Author's Note: EEEEEEEEE! Hey everyone! Ok, now I feel so happy because
everyone gave me REALLY nice reviews this time! Thank you everyone, I feel
so loved! So now if possible I'm gonna be updating sooner for this
chapter, IF POSSIBLE!!!!!!! I'm still in school, so it's gonna be kinda
hard... Anyway, here goes chapter 16! ( Two Towers comes out in like, 1
day! EEEEEE!)
Disclaimer: I've been forgetting this lately! And I'm really sorry! I SERIOUSLY don't own Inuyasha!!
Reviewers to thank: Guys, you all are so nice! I love you all so much! And now I have over 100 reviews!!!!!!! You all rock! Thank you SO SO SO much to: Elventeen, AnimeObsessionFantasy, Lilin's Gal, Shikon, Lavinia 1, LadyKaa 28, Divine-Heart, GiGi-Chan, Dark-Elf 3, Yanou, ShadowandHawk, mYjesTikgiRL, SunBeam 1, and anyone else who reviewed my humble story! God Bless you all!
Dedication: To my girl FatCat11388. You're so awesome!!
Three Days Time, The forth day, Midmorning Ch. 16: The Sound of A Returning Heartbeat
As time seemed to stop, the world began to slow down around Inuyasha. He opened back up his soft, vunerable glowing eyes, to the nightmare world all around him. Nothing.. Nothing.. is happening, He told himself with sickening certainty. Turning his gaze down to Kagome's corpse beneath him, he began to feel his eyes burn with unwanted tears. Her soft, full lips were now an icy color of purple. Her eyes lids were the same color, making her look horrible with a bluish pale face. The copious amounts of blood everywhere on her body had now dried and hardened into a dark rust color, clumping her once soft hair into impossible knots and ugly tangles. The raven's wing color of her hair had even dulled, no longer showing itself off to the world. Her legs were turning a horrid blackish hue, and her neck was covered in bruises and bloody claw marks. Inuyasha heard no sound from her mangled body, not the caress of her soft breath, nor the music of her laughter, not even the comfort of her steady beating heart. Looking up into the faces of his friends, each of them were shedding tears beyond reason as they looked sadly at the body before them. No! Inuyasha thought frantically. She couldn't have lied.. God, tell me tell she wasn't lying...I don't want to be alive, if I'm going to be...alone.. Closing his eyes, he tried to share his soul with her. He prayed with all his might even though he had never done so in all his life. He tried to push himself into her lifeless body, willing it to live again. Please Kagome...don't leave me here..I....I really do...need you.......
A sudden tingling filled Inuyasha's body, and he gasped as his entire body was filled with an inexplicable peace. He felt warm, comfortable, and completely safe. Reopening his eyes, the forest swam around him. Everything blurred and colors ran into one another to from generalized shapes around him. As a strange warmth began to well up within his chest, Inuyasha looked down to see his entire midsection glowing completely transparent. The sky above them seemed to darken, and the heavens even trembled before the light that was festering within the confused hanyou. What is this?...he wondered numbly. He looked up to find his friends standing away from him, with looks of terror engraved onto their swimming faces. Returning his attention to his own glowing flesh, Inuyasha clutched Kagome's body with what little strength he had left. The light inside of his writhed and swam quickly, as if waiting for some cue to leave. Presently, he became aware that his left hand was clutching something very soft and warm. Looking down slowly, he tried to struggle against the exhaustion that was creeping over him. Bringing his clawed hand out from under Kagome's corpse, he saw what looked like a black snake laying in his hand. What.. He wondered helplessly. Staring at it with all his might, he found that he was clutching a lock of shining black, human hair. His sluggish mind flashed back suddenly, and he knew. " Mi...dor...ri...ko" He whispered slowly.
With a rush of pain, Inuyasha watched as the light within him began to pour out his own flesh . As it did, pain beyond reason coursed through the tortured hanyou. Gritting his teeth against the pain, Inuyasha watched fixated as the light continued to expel out of him and swirl around in the warm forest air around he and Kagome. This continued for what seemed to Inuyasha as an eternity of pain and confusion. Finally, the last of the light exited his own body, taking the pain with it. Quickly, Inuyasha's vision retuned fully to his golden eyes, and though he felt strangely exhausted, he ignored it to watch the light show before him.
Looming menacingly above the entire forest, the sky seemed to object to such a bright light. Thick black clouds covered the entire forest area, capturing any sunlight that might dare to shine through the gloom and darkness. It seemed to be night all over again, and thunderheads crackled menacingly overhead as if to challenge the might of the light around Inuyasha. In the tiny, devastated clearing of the thick forest, a party sat speechless in awe of the events unfolding around them. Sango, Miroku, Kaede, and Shippo had all crowded around the exhausted Inuyasha again, each clutching their weapons. Every tree, rock, and flower in the forest around their clearing was brilliantly lit up with an unearthly light. The light seemed to radiate life from every inch of brilliant innards, making each flower open to show it's beautifully colored center. The trees began to shake gently, showering the ground with droplets of dew that shone in the light like a hail storm of glittering diamonds. The very air warmed itself as the massive specter of light twisted around. The light was like the center of the sun, radiant beyond words. It twisted through the air with grace unlike anything else, taking no definite shape or form. Like glowing fluid that warmed you down to your soul. But as this phenomenon continued it's Arial ballet, Inuyasha was puzzling to himself quietly.
Lifting his nose into the air, he took a deep breath as the light surrounded him and his friends. A warm scent flooded his entire being, raising his spirit at it's familiarity. It smelled like the sweetest honey, and delicate spring jasmine. There was only ever one person who had a scent this beautiful, Inuyasha realized slowly. Looking down to the mangled corpse in his arms, Inuyasha studied Kagome's bluish face. Call her back, Inuyasha! Before it's to late! his mind screamed desperately. Inuyasha didn't quite know what to do, but he reluctantly let go of Kagome's body, and set it down gently onto the warm ground. Giving his confused friends a knowing glance, Inuyasha ignored his screaming body, and stood up. He walked into the middle of the clearing, where the ethereal light was currently twisting and turning in mid air. Unsure of what to do, Inuyasha looked directly into the writhing light before above him, and spoke quietly. "Kagome, please. I know that somehow...this light is you...please, don't leave.. we need you.....to kill Naraku." Inuyasha finished lamely. The light above seemed to dim slightly before him, and a flutter of panic arose within him. It's now or never! His mind screamed. " Not just for the Shikon Jewel..Kagome..." Inuyahsa whispered into the air around him slowly. " I..I need you...I love you.." He finally said quietly.
The light suddenly descended from the air to consume his in it's glowing belly. Trying to fight back, he found desperately that he had no energy left. As he felt his feet leave the soft ground below, his robes and hair were floating gently around him as the light traveled back to where the rest of the group sat. It enveloped them as well, but they stayed on the ground. Kagome's corpse began to lift into the air before Inuyasha, revolving slowly. Her blood matted hair was flowing as best it could, but not reflecting the light all around it. Inuyasha used the last of his might to reach out and pull Kagome's cold, bloody corpse against his own body. The light began to swirl about them chaotically, and Inuyasha watched in awe as it condensed into the exact shape of Kagome's body. It sunk into her flesh in the blink of eye like rain onto the parched desert. With that, the sky remained black even though the light had now disappeared. Inuyasha fell to the ground below him, clutching Kagome to him. As he recovered from the shock of the events that had just taken place, his senses came rushing back to him. He registered one thing.
Looking down at Kagome in his arms, her black legs were fading back to their former soft peach color, and her face was rapidly draining of blue and filling back into it's former creamy color. The blood and bruises on her body remained, and her hair was still matted and damp with rusty blood. But none of that mattered to Inuyasha. He watched as her chest rose with ragged but full breaths, and filled his ears with the gentle thudding of her heart. He sat in awe for several minutes, oblivious to the joyous cries of her friends, or the storming forest around him. All he could think of was the new life that was coursing through the young woman in his arms. His vision began to swim once again, and he remembered holding tight to Kagome, and then nothing.....
*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_ Sango's POV
Tears obscured Sango's vision as she watched Kagome's bloody corpse return to life. She felt joy unlike anything she had ever experienced, and it consumed her every sense. Rushing to Kagome's side, she looked into the face of the protective Hanyou who was holding her. Inuyahsa was gazing down at Kagome with glazed eyes. He seemed unaware of his surroundings as he lost himself in the girl below him. Is that love in his eyes? Sango wondered happily. Suddenly, Inuyasha began to sway tipsly before her, and a pang of concern shot through her happiness. " Inuyasha?" she called to him gently. He didn't see to hear her as he fell to the ground unconscious, still holding Kagome tightly. Sango gasped and began to shake her friend, trying to reawaken him. Kaede and Miroku were now beside her, and the old Miko's concerned voice shot through Sango's efforts.
" Thou must hurry and get these two back to thine hut, for though Kagome may be alive, in that condition she surely won't last." Kaede said steadily, with a hint of fear in her voice. Sango looked at her and nodded, but then looked up to Miroku as he spoke. " We need to travel fast, and now with Inuyasha out of comission, we have a problem." He said urgently. Sango watched as his violet eyes swept the clearing for some kind of opportunity of help. Her own mind began to spin as she felt a pang of desperation. What if they couldn't get Kagome healed in time? Suddenly a tiny voice cut into each of their thoughts like a sunlight through the storm. " It looks like it's up to me again!"
Sango turned to the small voice to find the innocently shining eyes of Shippo. He was standing at Kagome's side, clutching one of the rags that were left of her flowing robes. He seemed tired, though energetic with a fierce pride that was flowing through him. His childish face held an expression of wisdom far beyond his years, and Sango felt her own hope return as he pulled out another leaf fro his haori. Turning on his paws, Shippo walked a short distance away from them, placed the leaf onto his head, and lost himself in an explosion of smoke. " TRANSFORM!!!!!" Rang his tiny voice, echoing hopefully through the trees. Sango looked eagerly into the smoke to see what Shippo had become, knowing that his Kitsune magic had perhaps more strength than any knew. As the clouds overhead trembled with the coming fury of a lightening storm, the watery light that remained did not spoil the majesty of the dragon that stood before them. It was a long, snake-like dragon, with foxfire red scales running down the length of it's body. It had two short limbs that extended into paws in the front and back of it's body, complete with glittering claws much like Inuyasha's. At the end of the dragon was not a spiky tail as might look fitting, but a small, soft fox tail. It's face was fierce with large fangs, and wickedly curving horns. Instead of Shippo's usually popping eyes that accompanied the transformation, two glittering slits were staring down at them, still holding Shippo's child-like innocence within them.
For a few seconds, even the skies remained silent as Sango and her companions regarded the dragon above them. " Shippo?" Sango asked gently. The dragon looked at her, and then Shippo's ringing high pitched voice sounded. " ah ha ha! Pretty cool, huh? Kagome told me stories about dragons once, and I've always wanted to try this! Now hurry and get every on my back, I can't hold this long, I'm tired!" He complained. The dragon slid fluidly through the air onto the ground below, and waited patiently as Miroku gently fit Kagome's fragile body into Inuyasha's lap, and then lifted them both onto the back of the dragon. Miroku then helped Kaede on behind them, and then he turned to Sango. Walking up to her as she gathered her boomerang onto her back, his silky voice sounded into her ear. " It's time to go love," He said gently, sliding his hand into hers. Sango felt blush spreading across her face, and she quickly stooped to gently pick up the poisoned Kirara. She surveyed the cat's unmoving body with sorrow, and allowed herself to be pulled onto the dragon behind Kaede. " Let's Go Shippo!" Miroku cried, and with a lurch into the air, Shippo began gliding with the wind over the treetops to the village with all possible speed. Flowing through the air, Sango felt her sorrow turn into pride for the small Kitsune she was riding. Smiling to Miroku behind her, Sango smiled at Shippo's last hurrah.
*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_ Hours later, about 12:30 at night, Inuyasha's POV
Awakening with a start, Inuyasha's senses snapped to alert as he surveyed his surroundings. The night was black and cold outside as a furious rainstorm unleashed it's rage onto the land. Thunder and brilliant flashes of lightening lit up the ebony sky, invading the hut he was in with their fury. The smell of rain and damp earth invaded his nose as he smelled for any danger. Sensing none, Inuyasha tore his eyes from storm outside to find where he was. He was inside the room of an all to familiar hut, that was dimly lit by a dying fire. The crackling flames cast shadows around the hut of everything that reached it's light, making eerie dancing shadows on the walls. His mind suddenly rewound back to the clearing, and he snapped his head around to find her. Kagome! He wondered desperately. I passed out, what happened? Looking down to himself, he found her laying next to him. She was sleeping gently, her hair once more shining in the light of the fire. Her creamy face was passive, no longer contorted in pain. Though she covered by a blanket, Inuyasha blushed to realize that she was wearing nothing at all. She was pretty beaten up idiot, she probably had a lot of wounds all over to heal. His subconscious said wisely.
Inuyasha nodded to himself at this thought, and looked lazily around the dark room. He realized finally that he was wearing no shirt, and there was something oily with a horrible smell on his stomach. Must have been the old hag, he thought wisely. Also, he couldn't quite understand why he felt so tired...almost exhausted still...all from that strange light that came outta me, Inuyasha thought slowly. As he continued his musings, a small moan caught his attention from below him. Quickly looking down, he found a half-lidded pair of shining steel gray eyes watching him with little comprehension. Kagome looked as though she could sleep for several more days, but was forcing herself awake for some reason unknown to him at the moment. " Inuyasha?..." She whispered weakly. Inuyasha instantly felt concern for her fragile condition, and watched briefly as she struggled to sit up. In a single deft movement, he had grabbed her shoulders and guided her back down onto the futon they were laying on. She gasped and winced slightly as Inuyasha brushed the arrow wound on her arm by accident. Instantly regretting his actions, Inuyasha spoke in a low voice to her. " Feh, you should be more careful wench, you're hurt." That came out all wrong, you idiot! He instantly told himself. Watching her carefully, she didn't seem to mind as she spoke in her quavering voice again. " Where....are we? What happened?...Where's Naraku!"
A brief flash of anger flitted through her eyes as the mention of his name, but it was quickly subdued as Inuyasha began to wonder again at the one question that was burning into him. There was silence for a while in the hut, save for the howling of the elements outside and the crackling of the eager fire. Finally Inuyasha broke the silence, speaking his thoughts. " Kagome, how could you have not told me of a challenge against Kikyo? What in the seven hells were you thinking, you could have died damn it!" He exploded, speaking in a loud voice that was not quite a yell to be sensitive to Kagome's condition. She regarded him for a second with weakening strength, and then he smelled the salty liquid as her eyes welled up with shining tears. You idiot, now she's crying! Inuyasha mentally berated himself. Turning so she was laying with her back facing him, Kagome did her best not to cry. " Inuyasha...I'm sorry, I wanted to tell you everything so many times..but, it was a fight between Kikyo and me, no one else. I just couldn't tell you. I didn't want to risk the chance of you getting dragged to hell....by Kikyo..." Kagome said with small sobs. She seemed ashamed of herself, and Inuyasha instantly was sorry he'd ever said anything.
Moving to lay down next her, he fit her soft form into his and wrapped his arms around her. Burying his face into her hair that smelled freshly washed, he lost himself in her warmth and scent for a while. She was tense at his touch at first, but she slowly melted into him. As the storm raged on outside, he spoke without even knowing what the right thing to say was. " Kagome, when I found out that I might have to go on living..without you...It didn't even seem worth it...not even Naraku or the Shikon Jewel held any happiness for me...I was...scared to be alone again...because now that I know you,..I....I just, don't want to be alone anymore." He said softly. "Inuyasha," she whispered gently, " you'll never be alone again, I swear." With that, she fell asleep there. Completely content to lay in his arms, safe and loved. With a last search for any danger, Inuyasha drifted back to sleep himself. Lulled softly by the pounding elements outside, and the warmth of everything he had ever wanted pressed into his arms.
*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_ General POV
Outside of the hut, crouching just below the window glowing by the firelight, a small wooden umbrella could be seen by the flashes of lightening. Croushing underneath was a taller man with a swishing black robe, piercing violet purple eyes, and a jigling golden staff in his left hand. Standing next to him, a smaller girl held herself proudly in his arms. She bore malevolent red eyes, and long flowing raven's feather hair with gentle purple highlights. They cast a glace into the hut whenever they dared, and their gaze met an interesting sight. Bathed in the glow of the firelight, A muscular silver-haired hayou was holding a young girl against him possessively in his sleep. He seemed alert, but at peace. The girl was covered in bruises, wounds, and scratches, but seemed happy nonetheless. They both seemed completely content to be there in one another's arms, and with that, the two under the umbrella began walking away. As the rain whipped down upon Sango and Miroku, they didn't seem to mind. They continued to giggle the sight of their friends cuddling, and Sango cast an amused glance up at her companion. " They seem to be fine. Shall we tell them later how cute they looked?" She asked with a giggle. Miroku responded with his own devilish grin before wrapping his free arm around Sango's slim waist. " My dear Sango, I have just survived another brush with Miroku. I do not quite wish to get my ass kicked by Inuyasha at this point in time." He said with a laugh. They continued down the muddy path, back down to the comforting light of the village, where they knew a hot meal was waiting for them. The rain could howl all it wanted to, but that wouldn't change the fact that they had just defeated Naraku again, and saved a friend in the process.
*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_ Naraku's POV
In the cold depths of his castle, he watched with distaste as countless souls were being poured into the mangled corpse of the almighty Kikyo. It was going to take a lot to revive her this time. Naraku hissed into the darkness around him as he turned his neck this way and that, hoping the bruises that Kagome had left would heal quickly. Looking down at his side, he watched the ghostly Kanna look blankly into her mirror. The glowing surface rippled as it changed images. First it showed the mighty fire youkai Kirara. The now tiny kitten was lapping at a bowl of something, looking weary but healed. Around her, the monk, demon exterminator, Kitsune child, and the old Miko sat by a fire, laughing merrily as they ate bowls of stew around a dancing fire. The image faded as Naraku's anger flared. How dare they oppose him so? The translucent surface glowed an ethereal blue, and then it showed...her. Kagome lay wrapped into Inuyasha, beaten but alive. She was even smiling. Naraku sat incredulous with anger. In the cold, void of his castle he steamed and roiled at his stunning loss. Even more angering was the fact that the Hanyou had somehow preserved the Miko's soul within his. As if in some act of true loyalty to her. Then it had burst through his stomach, and returned to her. " How is this possible?!?" He said in an unexpected outburst.
Kanna turned her blank eyes to stare at her master. She could feel his undeniable anger raging within him, and decided it was best not to speak as he fell silent from his outburst. As she watched the serpent like soul-skimmers dart in and out of the room, the shining souls held her attention. Suddenly, her master stood, and held in his hand something that was thin and delicate. It was glittering defiantly against the darkness all around. Watching warily, Kanna witnessed her master smile. " Hmph." He said quietly. " Fine then. They can rest now, but this is only the beginning. Kikyo will have her uses, but perhaps it is time to call upon an old friend to get rid of these pests." He said, his cold voice ringing in the darkness powerfully. As the soul skimmers dispersed to roam the lands for more souls, he spoke again quietly. " This fight is just getting started, my dear Miko.."
Author's note: Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, this story is COMPLETE!!!!! Should I follow with a sequel? Just keep an eye on me, I'm random so I might! So how did every like it? Was this good? It was my first fic EVER you know! Guys, thank you and god bless you all. For everyone who gave me encouragement, and hope. I thank you all with everything I have in me. So I'll see everyone later, and leave me a review on the way out! Catch ya on the flip side!!!!!
Disclaimer: I've been forgetting this lately! And I'm really sorry! I SERIOUSLY don't own Inuyasha!!
Reviewers to thank: Guys, you all are so nice! I love you all so much! And now I have over 100 reviews!!!!!!! You all rock! Thank you SO SO SO much to: Elventeen, AnimeObsessionFantasy, Lilin's Gal, Shikon, Lavinia 1, LadyKaa 28, Divine-Heart, GiGi-Chan, Dark-Elf 3, Yanou, ShadowandHawk, mYjesTikgiRL, SunBeam 1, and anyone else who reviewed my humble story! God Bless you all!
Dedication: To my girl FatCat11388. You're so awesome!!
Three Days Time, The forth day, Midmorning Ch. 16: The Sound of A Returning Heartbeat
As time seemed to stop, the world began to slow down around Inuyasha. He opened back up his soft, vunerable glowing eyes, to the nightmare world all around him. Nothing.. Nothing.. is happening, He told himself with sickening certainty. Turning his gaze down to Kagome's corpse beneath him, he began to feel his eyes burn with unwanted tears. Her soft, full lips were now an icy color of purple. Her eyes lids were the same color, making her look horrible with a bluish pale face. The copious amounts of blood everywhere on her body had now dried and hardened into a dark rust color, clumping her once soft hair into impossible knots and ugly tangles. The raven's wing color of her hair had even dulled, no longer showing itself off to the world. Her legs were turning a horrid blackish hue, and her neck was covered in bruises and bloody claw marks. Inuyasha heard no sound from her mangled body, not the caress of her soft breath, nor the music of her laughter, not even the comfort of her steady beating heart. Looking up into the faces of his friends, each of them were shedding tears beyond reason as they looked sadly at the body before them. No! Inuyasha thought frantically. She couldn't have lied.. God, tell me tell she wasn't lying...I don't want to be alive, if I'm going to be...alone.. Closing his eyes, he tried to share his soul with her. He prayed with all his might even though he had never done so in all his life. He tried to push himself into her lifeless body, willing it to live again. Please Kagome...don't leave me here..I....I really do...need you.......
A sudden tingling filled Inuyasha's body, and he gasped as his entire body was filled with an inexplicable peace. He felt warm, comfortable, and completely safe. Reopening his eyes, the forest swam around him. Everything blurred and colors ran into one another to from generalized shapes around him. As a strange warmth began to well up within his chest, Inuyasha looked down to see his entire midsection glowing completely transparent. The sky above them seemed to darken, and the heavens even trembled before the light that was festering within the confused hanyou. What is this?...he wondered numbly. He looked up to find his friends standing away from him, with looks of terror engraved onto their swimming faces. Returning his attention to his own glowing flesh, Inuyasha clutched Kagome's body with what little strength he had left. The light inside of his writhed and swam quickly, as if waiting for some cue to leave. Presently, he became aware that his left hand was clutching something very soft and warm. Looking down slowly, he tried to struggle against the exhaustion that was creeping over him. Bringing his clawed hand out from under Kagome's corpse, he saw what looked like a black snake laying in his hand. What.. He wondered helplessly. Staring at it with all his might, he found that he was clutching a lock of shining black, human hair. His sluggish mind flashed back suddenly, and he knew. " Mi...dor...ri...ko" He whispered slowly.
With a rush of pain, Inuyasha watched as the light within him began to pour out his own flesh . As it did, pain beyond reason coursed through the tortured hanyou. Gritting his teeth against the pain, Inuyasha watched fixated as the light continued to expel out of him and swirl around in the warm forest air around he and Kagome. This continued for what seemed to Inuyasha as an eternity of pain and confusion. Finally, the last of the light exited his own body, taking the pain with it. Quickly, Inuyasha's vision retuned fully to his golden eyes, and though he felt strangely exhausted, he ignored it to watch the light show before him.
Looming menacingly above the entire forest, the sky seemed to object to such a bright light. Thick black clouds covered the entire forest area, capturing any sunlight that might dare to shine through the gloom and darkness. It seemed to be night all over again, and thunderheads crackled menacingly overhead as if to challenge the might of the light around Inuyasha. In the tiny, devastated clearing of the thick forest, a party sat speechless in awe of the events unfolding around them. Sango, Miroku, Kaede, and Shippo had all crowded around the exhausted Inuyasha again, each clutching their weapons. Every tree, rock, and flower in the forest around their clearing was brilliantly lit up with an unearthly light. The light seemed to radiate life from every inch of brilliant innards, making each flower open to show it's beautifully colored center. The trees began to shake gently, showering the ground with droplets of dew that shone in the light like a hail storm of glittering diamonds. The very air warmed itself as the massive specter of light twisted around. The light was like the center of the sun, radiant beyond words. It twisted through the air with grace unlike anything else, taking no definite shape or form. Like glowing fluid that warmed you down to your soul. But as this phenomenon continued it's Arial ballet, Inuyasha was puzzling to himself quietly.
Lifting his nose into the air, he took a deep breath as the light surrounded him and his friends. A warm scent flooded his entire being, raising his spirit at it's familiarity. It smelled like the sweetest honey, and delicate spring jasmine. There was only ever one person who had a scent this beautiful, Inuyasha realized slowly. Looking down to the mangled corpse in his arms, Inuyasha studied Kagome's bluish face. Call her back, Inuyasha! Before it's to late! his mind screamed desperately. Inuyasha didn't quite know what to do, but he reluctantly let go of Kagome's body, and set it down gently onto the warm ground. Giving his confused friends a knowing glance, Inuyasha ignored his screaming body, and stood up. He walked into the middle of the clearing, where the ethereal light was currently twisting and turning in mid air. Unsure of what to do, Inuyasha looked directly into the writhing light before above him, and spoke quietly. "Kagome, please. I know that somehow...this light is you...please, don't leave.. we need you.....to kill Naraku." Inuyasha finished lamely. The light above seemed to dim slightly before him, and a flutter of panic arose within him. It's now or never! His mind screamed. " Not just for the Shikon Jewel..Kagome..." Inuyahsa whispered into the air around him slowly. " I..I need you...I love you.." He finally said quietly.
The light suddenly descended from the air to consume his in it's glowing belly. Trying to fight back, he found desperately that he had no energy left. As he felt his feet leave the soft ground below, his robes and hair were floating gently around him as the light traveled back to where the rest of the group sat. It enveloped them as well, but they stayed on the ground. Kagome's corpse began to lift into the air before Inuyasha, revolving slowly. Her blood matted hair was flowing as best it could, but not reflecting the light all around it. Inuyasha used the last of his might to reach out and pull Kagome's cold, bloody corpse against his own body. The light began to swirl about them chaotically, and Inuyasha watched in awe as it condensed into the exact shape of Kagome's body. It sunk into her flesh in the blink of eye like rain onto the parched desert. With that, the sky remained black even though the light had now disappeared. Inuyasha fell to the ground below him, clutching Kagome to him. As he recovered from the shock of the events that had just taken place, his senses came rushing back to him. He registered one thing.
Looking down at Kagome in his arms, her black legs were fading back to their former soft peach color, and her face was rapidly draining of blue and filling back into it's former creamy color. The blood and bruises on her body remained, and her hair was still matted and damp with rusty blood. But none of that mattered to Inuyasha. He watched as her chest rose with ragged but full breaths, and filled his ears with the gentle thudding of her heart. He sat in awe for several minutes, oblivious to the joyous cries of her friends, or the storming forest around him. All he could think of was the new life that was coursing through the young woman in his arms. His vision began to swim once again, and he remembered holding tight to Kagome, and then nothing.....
*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_ Sango's POV
Tears obscured Sango's vision as she watched Kagome's bloody corpse return to life. She felt joy unlike anything she had ever experienced, and it consumed her every sense. Rushing to Kagome's side, she looked into the face of the protective Hanyou who was holding her. Inuyahsa was gazing down at Kagome with glazed eyes. He seemed unaware of his surroundings as he lost himself in the girl below him. Is that love in his eyes? Sango wondered happily. Suddenly, Inuyasha began to sway tipsly before her, and a pang of concern shot through her happiness. " Inuyasha?" she called to him gently. He didn't see to hear her as he fell to the ground unconscious, still holding Kagome tightly. Sango gasped and began to shake her friend, trying to reawaken him. Kaede and Miroku were now beside her, and the old Miko's concerned voice shot through Sango's efforts.
" Thou must hurry and get these two back to thine hut, for though Kagome may be alive, in that condition she surely won't last." Kaede said steadily, with a hint of fear in her voice. Sango looked at her and nodded, but then looked up to Miroku as he spoke. " We need to travel fast, and now with Inuyasha out of comission, we have a problem." He said urgently. Sango watched as his violet eyes swept the clearing for some kind of opportunity of help. Her own mind began to spin as she felt a pang of desperation. What if they couldn't get Kagome healed in time? Suddenly a tiny voice cut into each of their thoughts like a sunlight through the storm. " It looks like it's up to me again!"
Sango turned to the small voice to find the innocently shining eyes of Shippo. He was standing at Kagome's side, clutching one of the rags that were left of her flowing robes. He seemed tired, though energetic with a fierce pride that was flowing through him. His childish face held an expression of wisdom far beyond his years, and Sango felt her own hope return as he pulled out another leaf fro his haori. Turning on his paws, Shippo walked a short distance away from them, placed the leaf onto his head, and lost himself in an explosion of smoke. " TRANSFORM!!!!!" Rang his tiny voice, echoing hopefully through the trees. Sango looked eagerly into the smoke to see what Shippo had become, knowing that his Kitsune magic had perhaps more strength than any knew. As the clouds overhead trembled with the coming fury of a lightening storm, the watery light that remained did not spoil the majesty of the dragon that stood before them. It was a long, snake-like dragon, with foxfire red scales running down the length of it's body. It had two short limbs that extended into paws in the front and back of it's body, complete with glittering claws much like Inuyasha's. At the end of the dragon was not a spiky tail as might look fitting, but a small, soft fox tail. It's face was fierce with large fangs, and wickedly curving horns. Instead of Shippo's usually popping eyes that accompanied the transformation, two glittering slits were staring down at them, still holding Shippo's child-like innocence within them.
For a few seconds, even the skies remained silent as Sango and her companions regarded the dragon above them. " Shippo?" Sango asked gently. The dragon looked at her, and then Shippo's ringing high pitched voice sounded. " ah ha ha! Pretty cool, huh? Kagome told me stories about dragons once, and I've always wanted to try this! Now hurry and get every on my back, I can't hold this long, I'm tired!" He complained. The dragon slid fluidly through the air onto the ground below, and waited patiently as Miroku gently fit Kagome's fragile body into Inuyasha's lap, and then lifted them both onto the back of the dragon. Miroku then helped Kaede on behind them, and then he turned to Sango. Walking up to her as she gathered her boomerang onto her back, his silky voice sounded into her ear. " It's time to go love," He said gently, sliding his hand into hers. Sango felt blush spreading across her face, and she quickly stooped to gently pick up the poisoned Kirara. She surveyed the cat's unmoving body with sorrow, and allowed herself to be pulled onto the dragon behind Kaede. " Let's Go Shippo!" Miroku cried, and with a lurch into the air, Shippo began gliding with the wind over the treetops to the village with all possible speed. Flowing through the air, Sango felt her sorrow turn into pride for the small Kitsune she was riding. Smiling to Miroku behind her, Sango smiled at Shippo's last hurrah.
*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_ Hours later, about 12:30 at night, Inuyasha's POV
Awakening with a start, Inuyasha's senses snapped to alert as he surveyed his surroundings. The night was black and cold outside as a furious rainstorm unleashed it's rage onto the land. Thunder and brilliant flashes of lightening lit up the ebony sky, invading the hut he was in with their fury. The smell of rain and damp earth invaded his nose as he smelled for any danger. Sensing none, Inuyasha tore his eyes from storm outside to find where he was. He was inside the room of an all to familiar hut, that was dimly lit by a dying fire. The crackling flames cast shadows around the hut of everything that reached it's light, making eerie dancing shadows on the walls. His mind suddenly rewound back to the clearing, and he snapped his head around to find her. Kagome! He wondered desperately. I passed out, what happened? Looking down to himself, he found her laying next to him. She was sleeping gently, her hair once more shining in the light of the fire. Her creamy face was passive, no longer contorted in pain. Though she covered by a blanket, Inuyasha blushed to realize that she was wearing nothing at all. She was pretty beaten up idiot, she probably had a lot of wounds all over to heal. His subconscious said wisely.
Inuyasha nodded to himself at this thought, and looked lazily around the dark room. He realized finally that he was wearing no shirt, and there was something oily with a horrible smell on his stomach. Must have been the old hag, he thought wisely. Also, he couldn't quite understand why he felt so tired...almost exhausted still...all from that strange light that came outta me, Inuyasha thought slowly. As he continued his musings, a small moan caught his attention from below him. Quickly looking down, he found a half-lidded pair of shining steel gray eyes watching him with little comprehension. Kagome looked as though she could sleep for several more days, but was forcing herself awake for some reason unknown to him at the moment. " Inuyasha?..." She whispered weakly. Inuyasha instantly felt concern for her fragile condition, and watched briefly as she struggled to sit up. In a single deft movement, he had grabbed her shoulders and guided her back down onto the futon they were laying on. She gasped and winced slightly as Inuyasha brushed the arrow wound on her arm by accident. Instantly regretting his actions, Inuyasha spoke in a low voice to her. " Feh, you should be more careful wench, you're hurt." That came out all wrong, you idiot! He instantly told himself. Watching her carefully, she didn't seem to mind as she spoke in her quavering voice again. " Where....are we? What happened?...Where's Naraku!"
A brief flash of anger flitted through her eyes as the mention of his name, but it was quickly subdued as Inuyasha began to wonder again at the one question that was burning into him. There was silence for a while in the hut, save for the howling of the elements outside and the crackling of the eager fire. Finally Inuyasha broke the silence, speaking his thoughts. " Kagome, how could you have not told me of a challenge against Kikyo? What in the seven hells were you thinking, you could have died damn it!" He exploded, speaking in a loud voice that was not quite a yell to be sensitive to Kagome's condition. She regarded him for a second with weakening strength, and then he smelled the salty liquid as her eyes welled up with shining tears. You idiot, now she's crying! Inuyasha mentally berated himself. Turning so she was laying with her back facing him, Kagome did her best not to cry. " Inuyasha...I'm sorry, I wanted to tell you everything so many times..but, it was a fight between Kikyo and me, no one else. I just couldn't tell you. I didn't want to risk the chance of you getting dragged to hell....by Kikyo..." Kagome said with small sobs. She seemed ashamed of herself, and Inuyasha instantly was sorry he'd ever said anything.
Moving to lay down next her, he fit her soft form into his and wrapped his arms around her. Burying his face into her hair that smelled freshly washed, he lost himself in her warmth and scent for a while. She was tense at his touch at first, but she slowly melted into him. As the storm raged on outside, he spoke without even knowing what the right thing to say was. " Kagome, when I found out that I might have to go on living..without you...It didn't even seem worth it...not even Naraku or the Shikon Jewel held any happiness for me...I was...scared to be alone again...because now that I know you,..I....I just, don't want to be alone anymore." He said softly. "Inuyasha," she whispered gently, " you'll never be alone again, I swear." With that, she fell asleep there. Completely content to lay in his arms, safe and loved. With a last search for any danger, Inuyasha drifted back to sleep himself. Lulled softly by the pounding elements outside, and the warmth of everything he had ever wanted pressed into his arms.
*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_ General POV
Outside of the hut, crouching just below the window glowing by the firelight, a small wooden umbrella could be seen by the flashes of lightening. Croushing underneath was a taller man with a swishing black robe, piercing violet purple eyes, and a jigling golden staff in his left hand. Standing next to him, a smaller girl held herself proudly in his arms. She bore malevolent red eyes, and long flowing raven's feather hair with gentle purple highlights. They cast a glace into the hut whenever they dared, and their gaze met an interesting sight. Bathed in the glow of the firelight, A muscular silver-haired hayou was holding a young girl against him possessively in his sleep. He seemed alert, but at peace. The girl was covered in bruises, wounds, and scratches, but seemed happy nonetheless. They both seemed completely content to be there in one another's arms, and with that, the two under the umbrella began walking away. As the rain whipped down upon Sango and Miroku, they didn't seem to mind. They continued to giggle the sight of their friends cuddling, and Sango cast an amused glance up at her companion. " They seem to be fine. Shall we tell them later how cute they looked?" She asked with a giggle. Miroku responded with his own devilish grin before wrapping his free arm around Sango's slim waist. " My dear Sango, I have just survived another brush with Miroku. I do not quite wish to get my ass kicked by Inuyasha at this point in time." He said with a laugh. They continued down the muddy path, back down to the comforting light of the village, where they knew a hot meal was waiting for them. The rain could howl all it wanted to, but that wouldn't change the fact that they had just defeated Naraku again, and saved a friend in the process.
*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_ Naraku's POV
In the cold depths of his castle, he watched with distaste as countless souls were being poured into the mangled corpse of the almighty Kikyo. It was going to take a lot to revive her this time. Naraku hissed into the darkness around him as he turned his neck this way and that, hoping the bruises that Kagome had left would heal quickly. Looking down at his side, he watched the ghostly Kanna look blankly into her mirror. The glowing surface rippled as it changed images. First it showed the mighty fire youkai Kirara. The now tiny kitten was lapping at a bowl of something, looking weary but healed. Around her, the monk, demon exterminator, Kitsune child, and the old Miko sat by a fire, laughing merrily as they ate bowls of stew around a dancing fire. The image faded as Naraku's anger flared. How dare they oppose him so? The translucent surface glowed an ethereal blue, and then it showed...her. Kagome lay wrapped into Inuyasha, beaten but alive. She was even smiling. Naraku sat incredulous with anger. In the cold, void of his castle he steamed and roiled at his stunning loss. Even more angering was the fact that the Hanyou had somehow preserved the Miko's soul within his. As if in some act of true loyalty to her. Then it had burst through his stomach, and returned to her. " How is this possible?!?" He said in an unexpected outburst.
Kanna turned her blank eyes to stare at her master. She could feel his undeniable anger raging within him, and decided it was best not to speak as he fell silent from his outburst. As she watched the serpent like soul-skimmers dart in and out of the room, the shining souls held her attention. Suddenly, her master stood, and held in his hand something that was thin and delicate. It was glittering defiantly against the darkness all around. Watching warily, Kanna witnessed her master smile. " Hmph." He said quietly. " Fine then. They can rest now, but this is only the beginning. Kikyo will have her uses, but perhaps it is time to call upon an old friend to get rid of these pests." He said, his cold voice ringing in the darkness powerfully. As the soul skimmers dispersed to roam the lands for more souls, he spoke again quietly. " This fight is just getting started, my dear Miko.."
Author's note: Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, this story is COMPLETE!!!!! Should I follow with a sequel? Just keep an eye on me, I'm random so I might! So how did every like it? Was this good? It was my first fic EVER you know! Guys, thank you and god bless you all. For everyone who gave me encouragement, and hope. I thank you all with everything I have in me. So I'll see everyone later, and leave me a review on the way out! Catch ya on the flip side!!!!!
