn't seem to understand his fervency to get out of here and make tracks before someone caught wind of his scent "I don't owe you anything brat" he muttered. She was just a passing stranger in his life, another face nothing more. He knew this was unfair and she didn't like that this bad luck had crossed her life, but life was unpredictably cruel and she would just have to learn to accept that whether she liked it or not. It would soften the blow when more mishaps followed her through life.
Kikyo got to her feet, she hated to abandon Nazuna and perhaps they could drop her off at a nearby village to find a new home. There would be plenty of people willing to adopt her and help make a new life for herself. But they couldn't return to the temple when it would endanger them all, their lives for the sake of a suspicious monk was not worth it. She slowly rose to her feet, suddenly, she clutched her chest, the spiritual aura of the jewel shards was gone. The string around her neck harbouring the bottle was gone, but she swore she had been wearing it when they were at the temple. "Yabai…" she trailed off angrily, she cursed herself for her foolishness of causing them further problems at a time like this.
"Kikyo Onee-chan?" Kaede questioned in concern, she could see Kikyo was angry, but what had caused her mood to shift? Until now she had been level headed and taken on leadership of getting out of the temple. She had protected them all, warded off the demons and made sure they didn't follow them through the woods. She had formed a protective barrier around them to ward off demons and even now was putting their wellbeing above her own. She was the bravest person she knew, so why now did she seem angry at herself? She would understand stress and exhaustion, they had been through quite a shocking night, being surprise attacked by demons.
"When I dragged InuYasha from the demon webbing, they must have stolen the shards. My recklessness and naivety has cost us the shards" she growled. They had worked so hard, faced so many dangers, all to collect the precious shards and one careless act had ripped it from them. She thought she would have been more prepared, she waited for InuYasha to scold her for her carelessness. He had every right to be angry at her during a time like this. InuYasha stared at her, he knew Kikyo was no fool, she wasn't capable of such oblivious acts as Kagome when she became distracted. She was focused, intelligent and quick witted, she protected those shards through hell or high water. They must have robbed her when she was caught blind, using her brief distraction to steal them.
Kikyo stood nearby InuYasha, her bow and arrow gripped tightly in her hand, along with spiritual scrolls in case of protection or defence, she always carried such things from home in case necessary. She was lucky that nearby temples, passing monks and even some travelling salesmen carried the tools she needed to make weapons. It taught her to be intuitive and make the most of weapons when they came into their possession. She had no money to pay in these times so she had to bargain and even forage for what she needed, though at times she was lucky when people offered for free. One good deed would not go unnoticed and she would repay them in the future. InuYasha approached the temple gripping Tetsuigha and grave markers, their spiritual essence would deflect the demons aura. He could feel his heart hammering in his chest, his mouth tasted like metal and his hands trembled lightly. He would not show fear in front of his enemy even like this, but as a human it was harder to conceal his emotions. But he had more than one person to protect now, but he was blessed with people who would protect him in return.
Kaede gripped her bow and quiver of arrows, Shippo perched on her shoulder, now was another time for her to prove her worth and harness her powers. Again she was thrown into the frontlines and learn her skills as a priestess. But having Shippo as a companion to light the way like a furry lantern was helpful too. Nazuna following behind them timidly, off put by their strange way of fighting, surely most sane people would have used a barrier to trap the demons in the temple and weakent them first.
InuYasha turned to her sternly, "If you hear anything strange, make a run for it. I can't protect you and those demons will sniff out your power like bloodhounds" he warned. At a time like this Kikyo needed to protect Kaede more than anything, her spiritual power was still weak and growing, she wouldn't have enough power in her to ward off the demons for long. Running away wasn't a cowards move at a time this like, it was rational and common sense, self preservation, the strongest innate instinct in which a human was born with. Kikyo blinked, she hated the idea of abandoning InuYasha alone, not when she could help him. She knew he was adapted to fighting alone but she swore she would protect him. Surely the Tetsuigha would recognise him better than herself, its power reacting to him and protecting him while he was still a human. "The blade won't transform when I'm like this, but the protective aura remains" he explained, she needn't worry for him, so long as he still had the Tetsuigha he had a lifeline.
InuYasha grabbed Shippo and placed him on his shoulder, removing him from his vice-like grip to Kaede's leg. He hated to rely on a kid for help at a time like this but he had no other option. He just hoped Nazuna appreciated this stupid decision he was making for her beloved monk. Running into a nest of poisonous demons to save an elderly man's life. "Shippo, Isogu" he yelled loudly, they couldn't run away now, they had come too far. Shippo gripped to InuYasha's shoulder, whimpering quietly, he knew this would only mean trouble.
Nazuna approached Kikyo and Kaede sheepishly, "Will… will he save my master?" she stammered, despite his desire to hide and protect himself he was running into the temple without demon power. She didn't know whether to call InuYasha a hero or a fool, but she appreciated the gesture nonetheless.
Kikyo nodded, she knew InuYasha harboured a kind soul within his chest. He had suffered enough hardship, loneliness and fear in his life to know that abandoning those in need was never a correct answer. Though he still carried some cynicism, she knew she was brushing off on him. "He harbours a gentle soul within him, he's softer than he admits" she confessed. She knew the good he was capable of and the man his parents would be proud of. "InuYasha, please stay safe" she prayed.
InuYasha wandered through the temple grounds, holding his weapons close to him, they had acted fast that was for sure, leaving not a trace of their schemes. "Those creeps stole Kikyo and Kaede's packs" he growled, he heard something skittering along the ground. He held up a burning grave marker, throwing it into the darkness and illuminating the pathway in front of him. InuYasha's eyes widened as he saw the demon spiders weaving a web around Kikyo's satchel, the bottle of jewel shards on their leg. Shippo whimpered timidly, gripping to InuYasha tightly cowering behind his shoulder. "They could have eaten us, they could have chased after the girls for their power. Which means the shards were their main goal all along" he growled, charging towards the pack.
The demons lunged at the intruder, protecting their steals "FOXFIRE!" Shippo yelled, burning the demons in a panic, hoping it would be effective. The creatures scurried dumbly as their webs were burned. It seemed they had more weaknesses than they previously believed, meaning they could still win this battle.
"Their webbing is their lifeline, without their weak" InuYasha yelled, meaning they couldn't scurry about and would be sitting ducks. To spin all this webbing at once would still take time, though with the help of a jewel shard it would take no time at all. They had a fighting chance if Shippo could burn all of their webs to the ground.
"Foxfire wins" Shippo yelled proudly, for once he was coming in useful on a mission which he felt proud of, he was usually the weakest member of the group. They ran towards the pack frantically, eager to grab it and escape while they could.
As they ran towards the satchel, InuYasha caught sight of the monk, bound in the webbing of the demons like a pawn. Were they using him as food? Maybe he was being forced into this? The way he spoke to him earlier had been off putting, though he knew priests, monks and priestesses had the sight that no average human could see. But to accurately sense his human blood was another skill entirely. "Nani? He's still alive?" he scoffed, how had the demons not used him as food yet?
Kikyo collected her bow and quiver of arrows, making sure she had everything she needed, Kaede following closely behind. They needed to be prepared for anything and given how the demon had planned this whole thing out, they couldn't lower their guard for a second. Making sure they remained in the temple overnight, allowing the smaller demons entry, the false persona used by the monk all to claim the shards. This whole plan was too carefully woven to be a mere chance. Nazuna sat nearby, watching the girls prepare for battle, they were awfully prepared which she wasn't expecting. How did a girl younger than herself wearing such strange clothes know how to fight demons? Kikyo had taken a shell from her pocket and coloured her lips with a rouge colour, her dark eyes becoming hardened and passionate. Somehow she felt that she became a different person when she wore this lipstick, the veil of insecurity and self doubt falling away into nothingness.
"The master had used his power to protect the temple from demons all this time. He made tombstones for the victims slain by the demons despite endangering himself in the process. So they would not haunt the living as vengeful spirits" Nazuna explained. He showed such a compassionate soul for all the fallen people who were victims of demon attacks. How could such a good person be capable of evil? She didn't understand the suspicion.
Kikyo watched Nazuna quietly, her life mirrored hers and Kaede's, losing her parents so young, while feeling alone and abandoned in the world. To have someone show her such kindness at such a frightening time, she would believe anyone. But her gullible nature also made her a fool, blind to traps, schemes and manipulation against herself. Though the truth was cruel, it often brought to light matters which one would usually ignore or deny. "Upon arrival here, I had sensed that the master's power seemed warped. For someone claiming to have spiritual power, he seems poisonous" she explained sharply. His aura was warped and imbalanced, like poisonous smoke, black and choking, instead of pure and stable like that of a spiritual wielder. Nazuna's eyes widened in shock, what did she mean?
InuYasha cautiously approached the monk, keeping his guard up "Kombanwa Monk" he responded casually. He knew better than to ignore his instincts and run blindly into danger, at a time like this bad decisions could kill him. He still couldn't believe he was doing this for Nazuna, let alone on a wild goose chase to reclaim their stolen shards. If he sensed even one wrong move he would make a bolt for the packs and escape through a back door or window. At least he had Shippo to cause a distraction.
The monk raised his head weakly, reaching out a hand to the human "Lord InuYasha, you came for me?" he questioned, the fool had come back at last without his meddlesome bodyguards. He never thought he would be rid of them and finally have this chance to do in the filthy half breed. But more so how had one so weak come into possession of the shards in the first place? But it was no matter, they were within his reach now he simply had to get rid of the pests attempting to get in his way.
InuYasha scoffed, he couldn't care less about this old man. Given his rude statement earlier when they arrived, he knew better than to trust this guy. Something about him made his stomach squirm, human or not. "Nazuna would never shut up if I didn't…." he muttered reaching out to take his hand. His eyes widened as the demon's arm stretched, no human could elongate their limbs. "Wana?" he yelled in surprise, though he hadn't seen this coming he still cursed himself all the same. For it was too late to undo his actions. The arm strangled InuYasha around the neck, slamming him into a pillar preventing him from moving, choking on air as the grasp became tighter around his neck. Tetsuigha clattering onto the ground out of his reach unable to shield him, his only barrier and lifeline to warding off demon attacks was beyond him. InuYasha glared down at the monk as he cursed himself for falling into such an obvious trap, but he would continue to fight for his life. "Kuso… you… monk…" he cursed, clinging to the hand around his neck and desperately attempting to release himself.
The monk chuckled to himself, his form glowing as arms sprouted from his body abruptly, glowing with demonic light. The demon's arms formed like a spiderweb, entrapping the room like a maze.
"His body is like a spiderweb" Shippo panicked mentally
"Uragiri, you were the leader of the spider heads all along huh?" InuYasha growled, he had been controlling the demons that killed Nazuna's family and then lured her in to act as his bait. Then he weaved his plan to entrap them here and chase them out with his clan so he could gain the jewels for himself. What a sneak he was.
The demon chuckled gleefully, staring up at InuYasha with a wicked smile "Heh, I heard a rumour of a Hanyou bearing the shards of the Shikon jewel, so I laid in wait hoping you would show your face" he grinned. "Hoping that you would venture to my hideout, but blessed luck it happened to be the night your demon blood was sealed away". He never thought a half-breed would be so stupid as to run into such an easy trap, but then perhaps the halfling power came with less intelligence, less of the trickery of a pureblood. He knew by taking the jewel shards the half breed would be tempted to retrieve them to become closer to increasing his own power. Thus he could ensnare him here and steal the jewel from him.
InuYasha gripped the demon's arm tightly, he had fallen into this stupid trap he could have avoided all along. Because of this demons plot and the ignorance of a human child "Tch, even without my demonic power, I shouldn't have a problem kicking your ass old man" he snapped, breaking free of the grip of the demon and leaping towards him adamantly. He would teach this old fool who was weak and just whom he was messing with, he may have been weaker but he was still intelligent and capable of putting up a fight.
The demon spat a mouthful of webbing towards InuYasha "Orakana Kodomo" he chuckled, he was playing in his nest without any powers. No matter how much he struggled, he had the upper hand here so he may as well give up. InuYasha shielded himself protectively in hopes of avoiding the demons attack, his robe of the fire rat was his protective armour and the tetsuigha his shield. Instead, he found himself bound tightly in the sticky webbing of the demon. He didn't want to stay in this damned temple a second longer. Shippo leapt towards the demon, shooting flames at the webbing binding InuYasha, the demon growled, slamming Shippo to the ground and binding him beneath one of his many arms. It seemed the half breed had brought a weakling demon to act as his bodyguard, how foolish, did he think such a puny demon could protect him?
InuYasha struggled in frustration, glaring fiercely at the demon who lunged towards him with a wicked glint in his eyes, he didn't know what he planned for him but he didn't want to find out. "Foolish child, is this weakling body capable of surviving my venom perhaps?" he mocked, he put up a tough front and tantrums at the possibility of losing, but he was merely a human now and could do nothing against a demon. InuYasha froze as the demon plunged his mandibles into InuYasha's shoulder, one of the fangs piercing his neck. Feeling the venom pour into his human bloodstream. He felt sick, dizzy, shock beginning to overwhelm his mind.
"INUYASHA!" Shippo cried in panic, with that concentrated amount of venom in a human body, it would surely kill him. He had to do something, he knew coming back without Kikyo had been a bad idea. He rummaged in his pocket, locating an acorn. Summoning all of his power to send to Kikyo, Kaede and Nazuna in hopes of being rescued.
Kikyo crept through the hallway of the temple, she could sense the demonic aura like smoke, polluting the whole temple, with such a large nest of demons, why had they not been attacked yet? Something felt suspicious, they were within reach as targets and surely someone would have caught their scent by now, so why hadn't they been attacked? Kaede gripped her weapons while Nazuna lingered nearby Kikyo like a human shield, stumbling through the darkness timidly. Kikyo noticed a bright shining object approaching them like a bullet, though weak in power she sensed it fast approaching, peering through the darkness, her spiritual awareness giving her keener eyesight than the average person.
"Onee-chan…." Kaede stammered, was it a surprise attack from the demons to catch them off guard? She had experienced enough unpleasant surprises, she didn't want some ghost or spider demon jumping out at them again. She wished InuYasha was here with them to reassure her. Suddenly an acorn bobbed in front of them, bouncing as it recognized Kikyo's face, the acorn then transformed into an anthropomorphic face, sobbing loudly with distressed tears. "Shippo!" Kaede cried in relief, she never thought she would be so happy to get a message from him. He was the only person capable of such powers, this had to be distress call of some kind.
Kikyo gripped her bow tightly, she knew something meant trouble all along, she should have made an excuse to leave so they could have avoided this whole mess. The monk had been disingenuous from the start, his aura had been as polluted as InuYasha's, this whole matter had been a trap he concocted to capture them here and for only one reason. The jewel shards, then to kill and eat them all to grow stronger, it drew demons in with its aura, killing each other in a death battle to claim it for themselves. "InuYasha….Nazuna no sei…" she trailed off, she knew Nazuna had a kind heart and simply wanted to protect her guardian, but in doing so she had endangered her lover. Now she was not only retrieving her stolen shards, but now she was rescuing her lover from what could have been avoidable danger.
The jewel shard bottle glowed brightly in the darkness as the spider minions placed it into the webbing. The master reaching out to grip the shards from the sticky webbing with delight, though he had heard tale of the jewel many times to see it in person was a different matter. He could feel its aura radiating like a pulse, its gleam so bright and ethereal. "Jewel shards, at last, I can live for five more centuries with this amount of power" he grinned, he could evade death and even battle stronger demons for more.
"Uso… Master…." A voice trembled in disbelief, was she hallucinating? Was this a dream? Her kindly master who saved her, raised her and gave her a home was truly a demon all along? But how could that be? No demon was kind to humans, why was this happening? Perhaps all along she was a demon magnet? The demon peered in the direction of the sound, a look of surprise appearing on his features, he hadn't expected them to return to soon. However, he would deal with them soon enough. Nazuna cowered in the corner behind her new protectors, tears forming in her eyes as she bit back fear, anger and confusion all at once.
His gaze fixated closely on the women protecting Nazuna suspiciously, hoping he would recognise them. The woman from before, adorning strange clothing like a uniform of sorts, her lips coloured a maroon rouge resembling flower petals, a fierce expression of volatile anger forming on her face. She aimed her arrow directly at the demon's head, intending to kill him "Akuma! I knew you were never human, you reeked of miasma and wickedness, tricking this naïve girl to act as your puppet all along" she hissed. Had she come back for her beloved half demon? How poetic, a half demon whom had become involved with a human, for his human blood couldn't deny his connection to such creatures. Falling back in line to the world he belonged in, among the weaklings of life.
Shippo whimpered in relief at the sight of Kikyo and Kaede "K…Kikyo… InuYasha is…" he trailed off tearfully. He never thought they would make it and he would end up becoming a demon snack too. He'd tried his best to fight off the demon but he was too weak, yet again he found himself at the mercy of a stronger demon.
Kikyo's gaze wandered upwards, upon catching sight of InuYasha, her body froze rigidly, sickening nausea filling her body like poison. This felt like a nightmare she couldn't wake up from. The same helplessness she had experienced the night of her parents deaths, unable to protect the ones she loved yet again. Her hands began to tremble from rage and anxiety, forcing herself to conceal her true feelings. InuYasha hung from the ceiling limply, his brown eyes empty and lifeless, blood dripping from his lips, two sharp puncture wounds in his neck with darkened reddish-black blood dripped from the source. "Inu… INUYASHA!" Kikyo screamed frantically, praying he could hear her voice.
"InuYasha Onii-chan!" Kaede wept, he couldn't be dead, he wasn't. It wasn't that long ago they had been running for their lives and within safe distance. InuYasha bashfully revealing his human nature to them and for the first time in his life being accepted. Now he was fighting for his life against a demon's bite, how had things gone so wrong so fast?
"Chigau, he cannot be… he's not…" Kikyo mentally protested. InuYasha had always carried a strong will to fight, to preserve his life and protect his lineage. Proving he wasn't the weakling everyone said he was. But now he had began to fight so he could stay with those he loved. He couldn't possibly die now and leave them behind, that was too cruel, too lonely.
The demon grinned, acknowledging the heartache visible on the girl's faces "heh, I filled the boy's veins plentifully with my venom, it will devour him from inside out by mere inches" he mocked. They would watch him die slowly before becoming meals for him too, with their spiritual power he would become even stronger, priestesses carried special powers after all.
Kikyo gripped her hands into balled fists, she couldn't allow her lover to die in such a traumatic and painful way "Kaede, you and Nazuna free Shippo and find shelter, I must save InuYasha" she warned sharply. They couldn't escape now, they had to face this battle no matter how dangerous. She wouldn't allow InuYasha to suffer such a horrible fate, mirroring her parents. Kikyo bound her bow around her back, her quiver of arrows over her shoulder. Climbing up the arms of the demon's body impatiently, the distance between her and InuYasha never feeling more vast. She felt as though she was climbing for eternity, every step and arm feeling as though another had sprouted in its place.
"A priestess, you shall fill my belly too, I shall feast on your power" he grinned, the demon spat webbing at Kikyo, hoping to entangle the fool in his binding. Did she really hope she could put up a fight against him? She was out of her league. Kikyo closed her eyes, focusing her energy to form a barrier around herself, purifying and burning the demons webbing before it could touch her, falling to the ground in slushy piles of white. Nothing would get between her and InuYasha, he had caused enough trouble and she would be sure his death was slow and painful. "M… Masaka…" The demon muttered, how was she capable of such power? The spiritual essence she had just released was more powerful than anything he had ever felt. Not even the most skilled of priestesses had power this strong, just who was this girl?
Kikyo opened her eyes warily, her body trembling with fear, this felt as though she was in some kind of hellish dream, a nightmare come to life. She hadn't felt this kind of fear since the noh mask attacked her home. Until now she had always known she had the upper hand, now she was using intuition to win a battle. She believed in her power, knowing it was fueled by her emotions, but with the fear coursing through her body she expected her power to be lessened. So why, why did she feel stronger than ever despite this? "Your feelings for Milord InuYasha, the anger inside of you. Its is strengthening your power" Myoga responded eagerly. He knew Lady Kikyo was special, her pure love for his master was unwavering. She loved him wholeheartedly, unwavering and passionately, her gentle soul and wisdom seeing into his heart. Her bond with InuYasha was based on trust and mutual understanding, the basics for any relationship. Her anger at seeing him harmed, the one she loved endangered, fueled her feelings for him and thus fed into her power.
Kikyo blushed, her cheeks darkening with embarrassment as she continued to climb up the demon's limbs "My… my affections for InuYasha, they are protecting me? I can use them to defeat the demon?" she questioned. She never thought such a personal and awkward confession would lead to the reality of what empowered her. Did this make her different from Lady Kagome or simply stronger than her? Perhaps she could look into this at a different time when there was less distractions of danger.
"It allowed you to destroy the demon mask that attacked your temple" Myoga explained, she had so much potential within her she simply needed to focus and believe in it. Though he was curious as to how his Lord Touga and Lady Izayoi would react towards Lady Kikyo. Much like them both she was a strong and admirable woman with a good heart. Kikyo noticed a hoard of spider demons approaching, raising her hand in the direction of the creatures, projecting her spiritual power at the demons, destroying them in an instant, falling to the ground and burning alive. She had become tiresome of their desire to sneak up on her hoping to catch her off guard, her ability to sense them ruining their plan. She was eager to be rid of this place and leave it behind, to merely become an unpleasant memory she would black out in the future. Kikyo climbed higher until InuYasha was within her grasp, her eyes watering with fresh tears.
"K...Kikyo…" InuYasha muttered weakly, for a moment he believed he was dreaming. But she was really here, she had come for him. He spent so long protecting her and keeping her out of trouble. Now she was the one protecting him, he never thought he would see this moment.
Kikyo raised her head to notice InuYasha hung in the webbing within her reach, her heart filled with pain as she gazed upon him. Hating herself for being too late to stop this from happening. His face was even paler up close, sending chills down her spine, wondering how much the demon had inflicted upon him. He was alive, he was fighting, the poison hadn't killed him yet, she felt so relieved she couldn't stop the tears from pouring down her cheeks. "Just a little bit longer, you are just within my reach" she reassured him. The demon grinned, moving its head along its body, retracting its mandibles to enjoy a bite of the human girl.
Kaede and Nazuna rushed towards Shippo, his body crushed under the weight of the demon's claws, squeezing the poor fox cub preventing him from crying out for help. "Kaede…" he whimpered tearfully, he felt so ashamed that he couldn't protect InuYasha enough, that he was just sat here being useless. She had to be so disappointed in him again.
"Shippo, Yokatta…" Kaede whispered in relief, she didn't see any visible wounds which was a relief but he would be sore and bruised for a while. Now it was her turn to protect him for a while, she wouldn't get mad at him this time. Kaede gripped the demon's claws, focusing her spiritual power as much as she could in hopes of hurting it, forcing him to release Shippo. She hoped this hurt for all the awful things he had done to those she cared about.
The demon hissed in anger but paid no mind, releasing its claw and allowing Shippo to escape. He ran into Kaede's arms frantically, leaping at her chest and sobbing loudly "Kaede-chan…Kowai" he sobbed tearfully. The smaller spider demons crawling around sent chills up his spine, watching the larger demon taunt him and attack InuYasha. He feared it would come for him next and he would become dinner to the large spider.
Kaede blushed, but wrapped her arms around him with relief, he'd been very brave and his message had allowed getting here fast enough "C'mon, we have to find a hiding place and help Kikyo Onee-san" she protested. Getting to her feet and rushing away with him and the sword in tow, looking for a place they could hide and avoid the demon until they could make an escape.
Kikyo reached out her hand frantically, hoping to focus her spiritual power to release the bindings so InuYasha could swing into her grasp, allowing them to climb down. She didn't know if it would work from this distance but she had to try, she couldn't give up when she was so close. InuYasha's eyes widened in panic, through his hazy poison-filled mind, he noticed the demon sneaking up behind Kikyo, hoping to bite her and poison her too "Dete Ke, Hashiru!" he begged weakly. He couldn't bear the idea of her following the same fate as him, it would be too cruel, he would rather she escaped while she still could. She could find the jewels and escape, that was what mattered.
Kikyo glared, how could he ask her to do such a thing, after everything she should just give up on him and leave. He always believed in her, whenever she doubted herself he managed to raise her spirits. She'd found herself learning new things about herself, new feelings she never thought possible. She'd learned to love and learned to grow, all because of him. Her eyes darkened with rage, her tears spilling down her cheeks "How can you ask me such a thing?" she snapped bitterly. She didn't care if she seemed foolish, reckless or irrational, he was part of their family and she was willing to risk her safety for their survival.
"Kikyo… why…you'll die.." he muttered, he already knew he was going to perish here, his lover wasn't about to meet the same fate. He knew as soon as the demon ensnared and bit him that he was doomed. But there was still a chance for her, she could still have a life and forget all about him.
Kikyo took a deep breath, leaping from her position on the demon's leg to grab InuYasha's cocoon of webbing, daring herself not to look down in case she screamed. Clinging to him for dear life, aware of the perilous fall she would face if she lost her grip. Kikyo gazed up at him with her glassy eyes and tear stained cheeks, her body trembling like a leaf. "Baka…. I… will not abandon you here… I refuse to live in a world without you!" she snapped bitterly, she would become too lonely. Her soul plagued with grief and remorse for running away like a coward and abandoning the man she loved. InuYasha's eyes widened, she would risk her life again for his sake? She kept throwing herself into danger, using her cunning wit against the enemy, apathetic to her wellbeing regardless of the harm she may face. Kikyo focused her spiritual power into the cocoon, the web loosening and slipping from its bindings. The demon lunged at Kikyo's ankle to inject her with poison, the purification power shielding them, causing him to wince at her power. InuYasha and Kikyo tumbled to the ground, Kikyo wrapping her arms around InuYasha's neck tightly, holding him close to her body protectively, he was cold, his body was pale and she could feel the life ebbing from him. "InuYasha, Gomen… please hold on" she whispered quietly. She needed him to trust her just a little longer before she could heal his wounds, she just prayed it wasn't too late. They slammed to the ground with a large groan, wincing at the impact of the hard ground sending a dull ache through their bodies.
Kaede ran towards them with Shippo, the Tetsuigha and Nazuna in tow "Onee-chan…" she cried in panic. They both appeared to be safe but she could see how pale InuYasha was, the blood pouring from the wound in his neck.
"There's an alcove behind the main altar, we can hide in there" Nazuna warned
Kikyo grabbed InuYasha's body, leaning him against herself and dragged him across the room towards the alcove, praying she wasn't causing him further pain. He could barely stand and his body was heavy, using all of her strength to pull him towards their hiding place. Kaede slammed the door closed as Kikyo laid InuYasha on the ground as gently as possible. She closed her eyes, focusing a spiritual barrier around the room, shielding them from the power of the demon. The door would block him out and prevent entry, protecting them, only those she willed to enter could break through the shield. InuYasha would not be harmed, human or demon form for it was her will to enter the shield, the same with Shippo. Any rogue demon was immediately expelled. The demon hissed as its fingers were burned upon attempting to enter the room, that girl was tricky and far more cunning than she appeared to be. How had she slipped through his fingers so easily? He hadn't heard of spiritual power so ominous since the fallen priestess Kagome fifty years ago, but how could that be?
"Lady Kikyo's barrier will protect us until morning unless the power of the demon grows stronger once he consumes the jewel shards" Myoga warned. He was relieved to be in the presence of such power at a time like this. The Tetsuigha could also protect them but with how powerful she was, the blade could simply remain in his masters hand guarded. It meant there was less pressure on InuYasha in his current state, he could breathe easier and relax.
Kikyo rummaged in her now salvaged satchel, grabbing a bottle of her medicine, it would ward off most of the poison's influence but they needed to get it out of him. It was becoming habitual that her medicinal skills were an essential part of their missions. The last time he needed it was to act as a painkiller when Sesshoumaru sought their fathers tomb. She reached out to grip his hand still trembling as she attempted to keep up her composure, she couldn't break down in front of Kaede in case she scared her. But her fear of losing him was overwhelming her senses, she could think of nothing else, his hands were so cold, he was getting paler, his heartbeat weakening. She didn't want to be alone again, she didn't want her happiness to be ripped from her. Feeling as small and helpless as she had that day as a child "InuYasha…" she trailed off shakily.
"InuYasha, I beg you, open your eyes…" Kikyo pleaded, it would mean everything in the world if he opened his eyes just to look at her. She wanted to scream at the top of lungs, begging to the heavens to save his life. She couldn't bear just sitting here and not knowing what to do. Surely there had to be an answer, but her mind was too panicked to think clearly, she was working on autopilot. The medicine would be able to heal residual poison but she didn't know about how much InuYasha had been injected with. Nazuna watched cautiously from nearby, this woman showed such empathy and concern over a Hanyou, she didn't understand it. This woman put her life at risk for this demon, she followed him willingly and protected him with every fibre of her being. She believed in him, she trusted him, but how could she behave in such a way towards a demon? Kaede hugged Shippo protectively, her brown eyes filled with fear as she hugged from for comfort. She couldn't bear to see him like this, to see him so weak and know he was suffering. She would kill the demon herself if she could, but she knew InuYasha would scold her for getting into trouble. She just wanted him to be ok, for things to go back to how they were before all this happened.
"You mustn't move him milady, the poison will spread through his body" Myoga warned, she knew they were all worried about him which showed the love they had developed for his master. He had found a new family at last, one that would protect him unwaveringly. His master had spent so many years isolated after his brother abandoned him and Kagome's family perished. "His human form is helpless against the power of demonic venom, but if I was to suck it from his blood his recovery time would be sped up" he explained. He would be dizzy for a while due to the blood loss and the effects of the poison, but he would heal soon enough.
Kikyo's expression softened and her eyes filled with eagerness, pleading him to try "Myoga, you must try, the longer we hesitate the closer he gets to death" she begged. She never thought she would be so grateful to have a parasitic demon on their side, able to combat the demons attack. It seemed he had value aside from his intellect and infamy for escaping. It seemed they had a small blessing on their side, though she never thought it would be Myoga.
Myoga sighed, though InuYasha was used to this, it would be strange for new eyes to observe. He couldn't help his demon nature "Milady, it would be best if you and miss Kaede were to avert your gaze, this may be unsettling for you to witness" he explained. He hopped off Kikyo's shoulder onto InuYasha's shoulder, piercing his neck with his sucker. Draining the poison from InuYasha's blood, his form growing larger in mass the more he drank.
Nazuna whimpered in shock, backing away towards the wall "Nani.. how is this possible?" she stammered, she had seen many strange demons before but never one capable of this.
Kaede winced in disgust, but she knew that he was saving InuYasha's life. However, she hoped he didn't take a habit to biting herself or Kikyo on the sly in the future. "Oji-chan Myoga, he's a flea demon" she muttered, she felt strange calling him grandpa, but then compared to herself or Kikyo's age, it seemed acceptable. Myoga rolled across the floor, his body engorged with blood and now full from his meal, burping lightly.
InuYasha stirred, relaxed but in pain from the bite and the blood drained from his body, his vision became clearer, the fog in his brain and sight became clearer. He could breathe easier again and his blood no longer burned from the venom. Kikyo approached InuYasha fervently, gripping a bottle of medicinal tonic in her hand, she couldn't waste any more time. She tilted back his head, placing the bottle to his lips, allowing the medicine to pour down his throat, hoping he wouldn't choke by accident. She knew she was being eager, but she was just so desperate to undo whatever damage the poison had already caused. Thinking to how long he had been in the demons webbing with poison in his veins without her knowledge. InuYasha weakly sipped the medicine, feeling the healing power slowly course through his veins, the same bitter taste. She was watching over him again, his guardian angel. Though the poison was out of his system, the medicine would boost his immunity and fight off some of the damage the poison had done before he became demon again. But he could see through his clearer gaze the glassy reflection of Kikyo's eyes, the redness caused by crying. He remembered briefly seeing her crying face as he hung there before she saved him "Kikyo… you're crying again…" he muttered softly.
Kikyo winced, wiping her eyes and deflecting his comment, she was sure he was teasing her but it made her happy to know he was acting as himself again. "Baka… you… you're alive…" she sobbed trying not to laugh from relief as it seemed inappropriate. "You… you always tell me not to frighten you by endangering myself… yet you…" she babbled tearfully, he had scared the life out of her by nearly getting himself killed. However, she hoped the next time she saw his human form it wouldn't involve his life being at risk. But at least she could tease him for being reckless too, which was amusing to think about.
InuYasha pouted, he couldn't deny that statement, he had been troubled in the past when her safety came into question. But now she was here worrying about his wellbeing and frightened at the thought of losing him. "Gomen…" he muttered, he owed her an apology for putting her through this. Though he hoped it wouldn't become habitual, until now he had always been able to get through this night smoothly. Suddenly, they heard a clattering in the background, someone attempting to break in from the back? A hidden tunnel allowing the spider heads entry? Kaede dropped Shippo, reaching out to grip her arrow and aim in the direction of the sound protectively, she would defend her kin.
The demon rummaged through the webbing and satchel left behind by the hapless but powerful girl, only to find the shards had disappeared from under his nose. He had been able to sense them not long ago and his minions had located where it was hidden. So how could it have gotten away? "Nani? But how?" he growled.
"Come out, I will shoot!" Kaede warned threateningly, she had seen enough harm done to those she cared about. She was tired of playing this cat and mouse game, she would confront anyone who dared to attack them again. Though she questioned how they were able to get through a barrier as strong as Kikyo's. InuYasha needed protecting, he had put himself on the line for him and now she would do the same for him. She wouldn't let anyone hurt him again, not if she had anything to say about it.
Suddenly, a large fluffy creature appeared, a long fluffy tail and mask shaped expression appeared from the darkness holding Kikyo's shard necklace "I did it, I got them back!" it yipped happily. From what they could presume it appeared to be a racoon perhaps, though it was hard to tell in the poor lighting.
Kaede blinked, before recognising the face and shape "Shippo? But how?" she babbled. How had he slipped out without them noticing, more so why hadn't he said something? Though she was glad he had retrieved the jewels, taking risks was not something they could afford at the time being. Any wrong slip up and the demons would have an opening. It seemed they still had some luck on their side despite all that had occured since their arrival.
Shippo reverted to his demon form with a proud smile "I used a decoy, it's one of my tricks for escape" he explained. Though it wouldn't last very long at his level, it had still worked and he felt proud of that. Now the demons were out of reach of what they most desired and it would be back in the protection of Kikyo. It would lessen their troubles and bring some hope to the situation. Kaede blinked, as she gazed down she realised the object she was in fact holding was a straw dummy replaced by Shippo. She was surprised at how easily he had been able to fool her.
Kikyo reached out to take the shard necklace and place it around her neck with relief, though she wondered how long it would take for the demon to realise unless he already had. "Yokatta, the shards are out of the influence of the demon" she sighed, she could purify any residual demonic aura that may have affected them. So long as it remained out of reach from the demon they had nothing to fear.
"Looks like you were helpful after all" Kaede teased with a wink, he had proven himself again by putting himself to retrieve the shards. If the demon had managed to get ahold of it there was nothing they could do to stop it. They could breathe easier knowing the barrier and walls kept them seperate from the demon until the morning came. Shippo blushed but pouted at her insult, knowing she meant well.
The demon growled, that beastly girl had tricked him, stealing back the shards and deflecting him from entering the room in which they were sealed. His minions scratching at the door of the temple, hoping to gain entry and retrieve what was stolen. He would retrieve what was rightfully his, the shards didn't belong in the pesky hands of a half demon.
"Shouldn't we make a break for it? We have the shards back?" Shippo questioned, now that they had their supplies they could make a run for it and the demon would be none the wiser. They were wasting time lingering about and deepening the risk of the demon being able to attack them again. There was danger all around them and it made him uneasy to feel this trapped.
"So long as Lady Kikyo's shield holds up, we will be protected. Given Milord InuYasha's weakened state, it is best not to move him" Myoga warned. He knew they were all on edge, they were all at risk, but InuYasha would never be able to travel in his condition, he needed time to heal. Nazuna sat in the corner beside Kaede, hugging her knees under her chin in sullen silence.
Kikyo peered around the room as the once shadowed hideout now began to illuminate with the rays of dawn, bringing her relief that this event would be over soon enough. They would breathe easier being able to put this memory behind them, however, within this room, they were shielded from the daylight. There was no way for InuYasha to get outside and return to his demon form. Nazuna and Kaede leaned against each other in peaceful sleep, Shippo resting upon Kaede's lap, exhausted from the stress of the battle. Kikyo gazed down at InuYasha impatiently, after being drained of the poison and her medicine being fed to him, he had improved though he was still weakened. The severe blood loss and poisoning he endured in human form would damage him greatly. But she was relieved he was healing, the rest would help him recover faster which is what he needed. She reached within her satchel and pulled out a cloth, dabbing at his forehead to cleanse him of sweat, hoping it would make him more comfortable, wishing she had water she could use. InuYasha's eyes opened slowly, gazing up at Kikyo solemnly with reflective silence, wondering if she had slept at all. Watching over him and the others like a guard, putting her own needs aside again. Kikyo stiffened, pulling back her hand in panic, stunned at seeing him responsive so soon "Gomen, did I wake you? You need your rest after…." she babbled. She knew he would be feverish for a while due to the detoxing from having so much poison in his system then so quickly removed. But the medicine would help with that. Laying on the floor couldn't be comfortable for him either, but he hadn't complained about it once.
"iie…" InuYasha muttered abstrusively. She looked exhausted, not just from the fear she had experienced in the battle, but from the anxiety and worry over him. Though she wore a mask to hide it, she wore her heart on her sleeve for all to see. He'd made her cry again, she'd shed tears for him repetitively since they met, he'd never seen someone cry as much as Kikyo did. She was a deeply empathic soul who felt guilt and shame when she wasn't able to succeed in protecting or aiding people in some way. She shielded her heart from the world yet handed it to him without hesitation, she entrusted him with her heart and soul willingly. "I was thinking, I always make you cry… I always tell you not to worry, but in the end, I still cause you anxiety…" he admitted.
Kikyo blushed, she had learned since meeting InuYasha to discard the façade of a forced smile and reserving her emotions. She showed anger, jealousy, sadness and passion around him, she learned humanity because of him. The ladylike reservation she had used back home to distance herself from others was fading away, though not many had noticed this change in her behaviour yet, only InuYasha knew of this side of her. "Because… I thought I was going to lose you…" she explained, she felt him slipping through her fingers and there hadn't been a thing she could do about it. For a minute she had felt like an ordinary woman. A weakling with no potential, no luck and utterly useless, simply a bystander while her lover was captured.
InuYasha shifted, hell, she'd kissed him on the cheek after they'd defeated the Thunder brothers and he gifted her with the rouge shell. She held his hand without fear, finding comfort in his touch. She was wearing the rouge he gave her proudly, adorning it in his presence, knowing it would make him happy. He felt so embarrassed asking her for such an innocent favour, but he wanted to be closer to her. He sought her warmth and comfort "Your lap… can I lay on your lap?" he asked shyly. He'd always napped on his mother's lap when he was young, her hand gently stroking his ears and hair affectionately. Kagome used to love running her fingers through his hair, but since he had never let anyone touch him, not until now. He found himself seeking Kikyo's warmth, her touch, her kisses. His body yearned for her, his instincts called out for her, a invisible binding keeping them bound to each other. Now he knew how his father felt meeting his mother for the first time, his soulmate. He had been waiting all his life to meet Kikyo.
Kikyo blushed but nodded bashfully, allowing him to move, she knew of mothers who would allow their children to nap on her laps. Sometimes lovers would do so in order to look at each other while finding intimate comfort. She had observed the act many times but this was the first time it was actually happening to her. Kikyo gently positioned his head upon her lap allowing him to gaze down upon him, resting one of her hands atop his head to stroke his hair comfortingly, the other rested upon his chest where she could feel his heartbeat. Having him close to her allowed her to protect him, knowing he was here and she didn't have to worry "Are you comfortable?" she asked shyly.
InuYasha nodded sleepily, he had a better view of her face from here, a memory he would imprint into his mind for years to come. Her dark silky locks flowing down her back, nearly mirroring his mother, her rouge lips so kissable like a flower petal, his heart skipping a beat. He didn't think after all these years he would fall in love again, but he was glad it was her. He nuzzled into her knee affectionately, he hadn't felt this safe in so long, so loved, Kikyo's gentle hands coaxing him into a comfortable sleep "Kikyo…. You smell sweet…" he muttered.
Kikyo blushed, her words robbed from her instantly as she felt dizzy at the sudden gesture of affectionate words. InuYasha liked her scent? But she was wearing no perfume, or perhaps he meant her natural scent. She wasn't used to hearing such tender words such as these from InuYasha, usually he was so bashful with his expressions of endearment "I… smell good… to you…" she stammered. She knew his nose as a demon was far superior to the scent of humans, but he had never mentioned her scent before.
InuYasha nodded, nuzzling into her lap sleepily "Like…. Spring flowers…. After the rain…" he muttered. Whenever he was around her, he could envision wild flowers covered in raindrops, the mist after the rain clouds cleared and the lingering effect of rain lasted. The clean misty air that followed after a rainstorm, the strong perfume of fresh flowers. It was such a wild yet natural scent and it suited her so well, he loved that about her. She made him feel so peaceful and her scent matched that. Wild and untamable, yet radiant, beautiful and welcoming.
Kikyo blushed, she wondered if his fever, blood loss and the medicine were making him hazy, she could never imagine InuYasha being able to confess this to her any other time. She knew InuYasha loved her and she in return loved him too, she would never question that fact. She wondered if she had been waiting for InuYasha her whole life, their souls waiting to find each other. She cared for him more than any man she had ever met in a long time, but she never thought being told her scent was soothing to him could embarrass her so. "InuYasha… " she trailed off bravely but soon she was met with the sound of his snores, she sighed wearily, but couldn't help smiling shyly, finding herself girlishly flustered at such simple words. She would carry his words close to her heart "Oyasumi InuYasha" she whispered. But she knew his compliment would weigh on her mind for hours, her mind reverting to the moment in which they escaped his lips. "Did… did he just express an attraction to my scent?" she reflected, perhaps it was the dog in him that found her scent appealing, but he found more comfort in expressing this as a human. Maybe it was one of many reasons that made her attractive to him, why he would blush so much around her.
"So… you are lovers…" Nazuna responded casually, she didn't mean to overhear but she had just been waking and listened in on the conversation. She knew it was rude but she couldn't help herself. Kikyo blushed, averting her gaze in the direction of the girl, hoping she hadn't overheard everything. "I sensed a familiarity and fondness between you but felt it better not to say anything" she confessed. She'd never seen two people share such a tenderness before. Kikyo bowed her head, stroking InuYasha's hair affectionately, allowing her eyes to close as exhaustion overwhelmed her. She simply wanted to sleep, to ease her soul before they need face anything again.
Nazuna watched Kikyo and InuYasha sleep peacefully, reflecting on how simply seeking help and returning home had become this chaotic mess "Master….He… he lied to be, he was…." she stammered quietly. Her whole life was a lie, she had been trusting a demon this entire time, believing every word he had said. She felt like a complete fool for being so blind, when the truth had been in front of her the whole time. If not for these people she would have continued living in blissful ignorance of her masters true identity.
"Hey, you doing ok?" Kaede asked calmly, she knew this had to be a huge surprise for her to deal with, but it was the innate nature of most demons to corrupt humans. Her family had been murdered by demons, leaving her heartbroken and orphaned. But she would be able to move on from this if she let herself heal. If they had been able to escape this place sooner they could have taken Nazuna with them and take her somewhere safe. But the demons had woven their webbing to prevent them from from being able to escape. So instead they had to face this battle head on without fear or hesitation. Nazuna shifted, tucking herself tighter into her knees defensively, Kaede seemed like a kind person and she too harboured spiritual power like her sister. But how could someone younger than her be so wise and knowledgeable on demons, it made no sense.
"Nazuna….." a demonic voice soothed, he knew she could hear his voice, he could sense her self doubt and fear.
Nazuna bolted from the door, backing away frantically, Kaede standing beside her defensively, he had done enough damage and he would not corrupt Nazuna further. She had endured enough pain and suffering because of this demon. "heh, you don't know how to give up do you old man?" Kaede mocked, now that the jewel shards were back in their possession he had to resort to manipulation tactics to get what he wanted. He was running out of time as daybreak drew closer, InuYasha getting closer to being a demon again. She could handle Nazuna, she would be able to help her heal and teach her how to move on from this. She wouldn't follow a demon blindly any further.
"You tricked me! Akuma! Foul beast!" Nazuna yelled angrily, he had been responsible for everything, her life was a lie and she hated him for hurting her like this. How dare he assume she would still believe in him after learning the truth.
"Dost though not understand child? My power was too weak, causing me to be possessed by the demon" he lied
Kaede scoffed, spinning more lies to avoid responsibility, he really was twisted "You're full of it old man, me and Kikyo Onee-chan could sense your demonic aura from miles away" she mocked. The entire temple had stunk with demonic energy, like a clouded smoke. She knew there was danger in this place but she trusted her sisters judgement in hoped they could make a quick escape. But though the plan had fallen through they wouldn't so easily give up. Nazuna stiffened, Kaede and Kikyo had known her master was a demon all along? They had known he was never human? Then why would they keep it a secret from her? They had followed her into this mess despite knowing the truth about her master? Had they been laughing at her behind her back this whole time?
"I protected thee from demons when your family was consumed, I shielded you all this time. Yet these priestesses lured the demons were with their power, endangering us all" The master lied
Nazuna stiffened, Kikyo had formed a barrier with her power keeping the demon out, preventing them from harming herself, InuYasha and her sister, she had harboured this ability this whole time and protected them all. Yet she didn't speak of it until now, had she known the demons would follow her scent and lure them here? Had she hoped to kill them off so nobody else could claim the power of the shards as to keep them for themselves? Had she shown kindness in hopes of gaining her trust? Was her life so truly full of misfortune that she couldn't trust anyone but herself to survive in this world?
"Nazuna, he's lying to you, don't kill us all because you want to be a fool!" Kaede berated. She was proving her weakness to the demon by easily allowing his words to seduce her. Feeding off her fear and self doubt to get what he wanted, she needed to believe in her heart and them if she wanted to survive.
Nazuna gripped her head, drowning out their sounds and distancing herself from the others "My life used to be so happy, so peaceful. I and the master lived here together, shielded from the monsters. But then…. The monsters came…. These people came and… the demons… they….". Nazuna got to her feet, pushing Kaede to the side as she ran to the door, desperate to know the truth. Slamming open the door to face her master to hear his words.
"BAKA!" Kaede yelled angrily
InuYasha stirred, he sensed something approaching, the stirring of an upcoming storm, but the sun wasn't quite up yet. But the time drew closer until his demon blood would activate. In truth he had been enjoying the peaceful rest atop Kikyo's lap, simply being able to relax for the briefest time without having to worry about danger. Kikyo opened her eyes weakly, the sun would be rising soon enough and InuYasha would be back to normal, they could escape from this place with the shards in tow. Her shield had kept them protected all this time, remaining active even in her sleep. She felt proud at the lives she had been able to preserve, denying the demon of the suffering he wished to torment them with. Kikyo froze, fear filling her veins as she noticed the door had been broken down and the demon was entering their hiding place "Masaka… my shield…" she stammered. Unless she willed it so the demon couldn't enter this place meaning he was sealed away. They could remain invisible to his vision if she so wished, yet he had sniffed them out like a bloodhound. She gazed to the floor to see Nazuna crushed by the weight of the demon, unconscious, everything falling into place. Nazuna had proven herself to be weak against the demons will.
"Nee…. Chan…." Kaede whimpered weakly, the demon gripping her tightly by the throat strangling her. He was hurting her and she couldn't breathe, she knew Nazuna was trouble but they showed her kindness anyway. She didn't want to die in this place, she wanted to go home. She tried not to show fear but she could feel her breathe growing shorter with every passing second. InuYasha bolted upwards at the sight of Kaede being strangled by the demon, on top of the beast had been able to enter. His eyes filled with rage as he watched the demons eyes gleam with excitement, he was enjoying watching Kaede squirm and the fear and despair in their eyes. This is why he hated demons, the unnecessary cruelty they all seemed to harbour aside from the uncommon few.
"But… how… my barrier is still active…" she stammered, even if the door was broken, they would have been protected. The demon should have been rejected, repelled by her will to keep him out. Like an invisible wall protecting them from harms way and keeping them all safe. The shards were still in his possession so his demonic energy hadn't changed in the slightest. None of this made any rational sense to her, frustrating her further.
The demon grinned "That foolish girl, so soft, so easy to coax. I will now devour your sister's power, along with these shards" he mocked. Nazuna had served him well, her naivety making her the perfect pawn in his plan, but he no longer had a use for her. Kaede struggled, kicking and scratching at his arm with ferocity, struggling to get herself free. The demon reached out, his arm burned by the shield Kikyo had formed, unable to touch her, merely able to grab Kaede due to her weakened power and proximity. "Now, I will eat this girl and steal the shards for myself, you will make a most delicious snack" he chuckled, she would watch as her beloved sister became his first meal.
InuYasha growled, he had reached his limit of how much of this he could take. He would make sure this filthy spider paid for the cruelty and heartache he had caused them and others in his short but useless life. But more so he would chew out the girl who had dragged them into this in the first place. That stupid village girl had led them into danger more times than he could count, she'd gotten herself into danger to which they risked their lives. She led them to the temple which ended up endangering them all, she got him poisoned, trapped in a small room and proceeded to allow herself to be further manipulated despite knowing the truth. She had endangered Kikyo and Kaede because of her stupidity. She put his family at risk, his lover at risk, she'd risked the jewel shards becoming corrupted. She'd whined and sulked and insulted him more than he could stand and still refused to accept her blame in this or that not all demons were monsters.
The demon slammed an arm into InuYasha's neck, pinning him against the wall, he would eat this halfling and be done with him, how delicious he would taste.
InuYasha glared, the sunlight beaming in through the broken cracked door, illuminating him in a golden light. An amused smirk forming on his lips, he had been waiting for this moment for a long time. The hours had stretched out into years but now the time was over and the dark moon had come to an end. His eyes glowing a demonic red, his black hair reverting to a gleaming silver, cracking his knuckles impatiently, feeling the power of his DaiYokai blood pouring through his body like a wildfire. "You hunted down Kikyo like a piece of meat, you're using Kaede as a pawn, and you dared to sink your filthy fangs into me" he growled. He had dared to attempt to turn his future mate into a meal, to absorb her spiritual essence. He'd attempted to use her little sister as bait and consume her while Kikyo was forced to watch. But more so, he'd attempted to poison him slowly and then eat him as food for himself too.
The demon huffed, he had broken in too late, for the half breeds demonic power had returned, but should he be able to eat this human girl and the shards, he would be able to kill him. "So young pup, I never imagined I would be facing thee as a demon again" he growled. But no matter, he would finish this quickly while he had the upper hand, he couldn't waste any more time. He slashed against the barrier, the room ringing with spiritual essence. Kikyo staggered, her barrier weakened by the panic in her heart, watching her sister and lover being held captive by the demon. She needed to calm herself and focus, remembering Myoga's words that her love for InuYasha was what gave her power, her empathy for living beings.
The demon swiped at her throat, yanking the bottle from her neck towards itself, it grinned wickedly as Kaede, Kikyo and InuYasha watched with despair as the demon devoured the shards. "Thou is merely a half breed, you dream that thou is capable of battling me? With these shards I shall last five centuries" he grinned. His face warping from an elderly male to a horrific creature, his eyes darkening red, his skin becoming purple and veiny, his mandibles and fangs sharpening as his demonic aura increased.
InuYasha gripped the arm around his neck tightly, he could feel the strength of the demon increasing. He had grown stronger as the effect of the shards entered his bloodstream. Kikyo gripped the arm strangling InuYasha tightly, focusing her spiritual energy in hopes of hurting the demon, she was so scared, angry and conflicted, two people, she loved were in danger. But she wouldn't allow this demon to win, a monster like this couldn't be allowed to harbour the shards power, the innocent lives he would slaughter would be countless. "InuYasha! Fight! I believe in you, please" she begged, digging her nails into the demons flesh. InuYasha tightened his grip on the demon's arm, snapping into two pieces, shredding flesh and bone easily, the cracking sound echoing through the room. Pouncing through the air his silver hair flowing behind him as he grabbed Kaede and landed nearby, still cradling her. He turned to face the demon, Shippo and Kikyo hesitantly standing at the back wall watching with relief as Kaede was saved.
InuYasha lowered Kaede to the ground, cracking his knuckles as he smirked at the demon as Kaede ran to safety. He'd experienced his fun but now the show was over and his life was about to come to an end. All this wicked plotting to gain this power would fall through his fingers like sand, his golden eyes gleaming with amusement "Gomen Monk, but it's time to die" he grinned. He would show just whom he had been messing with, how much it hurt with that poison in his system and how angry he had been to know his loved ones were in danger.
Kikyo smiled in relief, a weight lifting from her shoulders "InuYasha! Yokatta!" she praised eagerly. She knew InuYasha would protect them now, his demon blood was back in full form and he was able to face battle. The medicine in his system would help empower him and his newly acquired demon blood would pulse it through him faster. She knew he could win this fight and destroy this wicked monster that had slain Nazuna's family.
"Now, you're gonna return those shards you owe me" InuYasha snarled, he'd stolen from him underhandedly by using his weakness to his advantage. He'd tried to kill him while he was still human and believed he had the upper hand. But what he failed to realise was how far Kikyo would go for his sake, the priestess that he was facing. He'd met his match and he was now fighting blindly in hopes of winning. The demon chuckled, repairing the arm that InuYasha had snapped mere minutes ago. InuYasha swiped at the face of the demon angrily, slashing its flesh only to find the beings face had disappeared. Multiple heads began to form on the demon due to the demonic power increase due to the shards.
Kikyo cursed, clicking her teeth in frustration "The jewel's power is increasing its demonic essence" she huffed. She knew this would occur quickly due to the absorption of the jewels. They would be tainted the longer they remained inside the jewel and would endanger innocent lives. She needed to get closer so she could locate where the jewel was in the demon's body, allowing her to remove and purify it. Nazuna panicked, what had she caused? What had she done? Because she opened the door she had allowed the demon to gain the shards and become more powerful?
"Damn it, it's like whacking a damn beast out of its hiding hole" InuYasha growled, every head InuYasha swiped a new one took its place. He was running around like a blind fool trying to find an opening in a maze that kept closing on him. The jewel was taking effect and allowing the demon to empower itself. Soon it would become harder to remove altogether, they were running out of time. Just when he thought he had the right head to kill, it ended up being another loose end for him to chase.
Kikyo fixated around the mapping of the demon's body, following the aura of the jewel, her eyes roaming every inch seeking out the aura of the jewel. Gripping her bow and arrow tightly as she caught sight of the jewel embedded in the demon's body, the demonic aura of the demon beginning to take effect. She gripped the Tetsuigha close to her, she could protect it until she was able to deliver it to InuYasha. She knew the blade would accept her due to her desire to protect InuYasha, his desire to protect his loved ones and now Nazuna too. Somehow she needed to find an opening for her to return it to him. She approached Kaede protectively "Kaede, I need you to hide, take Nazuna and do not come out until I come for you" she warned, this was too dangerous for her to be in the demons sight after he nearly killed her. Kaede nodded and ran towards Nazuna, she was a fool but she didn't deserve to die in this place.
Kikyo approached Nazuna with a stern look, staring down at her before striking her across the cheek, a loud slap echoing amongst the chaos behind them. Nazuna and Kaede stared at Kikyo in awe, stunned to what she had just done. "Kaede is but younger than you by four years yet she knew better than to trust the demon. I pity your loss, but willingly endangering us all despite knowing the truth is a selfish act" she scolded. She could have gotten them all killed, she had asked for their help, begged them to save the demons life and yet turned on them when they granted her wish. They told her nothing but the truth and when she couldn't accept it she blamed them. Kikyo understood her pain and confusion but taking it out on them wouldn't help anyone. Kaede had tried to comfort her, to warn her and reassure her but she pushed her away and broke open their hiding place. She had insulted them all and despite them aiding her had shown no gratitude.
Nazuna stared in awe but bowed her head shamefully, tears spilling down her cheeks, she knew she was in the wrong and she would accept this blame. She knew it was too good to be true, she just wanted to hope that the master wasn't really a monster "The… the master… he… he killed my papa…" she muttered.
Kikyo softened and nodded "Hai, but I will get revenge for him now" she soothed. Her father would rest well knowing his killer had been destroyed, but Nazuna needed to learn to stand on her own and realise that some monsters could look like people, not just frightening beasts. She had a lot to learn about the world around her.
Kikyo began to climb the creature's limbs towards where the shard was embedded in the body of the demon, climbing higher and higher. Refusing the look back and move forward, there was no room for doubt or fear, this situation was a risk for them all. Kaede was protecting herself, Shippo and Nazuna with a spiritual barrier to deflect the demon. Keeping them out of harms way so there was less for them to worry about, knowing they couldn't do much to help in a matter like this. InuYasha was distracting the demon while she managed to climb the demon's body higher and higher. Unware of what she was scheming to kill the demon but trusting her to make the right decision, the two of them sharing a psychic link of understanding in battle. Her hand still tingles from striking Nazuna's cheek, she was in shock at what she had done, her emotions overflowing and accumulating all at once. She had never raised her hand to anyone before, not even someone her age no matter how much they taunted, harassed or insulted her. Her anger and frustration towards Nazuna endangering them all and breaking her shield leading to her loved ones being harmed upset her. She understood Nazuna's conflict, but to put them all in harm's way, it couldn't be forgiven easily. She climbed higher up the demon's body, praying he wouldn't see her, hoping she would remain invisible just a short time longer.
"Ye girl, ye try and hide from me?" the demon grinned, a demonic face looming towards her with bared teeth. She had put up a strong fight but her life would end here. She wouldn't get the jewel back, it belonged to him now.
Kikyo panicked, gripping the demon's body tightly with fear, its glowing red eyes peering into her soul, reading her every thought. But she refused to admit defeat, he was hoping to unnerve her to assure that she would become distracted in battle giving him an opening. Lower demons like himself would use whatever tactic at their advantage to win. She allowed her gaze to roam around the room, taking in her surroundings, she spotted InuYasha nearby standing below her. She gripped the Tetsuigha, removing it from its sheath, she could use the sheath as a shield but InuYasha needed the sword more than herself. "InuYasha, catch!" she called, tossing the sword in his direction.
InuYasha reached out his hand, catching the blade in his hand, swinging it as I transformed into its true demonic form once more. It felt good to wield his fathers sword again, its power flowing through him in waves. He could smell Kikyo's essence clinging to the blade, having accepted her, not just himself. InuYasha grinned "Kikyo, you get the jewel, I'll keep the freak occupied" he called.
Kikyo climbed hoisting herself along the map of the demon's limbs as she managed to reach the top of the body of the demon in which the shards were located. She felt as though she was in a children's playground climbing a rope netting set that she would soon rest upon, gazing at the view from above. The mental image caused her to laugh under her breath. Climbing higher and higher, her skin prickling from fear until she reached her location, she gripped tightly, by simply focusing her power alone she wouldn't be able to retrieve the jewels. She would have to act as a target in the brief opening she could manage before she was able to escape, she knew it was a risk but it was one she was willing to take. Maybe if she was to seal the demon she would be able to weaken his power and allow them an opening. She closed her eyes, focusing her spiritual power into the demon, sealing away his willpower, his words, his movement, rendering him a statue. Much like her barrier, so long as she willed it so he wouldn't be able to attack or speak. She could manipulate him like a puppet, which would act as his undoing.
"M… Masaka… my power…." The demon stammered, how was this possible, she had sealed away every ounce of his power with a mere touch. Rendering him weak and useless, the power of the jewel no longer empowering him.
"InuYasha! Aim for me, The jewel is located where I am, aim the tetsuigha at me!" she yelled, she knew how frightening this suggestion was. But she needed him to believe that this would work. InuYasha froze, what in the hell was she asking him to do? At this range the attack would kill her, there was no way he would do that. "I'll jump, please do as I say and trust me" she begged, she would come to no harm and the demon would be defeated. InuYasha hesitated, he didn't want to hurt Kikyo but he trusted her, she would never ask him such a thing if she didn't believe the plan wouldn't work. He knew Kikyo was intelligent, that she had concocted a plan that would ensure their victory.
He gripped the blade, sensing the aura around him before wielding the blade, summoning the wind scar "Kikyo! Jump NOW!" He warned, aiming his attack at the area she was sitting. The sooner she got out of there, the more protection against the attack she would have. Her barrier would be strong enough to deflect his attack and render her unharmed. Though this was only an assumption, his gut instinct told him it would work. Kikyo nodded fearfully, before leaping down towards InuYasha, shielding herself with a barrier, her heart hammering in her chest as time seemed to slow down. She prayed she was correct and this plan would follow through. "WIND SCAR!" InuYasha screamed, the room bustling with the demonic wind and slicing through the demon's body, chunks crumbling everywhere, splattering all over the ground. The jewel glinting brightly in the darkness like a pink star.
InuYasha stabbed his blade into the ground shattering the rotten wood, reaching out his arms awaiting her. He couldn't help but smile idiotically knowing her spontaneous plan had indeed worked. For the briefest moment he had been terrified that the plan would end up messy, but it had worked out in the end just as she believed. Kikyo smiled softly, landing safely in the arms of InuYasha, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck as she felt him grip her tightly. Burying his nose into her hair, reassuring himself that she was alive.
The room was filled with ash and steam as the demon began to crumble slowly, its body disintegrating due to Tetsuigha's power "Tis mine… the jewel is mine…" the demon muttered. He couldn't have been defeated, he couldn't have lost this battle, a mere half breed and a priestess had killed him? How could this be? Kaede peeked out from the hiding alter in which they had been protected, the battle was finally over and the filthy spider demon had been destroyed. No longer did they have to look upon his grotesque form and his spider minions were gone too. She knew her sister would win, she always did, her belief in her power and InuYasha ensured their victory. But she would be lying if she hadn't been afraid of the outcome of the battle.
Kikyo peered around the room before noticing the glint of the jewel shard, its bright pink glow illuminating the darkness. Having been cut from the demons belly as InuYasha sliced through him with the wind scar. She knelt down to acknowledge the jewel with a curious gaze, slowly approaching and bringing the shard to her gaze. Her eyes widened as she realised the shards had accumulated together to form a wedge of the shard. The demonic power must have caused the shards to become drawn to each other and form into a larger piece. However, she could count her blessings that the demon had saved her a job. She could at least weave the shard onto some wired string to wear around her neck as a pendant for protection. InuYasha stared at the shard in awe, he had expected with the shards they had gathered for it to be bigger "Is… is that all we have…." he stammered. Though he was relieved that they had made a wedge in the journey, it still proved they had a long way to go before the shikon jewel was to its full size. With how much still remained, their job was far from complete.
Kikyo smiled, though it didn't seem like much now it proved their work had its weight in gold "It's progress, lest we not forget" she smiled reassuringly. The more jewel shards they were able to accumulate, the less demons were able to get for themselves. Closer to gaining what Lady Kagome had fought for.
Nazuna gripped her hands into balled fists, she owed them an apology and had learned greatly from this ordeal. Now she had nowhere to go and she had to forge her own path. She couldn't be cowardly and she couldn't run away anymore. But she had lost the first real friends she had ever made in a long time, it would be strange without them. Kaede bowed her head awkwardly "You…. I know how it feels to lose someone, but you can't let that bitterness consume you" she muttered. Nazuna had caused them a lot of trouble, but she wasn't a bad person. She was simply suffering from grief and coping from it in the only way she knew how, maybe in another lifetime they could have been friends. Nazuna nodded awkwardly.
"You have a kind heart Nazuna, but not all demons are as cruel as you believe, listen to your heart, not the words of others" Kikyo explained. She wouldn't be led astray and would become a kind person if she followed her intuition and heart more. To lead herself away from the sheep that tried to force her into their beliefs. She had learned that demons wore many faces and some were kind and some were evil.
Nazuna nodded, though stern Kikyo wasn't such a bad person, wondering if they would ever cross paths again. She peered at InuYasha and Kikyo awkwardly "You…. You're a decent guy after all…." she confessed. She owed them an apology but she didn't quite know how to voice her gratitude for what they had done. InuYasha acted like a tough person but it was clear that he was a gentle person as shown by how he behaved around Kikyo. He gave her hope in the fact that not all demons were the monsters she believed.
"Don't go getting all mushy on me now brat" he huffed, he didn't want her tagging along or following them around. He had enough kids to deal with and he didn't want to add to the group. But he was glad that she was starting to open her eyes to the reality of demons instead of living in fear, it was a step forward.
"Take care of Lady Kikyo, she's hard to understand but…she's a kind person…" Nazuna trailed off. InuYasha and Kikyo felt their cheeks heat while Kaede snorted in the background, yet again someone else had picked up on their relationship. Wondering how long it would be before everyone knew and was waiting for them to open up about it.
Kikyo gazed at InuYasha tenderly, she was seeing him in a new light though he was the same person he had always been. Wondering how the human side of him behaved when he was dormant. Did the two sides of himself combat against one another or were they in sync? It had been such a strange night yet their hearts felt more in sync than ever before. Though he had reverted to his demon nature, she still couldn't forget the memory of his human form, embedded in her mind. His head rested upon her lap as she stroked his hair, soothing him into sleep, his gentle face, his dark eyes and how he had confessed to finding her scent sweet. Wondering if he would ever say something about it again in the future. InuYasha saw her staring and blushed, he knew he said a lot of personal things last night as a human. Wondering if the effect of the poison had made him drunk slightly. Though every word had been true, it was embarrassing to reflect upon now that he was rational again. "Do I have something on my face?" he muttered
Kikyo smiled shyly, gazing at the water as the boat floated down the river. She felt brave enough to confront him on the matter, embracing the fact that she was as embarrassed as he "Do… do you really think I smell sweet?" she asked curiously. She had always felt InuYasha himself harboured a musk that had become familiar to herself in return. A soothing musk like smoke, though occasionally blood lingered after battle. He smelled like smoke and pine, the woods he always rested in when she was away, as if she was returning to the forest. Kaede snorted in amusement when had InuYasha said such a thing? It was the cutest thing she had ever heard but she assumed this must have occured while she was asleep.
InuYasha blushed but averted his gaze, how easily he had said something so mushy while under human influence. But he wouldn't deny that indeed he enjoyed her scent and it always made him feel safe. Of all the scents he had experienced growing up, hers had to be the best he had ever come across "H…Hai…" he muttered, keeping his gaze fixated on the river ahead.
Akuma! Sawaranai-Demon, don't touch me
Damare-shut up
Baka-idiot
Dare-Who?
Onegaishimasu-Please
Nani-what
Daijobudeska-are you ok?
Naze-why?
Nigeru-Escape
Aishiteru-I love you
Douyatte-How
Dete Ke-Get out
Yabai-Oh no/shit
Isogu-Hurry
Kombanwa-Good evening
Wana-Trap
Kuso-shit
Uragiri-Betrayal
Orakana Kodomo-Stupid child
Nazuna no sei-It's Nazuna's fault
Uso-lies/I don't believe it
Chigau-Wrong
Masaka-Impossible, no way
Yokatta-That's great/I'm glad
Kowai-Scary
Dete Ke, Hashiru-Get out, run
Masaka-Impossible/no way
Yokatta-That's great/thank goodness