The next night, I pull the mat aside with a solemn expression. This whole evening was a bad omen, but there was nothing I could do. After Inuyasha explained the haphazard plan in his head, refined by hours of talk, we figured something out.

Now all we had to do was let the others know what was going on and let them prepare as we tracked down Kodai again for the final night.

There was quite an interesting thing Inuyasha brought to my attention during our talk. He mentioned that he could always see discomfort from Kelah, and I remember the confusing words from the other vampire as well.

"You travel with an enemy kyuketsuki?? And yet you're still alive..."

A hand touches my chin, thoughtfully rubbing as I ponder that. What did Kodai mean?

It slowly came together and I can't help but feel a little evilness and need to purposely cause Kelah discomfort for all he did to Kagome.

If my being a houshi and my powers meant that Kelah could be hurt by simply standing by me, then I would have to find a way to use that against Kodai when our battle came.

As everyone grouped up again and Inuyasha discussed everything with his usual 'finesse', I subtly eye Kelah's body language and his face in the dusk. Though he's staring at Inuyasha and not moving from his place a few paces away, I can see a small twitch to his lower eye.

Inuyasha was right. I DO affect him.

I fight not to grab onto his arm to see what my houshi powers can REALLY do.

When Kagome and Kelah understand what's going on, Sango summons Kirara to her other form and hops on. I stop beside the large youkai, watching as Kagome picks up Inuyasha by his arms.

Lucky.

With a quiet sigh, wondering if I'd get smacked, I hop astride Kirara and behind the lovely taijya.

"This isn't even the time, houshi-sama..."

My hands lower with a sheepish look that shows I've been caught.

Sango was getting good.

So I take my shajukou and put it against her stomach to hold on, as I've done a few times in the past. It seems the only safe spot I can put my hands.

Everyone takes to the air and I solemnly watch them. Night has fallen even more, making it harder to see in the darkness...even with the nearly full moon helping to see.

Kelah stayed a distance from Kirara, but I can see the tightness to his mouth. His eyes remain ahead, even though his nose is avidly sniffing...much like Inuyasha's.

Kagome held much the same pose as Kelah. I was still a little worried about her coming along, but Inuyasha bit out that the 'stupid onna' intended on coming, so it was best to let her.

I could see some of Kagome's point. I wouldn't want to leave Kelah out of my sight after that administration either. If there was a way to turn my friend back to her former self, then I would try my hardest to figure out the secret.

Even if I had to physically harass Kelah to do it.

His explanation of vampires was quite fascinating, if not horrifying. The tales he recapped to everyone, mostly by threat of Inuyasha, were so vivid I could see them in my mind's eye. His knowledge of his old land, and some that he wandered to in his hundred years, was rather interesting.

The man certainly lived an ardent life, if not for one so deadly.

Inuyasha doesn't look much different than his normal gruff self, but I can tell from the long time of being with him that he's worried and concerned for Kagome. Normally, whenever he's concerned, it ALWAYS involves her.

Not only is he easy to figure out, but his feelings are transparent to probably everyone but Kagome.

Kirara gave a sudden growl and I tense in preparation to land.

This was it.

I can sense the evilness of the vampire before Kirara gets past the tree line and grit my teeth. The Shikon no Kakera only magnifies it and the grip on my staff increases.

THIS was Kelah's creator??

The person in mention suddenly dove forward with a burst of speed, getting irritated cries from the pair next to me. Sango pushed Kirara a little faster to catch up, as the two sped to catch Kelah.

We stop amongst the trees, and I peek my eyes open after getting hit with a loose branch to find the three predators standing as if they were resizing up their prey. Sango jumps from Kirara, her weapon readied, and I hop off next to her, going for the sewn pockets in my robes to have my ofuda handy.

Let the battle begin.

~*~*~

I watch Kodai with narrow, angry eyes. This was it...this was what I searched so much for. The pounding in my heart and the delightful feel of retribution.

It was time for revenge.

"You fools! Didn't I tell you if you tried to follow me or come after me again, that you'd regret it?"

I sneer at his words, not worried about them at all. "You don't scare me you newborn. I'm twice your age now. I've got more power than you will ever have in this era."

A cold grin lights his face as a hand reaches for his robes. "You think so? With this little trinket, I can easily double or even triple my power. You'll be no match for me."

I hear Kagome mutter a curse, Inuyasha echoing her from my other side. It makes me curious.

The second I see the shard, my skin crawls with an almost repulsed power that I feel from it. The small thing glows a little in his index and thumb. He turns the shard in his palm and, to my horror, jabs it into his forehead.

There are cries of disbelief and outrage from the others and I smell their tension, much like my own. They seem to have experience with this stuff, and I only wonder what will happen. From carrying it, Kodai's power increased enough to wound ME. By right, I should've been much stronger...strong enough to kill him.

And now he injected it into his body.

There was a bright flash of light from his forehead and my sensitive eyes quickly squeezed shut and looked away from becoming blind. I smell Kagome in the same predicament, even though there's an odd feeling coming from her body that has nothing to do with her vampire powers.

I wonder at that, but turn my attention back to the matter at hand.

Though his clothes remained the same, the aura around Kodai became even blacker than before. His powers increased again, almost twice as high than before. When I was able to look at him again, his eyes were blood red; teeth twice as long; and nails almost the length of my hand.

Truly, he would DEFINITELY pose a challenge...

"CHIKUSHOU!" Inuyasha cursed.

I feel the power of his sword as it transforms to the behemoth size and see the tip at the edge of my vision. But my main focus was Kodai and the others wouldn't get near him if they knew what was good for them.

He was MINE.

I WOULD have my revenge!

"So what do we do NOW?" Sango asked.

I briefly spare her a glance, glaring at her though she probably can't see ME. "He's MINE!" I shout, conveying my message to everyone.

Inuyasha immediately scoffed. "He has a Shikon no Kakera. That's what WE'RE after. He's OURS!"

"My, my...so full of yourselves to think you can beat ME..." Kodai uttered, absently looking at his new claws. There's almost a gleeful expression on his face.

I'm quickly beginning to HATE that smile of his...

"Stop FIGHTING!"

I jerk to Kagome at her serious, angry tone. She was mad before, but it was never this much. I wondered what was going on with her.

"Can you sense my power kyuketsuki no onna?" Kodai asked, taking a step to her. His claws lightly clicked together when a warning growl came from Inuyasha. "Does it frighten you? I can tell something about you from this trinket as well."

I spare Kagome another glance, this time curious. I felt something about her from our first meeting as well...though the more time I spent with her, the more it went away. I assumed I was just getting used to whatever it was about her. Now Kodai sensed it too?

Just what kind of human WAS this girl??

"Perhaps you pose more of a threat than even your creator."

"Temee! Stop blabbering and FIGHT already!"

I dumbly stand with mildly wide eyes, a little disbelieving as Inuyasha charged Kodai with his sword. Was he THAT stupid?? Didn't he feel the power coming from the transformed vampire as well?? He was like us in a way, so he had to feel that power surge! Even though he was strong, he was no match for Kodai! I knew he had power from being whatever demon he was, but there was a weakness about him that I caught at times.

At least I would get to see him in battle for once.

The vampire blurred away as the sword slashed for his midsection. Everyone jumped to back up at that. The blow should've severed him in half, but Kodai just landed a few paces away.

Though she hated to come near me, I hear Kagome stop and smell the emotions rolling off her. She was nervous and a little afraid, even if some of her vampire senses were dominating her humanity.

"So NOW what do we do?? That was unexpected." She took a few more steps back as the battle of cat and mouse veered this way a little.

It was hard to tell who was the cat and the mouse.

"We need time to think." I mutter, grabbing an arm. With a small, startled cry, I drag my newborn to the overhead trees for a little more safety, disregarding the humans. If they died, I would finally be rid of that cursed houshi.

I let her go when her arm jerked away and continue to watch the battle. Even though I'm anxious to get my revenge, I'm not stupid. Being two hundred years old has taught me the value of stealth, silence, solitude, and also how to hide when a situation is out of my grasp.

At least...until I figure out what's going on.

I'm not that stupid to throw away my life, even on nearly one hundred years of revenge.

If I'm lucky, Inuyasha will take it for me and he'll die in the process. Then I can still have Kagome all to myself and live out my days as a human with her.

"Gods...Inuyasha is going to get himself hurt again..." Kagome muttered, peeking through the branches next to me. "What I wouldn't give for my arrows right now..."

"Arrows aren't going to do you much good with the likes of HIM." I retort back, glaring at her idiocy.

Brown faced me and she gave a lopsided, knowing grin. I couldn't help but look in skepticism and curiosity.

"If you only KNEW..." She uttered back, eyes going to the scene.

~*~*~

I DID wish I had my arrows...if only for a surprise attack. I could keep to the air and power up a strike, than aim it for Kodai. With my heightened senses, I wouldn't hit Inuyasha, as I normally fear during the middle of a battle.

Being around me and my miko powers enough, he would know when I was going to strike an arrow anyway.

My hands clench. Neither of us could take Kodai on in a physical fight, and Inuyasha shouldn't have been stupid enough to attack the vampire when he shoved that shard in his skin.

I watch the two fight; Inuyasha getting a few cuts from those long claws. Even through his fire rat robe.

I harshly bite my lip. If his special haori couldn't keep him safe, then we were ALL doomed. Even Miroku wouldn't be able to totally fight off Kodai's full energy.

I look in between those red eyes when the aru no youkai turned and spot that shine from the Kakera. My eyes widen with a sudden thought and I gasp. I feel Kelah's gaze on me, smell his wonder, but disregard it.

It was POSSIBLE... I was a miko after all... Perhaps I would fight the vampirism side of my mind and keep my humanity. I was feeling it prick my mind and slowly try to edge its way further with the smell of blood, but after feeding so much, I was mentally as well as physically stronger. I was able to keep it at bay more than before.

Perhaps I would be able to balance both sides to keep a level head. Maybe I would be able to increase my own power as Kodai did and take him on...as no one else could.

It really WAS up to me... Kelah may have experience of age, but Kodai had the Shikon no Kakera and that overshadowed Kelah's powers.

Miroku's houshi powers weren't enough anymore, as the Shikon no Kakera's evil side bypassed him by quite a lot. Even HE would admit he was no match. His ofuda could HELP, but not beat the youkai.

Sango would definitely be outclassed. Sure she was powerful with her wits and experience as a taijya, but she was still only human.

I was a mix of both human and vampire. I had powers of both, yet the level headedness of my time here. I could help Inuyasha...I WOULD help him!

Perhaps I wouldn't NEED my arrows if this worked...

"It's up to me..." I whisper, ignoring more of Kelah's confusion and his questions. I still possessed the two shards from when I crossed the well and had yet to let them go. Everyone agreed I should keep them to keep protecting them.

It was a wonder Kelah didn't sense them and try to steal them during the day.

With a harsh gulp, steeling myself, I clutch the small jar with the fragments and pull them from the interior pouch in my robe. They glowed a little in their natural luminescence and I stare at them.

There's a small prick of fear, wondering if I'll be able to come back from what I'm about to do...but I bypass it by letting the vampire strength of my mind take over a little more. I would need it to help banish my insecurities about the sight Kodai brought to me, and also the power to fight him.

'This better WORK...'

I break the glass vial in my hand, smelling blood there. My nose twitches at the metallic smell of my own blood and the vampire sense become even stronger. The once whispers in the back of my mind became a lot louder and closer as they overshadowed the sounds of battle. Inuyasha's blood from down below was helping to override my humanity and bring the vampire side out even faster.

"Kagome...NANI O SURU!?"

I ignored Kelah again and firmly grip the two shards. Much like Kodai, I stared at them for a brief second, mentally pleading with the miko inside to keep me sane to do what I had to do, before slicing my skin with a nail and putting them in the injuries of my forearm.

The power trip was instantaneous. The vampire side of my mind suddenly yelled out as if struck by a lightening bolt from the gods. I cry out and clutch my forearm, feeling the skin heal over the shards and the bump where they rested. As the pain intensifies to the highest point, I lean over and lose my balance, falling from the tree. I don't bother to fly and catch myself as my mind is in a whirlwind of humanity and vampirism mixing and fighting against itself.

Then...it all stops and there was a hush in my ears. The battle stopped at my harsh landing.

It seemed the calm before the storm.

There was an intense burning sensation as the shards blended with my miko and vampire powers. I almost feel like a god like this! My eyes flutter open and stare at the glowing coming from my exposed arm.

I can't help but smile at the surge I feel, like the most powerful adrenaline rush. My fangs poke out, and I know they're longer than they were.

I imagine I must look quite like Kodai right now, as there's a small, red tinge to my vision.

I feel like I can take on Kodai, Inuyasha, AND Kelah simultaneously. Even though my vampire and miko powers collide with one another, I still managed to keep a tight reign on my human mind over the vampire side. It was like the two sides became one and acknowledged each other. I finally stopped the warring in my head and, with the shards, accepted what I now was.

My smile widens.

"Kagome! What the fuck are you DOING?!"

His concern is lost on the calm power I feel. "Helping..." I utter, the words slow to my ears. Momentarily locking eyes with Kodai, I coldly smile and push off the ground, flying to him at a speed that surprises even ME.

Sugoi didn't even DESCRIBE this power!

Kodai turned at my lengthened nails, much like his, go to slash his body... I miss him by inches. With an angered cry, I leap in the air and deliver a kick to his stomach, doubling him over and pushing him back a few feet.

When I land, I smugly smirk at smelling his minute distress and seeing it in those blood eyes. "Not so powerful NOW...ARE you Kodai-sama?" I lightly ask.

~*~*~

I can't help but stand at an utter LOSS at what happened to my good friend. My weapon long ago dropped from my hand, fallen to the ground when Kagome first fell from the tree as if unconscious.

My heart nearly stopped at the aura I felt from her that first time...also seeing a rather familiar glow from a small lump in her arm.

The cold dread in my heart at what she did made me fear for everyone's lives...including Kagome's most of all.

The power she radiated stunned me. I couldn't even move or speak. My throat closed up in utter worry, wondering why she'd do something so foolish as to put the Kakera in her arm, just to fight Kodai on a more even level. A fist clenched. She was my best friend, but she was rather stupid at times...

If I hadn't felt her change or seen Miroku's apparently shock and discomfort at HIM feeling it, then her changed appearance was proof enough.

Her eyes glow the same red, with the same long nails as Kodai. Except her skin drained to nearly the same color as Inuyasha's hair and I fret over that. It couldn't have been a good sign...

I jump when she rushes to battle, almost eager to attack with her newest powers. But I am too frozen in continuing shock to help...the speed and prowess she displays stunning me. Where Kodai was but a near blur to my eyes, Kagome was just a haze of white and red whenever she moved. It was like she wasn't even making any effort either.

She acted like a true predator now.

I fear that the vampire side of herself truly took over and unlike the other times when she went mildly insane from that side, she looked to be in complete control.

As she brushes off Inuyasha's grip to stop her and goes to attack Kodai again, I finally snap back to my senses. "Houshi-sama...can't we do ANYTHING??" I softly plead. A hand grabs his robe, squeezing.

I feel so HELPLESS and it angers me!

His eyes momentarily meet mine, grave and entire serious. He doesn't even seem to register that I touched him, but I don't dwell on that either. "We are mere humans now Sango. I fear if we got in the way of THAT, we would be killed without knowledge or remorse."

My head jerks back and I blink. "But...Kagome-chan wouldn't do that to us! Inuyasha either!"

A battle cry from in the trees suddenly sounds as Kelah quickly exited the leaves and joined the battle. He quickly dodged a wayward swipe of Tetsusaiga and simultaneously tries to attack his foe as well.

"No...but Kodai-sama and Kelah would have no qualms about 'accidentally' hitting one of us." A hand tightly gripped his staff, jangling the rings. "I fear we are helpless on this one... Not even my houshi powers can do much good... At least not until the Shikon no Kakera is removed from that vampire's head."

Knowing he's right, I grit my teeth at the vulnerability to help and stand with clenches fists as the others battle on. I can hear Shippo's quiet, fearful cries as he huddled with Kirara below my feet.

~*~*~

Kelah dodged another swing I don't bother to pull back and I mentally growl at missing another swipe to take him down. My main focus was getting Kagome to calm down and get those shards out of her skin and then take out Kodai and Kelah. But something in between wasn't that bit a deal.

Even if she was doing a pretty damn good job of keeping Kodai occupied ALREADY.

I had to marvel at the speed in which she moved, and the skill. She is a true hunter now, and she almost looked like she's ENJOYING it. I curse Kelah for bringing that side in her and dodge Kodai's claws.

Landing a few paces away, my grip tightens in frustration on the hilt. I'm not doing much good with Tetsusaiga being too big in such a close battle. Even though the weight is no longer a problem, I'd do more damage with my own claws than the fang.

I eye Kagome and Kelah, almost fighting together to take down Kodai, who is still too much of a match for Kelah. That stupid ancient vampire is going to get himself killed. He IS no match for Kodai, even if Kagome now is.

But only through a highly stupid blunder I REALLY wanted to yell at her for!

After a bit of split decision, I sheath the kiba and jump back to the battle, claws tense to do some damage. Even though Kodai could heal by being a vampire, and probably faster with the shard in his head, I can always do damage with blood loss.

Kelah's mention of losing the blood he was saving to live off of by being unable to feed hit my mind and I embrace that. Maybe if I can cut enough times...be fast enough...I could be on Kodai's level TOO.

I was stronger than Kelah, but I wasn't near Kodai's power and that rather pisses me off.

Five sharp nails suddenly pierce the skin in my arm and I cry out, cursing myself for thinking too much when I should've been acting and more alert in battle.

"Inuyasha!!"

Strong hands, stronger than before, wrapped under my arms like normal and Kagome suddenly pulled me to the air. I find myself in the tree she and Kelah were in before and glare at red.

Her eyes give me the creeps, as I wonder even more if I'm dealing with a youkai rather than a kyuketsuki.

"You stay PUT Inuyasha...let me handle this." She muttered, worriedly looking to my arm.

"Baka! This is NOTHING!" I retort, trying to get up. Hands suddenly pushed me rather roughly against the tree and I know I'll have bruises shortly to accompany the injury.

"ANTA NO BAKA!" She hisses, red narrowing to slits. Those strong hands gripped my haori a little harshly as she leaned close to my face. "You're no match for him! You KNOW this! Kelah is no match for him! I've got about three seconds to get down there before he takes of his Russian HEAD!"

The close proximity and the smell of her, along with feeling the predator in her, set off an odd reaction in my heart. I blink at the surge of need that floors me...directed at Kagome.

She suddenly sits back with a stupid blink, smelling it too. I can't help but blush...glaring to cover it up. "You get hurt and I'll never forgive you." I lamely berate.

After a few more blinks, her face softened with a smile. "That sounds rather familiar..."

Not letting me say anymore, she cut through the leaves, brushing the branches out of her way with such a speed that a few hit my body.

With agitation at being ordered around, when I usually gave the orders, I lean against the branches to peek out the leaves. Once my injuries healed I WOULD get back out there and damned be the consequences of Kagome's anger and new powers!! If she 'sat' me, at least I would really BE helpless then...

~*~*~

This was almost too easy. I knew I was starting to wear him down... Not only was his speed slower, and his strength under mine, but his emotions were starting to betray him.

He smelled of tiny pricks of fear. I can tell he wanted to run away by his hesitation to attack me again...or try to critically wound me so he COULD run away.

Funny how this vampire never though another vampire would attack him.

With a slash across his cheek, dropping him out of shock more than anything, I stand over Kodai and smirk. "A little further up and I would've succeeded in taking back that shard Kodai-sama..." I sneer the ending of his name...knowing he was no god or any such deity. He was merely another type of youkai to me.

One which I would slay without problem.

"You...are...AHEAD of yourself....little newborn..." He rasped. A hand suddenly shot out, his nails embedding themselves into my hakama pants and the soft skin in my ankle.

I cry out in pain as he took that split second to stand and grab my throat. He cruelly squeezed and I cough for air.

Around me, I can hear the others cry out in concern...even Kelah.

I struggle...knowing if he crushed my windpipe I would still die. Kelah told me many of the ways a vampire can die, most not in the books I read. They were natural ways, if not extreme in some cases.

But I wasn't about to die before finishing my quest.

"You've given me quite the trouble today little newborn." He hissed, bringing my face closer to his. His long fangs bear and I wonder for a second if he intends to drain me. "I should snap your neck, take the two shards in your arm, and kill the others."

NO!

Suddenly, a battle cry I heard a little earlier sounded and Kelah appeared at my side, his hand sunk into Kodai's exposed side. The grip loosens and I gasp for breath, dropping to the ground. I'm suddenly left alone as Kodai roughly pushed Kelah away to free himself and let his wound close.

I can already feel the bruises and damage to my neck heal and am back on my feet. I fly toward the vampire again while he's distracted for a second and then extend the same favor to him.

I brutally squeeze his neck, reminding him that I'm still stronger...no matter my vampire age. With a grin, I lean closer and grab his wrist as he tries to claw my hand to shreds. "This seems familiar..." I murmur, looking to those blood eyes.

He smells of fear and I can't help but feed off it a little bit. "Do you remember how you broke my arm Kodai-sama? Did you smell and hear the pain I was in before your senses were too far away? I think it's time I return the favor for that night..."

Before he can utter a syllable, my hand brings his wrist upward at a sharp angle, cracking almost every bone in his wrist and his hand. The skin tears and the everything is seen clearly as my strength bends it back to his forearm. That will cost him dearly.

His screech of pain nearly renders me deaf, and I squeeze his throat until he is forced to stop. I am unprepared for the other hand that shoves its nails into my stomach...nor the sudden head butt that throws me backward and frees him.

"Abazureonna..." He hissed in a pain-laced voice.

I give it a second, gently feeling my head to find out what he cracked. In that time, I stare at him through a pain haze of my own.

I still have the gall to give him a cold smirk...much like what I imagine Inuyasha's must be like. "Your time is running out Kodai-sama... I will heal faster than you will..."

Suddenly Kelah comes back into the battle again and does something I never expected, or thought to do. His fist collided with Kodai's head, staggering the vampire...and taking the advantage to rip the appendage off his wrist.

A little bit of nausea comes to even me, the one who broke it that badly in the first place, as Kodai screamed and clutched at his wrist and feebly attacks Kelah. It's no contest now that the vampire is so wracked with pain, and my teacher dodges everything this time.

"This will knock you down a peg or two newborn..." He casually announces, staring at the severed hand absently. "You're well aware that vampires don't grow back appendages from scratch...I bet you're wishing to disembowel me alive and dismember me right now, aren't you?"

Kodai only answered with a venomous hiss and baring of teeth. "You're...not going to live to see...daylight...kyuketsuki..." He rasped again, clutching his bleeding stump to his clothes. Thanks to the shard, it already starts to heal, the blood tapering off a little.

Those brown eyes look to the night sky as if just realizing that. With a careless throw, he sends the hand flying into the trees and beyond. "Neither will you. You won't last much longer, not with one hand and so little blood."

I'm suddenly seeing brown as he looks to me. "Kagome, take the shard out of Kodai-sama's forehead while you still can. Then we'll finish him off and end this."

With a serious nod, I carefully walk to the fallen and quickly jump to the air as his claws rapidly slice in an arc for my ankles. I come down on his hand before it's out of the way, crunching the bones. He cries out again and I know I've only minutes before they mend and he tries again.

Leaning close, one hand goes to his neck again to keep him from moving, the other inches from his forehead. "Bet you didn't think this would happen when you got up this night...did you kyuketsuki?" I kid, leering.

I expected another retort or death threat. But he was mysteriously silent. I knew it couldn't have been a good thing, even if it was better than his jabber. I darkly meet his eyes, finding a tinge of madness to them.

I was dealing with a wounded animal, one that loathed and hated me with all the rage he could muster in his black soul.

"Shine..." He evenly whispered. His head shot forward before I could figure out what he was doing, teeth extended, and sunk into my throat.

The breath catches in my lungs and I give a gurgled moan as he purposely tore the skin, getting an even worse wound.

"Kagome-sama!"

"Kagome-chan! IIE!!"

"Kagomeeeee!!!!"

I only half heard Inuyasha's angry and worried cry. I smell his emotions and feel his aura nearing as Kodai rapidly tries to drain me.

"Die Kodai-sama!!"

The sound of skin tearing, but not on me, sounded. My eyes flutter open and I fall to the ground as teeth are pulled away. Weakly breathing, trying to regain my strength with the shards, I watch as Kelah pulls Kodai into the air...his hand sunk into Kodai's back.

I assume Kelah was taking his revenge for that similar wound done to himself.

"Never harm Kagome bakayaro!" Kelah hissed, his fangs returning the favor on Kodai. They sunk into the vampire's neck, getting feeble movements to twist away and keep what little blood he had left. But Kelah, Inuyasha, and I had fought hard and fast with Kodai. Our combined efforts managed to weaken his strength and the damage Kelah and I did to his hand further destabilized him.

Hands on my shoulders pulled me against a warm body. I already know who it is and took this break to let the wound close in my neck and regain my power. The shards burn as they worked to close the wound, the feel of flesh being created over the puncture marks making me shiver.

"You bitch...are you insane?!" Inuyasha hissed.

I wearily look up to glaring yellow eyes, seeing the massive concern there. I smile at him, a hand slowly extending. Before I know what I'm doing, I touch his cheek and gently caress it. He blinks in shock, but at least he's not angry anymore.

"Inuyasha...shinpai suranai..." I whisper, struggling to get to my feet. The battle was still calling to me, but Inuyasha wasn't letting go. "Hanasu...I have to get back there and help Kelah finish off Kodai-sama..."

Those clawed hands gripped my shoulders so tight I feel pricks to skin through my robe. "You aren't going ANYWHERE! You've done enough damage...I'm going to finish him off." He muttered, pressing me to the ground. He stood before I could say anything and jumped over me to the battle.

I grit my teeth, giving myself another minute before trying to stand. I float to my feet, knowing my strength was getting zapped in rapid amounts. I couldn't continue like this without the need for at least ten minutes of rest, but there was no time. Heavily breathing, I watch Inuyasha and Kelah take on the wounded vampire...whose strikes are more defensive than offensive.

He wouldn't last long...but the sun would come up soon. We've been at it for quite a while and even my VAMPIRE side was exhausted.

I register the smells of Sango and Miroku before they're upon me and look to them. They're both worried about me, as are Shippo and Kirara, but I brush it off. I'm worried for me as well...but we're almost finished.

Just a little more...

When I take a step to the battle, Miroku's hand on my arm to stop me gets a different kind of burning and I hiss at him before I know what I'm doing. I yank back and bare my teeth, then mentally berate the vampire side that this is my FRIEND and I don't want to hurt or scare him. My eyes widen. "Gomen Miroku-sama!" I blurt out, taking another involuntary step away from him. His houshi powers are eating away the evilness of the vampire side and I still want to cling to that power for a little longer.

Normally, my humanity always overrode the vampirism and never affected me this bad when I was next to Miroku. But thanks to the shards and my acceptance of my vampire side, it warped my mind and body to being more of a vampire than before.

Not a good thing...

I blink and quickly shoot forward a little bit, grabbing his sleeve. "Miroku-sama! You can help! Help end this!!"

"Kagome-sama...nani??" He stuttered, unbalanced by my sudden actions.

I quickly let go with a small blush, hearing battle sounds and cries of pain from Inuyasha and Kelah. Kodai was getting the upper hand due to the shard and I feel an overpowering need to help them. But if Inuyasha didn't want me in the fray, then I'd let Miroku end all this. "Your ofuda Miroku-sama! You affect Kelah because he is evil...and I am a little more because of the Shikon no Kakera and the way my mind is now! Kodai-sama is weakened enough for you to beat him! Use your houshi powers and cripple him so I can get the shard from his forehead!"

Sango's emotions smell of surprise, but elation. I smile as Miroku nodded and quickly fly behind him. Ignoring the vampire side that shouts for me to distance myself, I grab him like I do Inuyasha and easily pull him to the air. "Get ready Miroku-sama...I'll position you and then you do the rest." I mutter, eyes avidly on the battle.

Inuyasha and Kelah were trying to get near, but Kodai's hand was slashing so wildly and so haphazardly that they couldn't get close to him. Both kept trying and circling him for an open.

I slowly float closer, trying not to be seen or noticed. Miroku's dark robes helped hide us for most of it, but I knew that wouldn't matter to a vampire's senses. I smell Miroku's tenseness and edginess and it almost knocks me out.

There was a sudden gap in as the two stopped on either side of the vampire, but something told me it wasn't time yet. I inched closer, just to the edge of the small clearing.

Watching and wishing I could get in there.

My hands try not to grip my friend's shoulders and hurt him.

Suddenly, I was a little surprise to see Inuyasha looking our way. I mentally scream at his innocent gesture, knowing he just cost us the stealth we needed. Both vampires looked our way, and Kelah gave a start and flew away to keep from getting in the onslaught.

Apparently he knew what I was going to do.

Kodai hissed, his face twisted in pain and rage, and pushed off the ground...his long, clawed hand pointed toward Miroku to run him through.

The panic in me was so great and I didn't even think of what I was doing. I quickly twist around as Kodai sped toward us, pushing my friend back a few feet to keep from getting hit as five puncture wounds go through my body.

It was rather unpleasant to feel my ribs shift and crack...along with him scraping alongside the bottom of my heart. Even when he ran his claws through my stomach, I never felt this kind of pain.

I meet Miroku's shocked and horrified face, slowly looking to the inch-end claws sticking on the other side of my body. A hand slowly raises, those long claws reminding me of what was inside my body. "Miroku...-sama......" I cough and wheeze, trying to hold onto consciousness. I hope the pleading in my eyes told him to do what he needed.

His eyes hardened and his staff rose and landed right next to my shoulder as it harshly struck Kodai's head. There was another cry of pain as his houshi powers badly mixed with the vampire in his body.

I grit my teeth against the pain when those claws were suddenly pulled from my body at a speed that caused even more bleeding.

I slump to the ground, feeling blackness tinge my conscious. NO! One hand goes and harshly presses against the Kakera, purposely getting pain to keep me alive, and also using the power to keep it at bay.

"KAGOME!!"

Those strong arms gently touched my shoulders and picked me up in the air. I slowly blink and meet his gaze, finding it entirely worried. His eyes looked to my wound, but I can already feel them start to heal from the inside out.

I open my mouth to reassure the hanyou, but I cough and bring up a little bit of blood instead. To my embarrassment, a little lands on Inuyasha's cheek, but he seems not to care. He only flinches at the sudden action before smelling of increasing worry.

"Kagome daijoubu???" He whispered, squeezing me a little tighter.

I try to give him a shaky smile and look over as quickly as I can from an enraged cry and blink at what I see.

Kelah currently had Kodai by the back of the neck, his nails clenched into the clawed hand. Those dark eyes held massive concern and met mine. I blink, feeling a little startled. Kelah never had that look in his eyes except the day he took my blood! What was he thinking??

~*~*~

If I wasn't so worried about Kagome's safety, I would squeeze and break his windpipe right then and there. But other things had to get done first.

"Kagome...are you healed yet?"

She weakly met my gaze, but slowly nodded. I inhale to check her condition, finding her extremely weak. She was valiant and brave, and one hell of a predator. I would forever remember this battle when it was done with.

"You are still extremely frail. You need blood." My gaze raises and locks with yellow. "Demon...give Kagome some of your blood."

"NANI?!"

"What the fuck are you TALKING about?!"

I glare at his retort. "There's no TIME! She's weak and she needs blood to survive! Do what you need to because I'm going to kill this bakayaro and then we're BOTH going to turn back to humans. If that happens, even though she's healed, she'll die from blood loss! Even a little bit will help to stabilize and strengthen her...and you heal. DO IT."

Inuyasha scowled, but darkly nodded.

"Inuyasha chotto matte! I'm not going to-"

"You ARE!" He harshly insisted. "Kelah's right...this once. You're too damn weak to keep going! You never give up onna. Do as he says. At least you have my permission this time."

For some odd reason, she looked embarrassed, but finally nodded. She hovered to standing position and bent her head to the demon's. As she gently brushed his hair away, her teeth sunk into his neck.

I watch as she slowly wrapped her arms around his body, almost cradling him.

After a while, Inuyasha's gaze turns pained as she starts to drain him TOO much and I know she's had enough. Experience taught me that. "Enough newborn. You'll kill the both of you."

She quickly halted, yanking her head back. She smelled of sorrow and guilt, but it was necessary. He would heal if he was a true demon, and she was already getting stronger.

It made me wonder what was in his blood.

'Now that that's done with...'

"Houshi! Use your magic to weaken Kodai-sama so Kagome can take the shard from his forehead!" I order, squeezing when Kodai struggled. I lean forward to his ear and sneer. "This is the end...creator..."

"You'll never kill me! You haven't so far!" He shouts in a panicked voice.

"Wanna bet?"

I look to Miroku standing a short bit away and fight not to flee again. I only pray the magic wouldn't kill me in the process.

With a dark nod, I give the monk the go ahead and dig my claws deeper into Kodai's hand to keep him still. The monk was no good to me dead.

"Begone evil thing!" He shouted, whipping a piece of paper out and pressing it against Kodai's forehead.

The vampire screamed in agony and I could feel a ripple through my nails at the magic where my skin touched his. The paper blacked and burst into flames seconds later.

But Kodai slumped a little bit in my hold and the monk did what he needed.

"NOW Kagome!"

Snapping to it, she quickly flew forward and dug a long nail into his forehead, chipping the shard out. It flew to the ground, but her fast reflexes caught it and the negative energy was suddenly gone.

"You're finished creator." I whisper to him. His power was gone and he was truly a newborn once again.

My hand squeezes and easily decapitates the weakened vampire, letting his body slump to the ground in a pool of blood.

**I am a BEGINNER Japanese learner...so if these are not 100% correct...please let me know if you care to do so. I only have a web page to learn from, a dictionary, and a few months experience to work with.**

Translations: Ofuda-the never-ending supply of holy papers Miroku has Taijya-Demon exterminator