A/N: Konnichiwa everyone! Hey, I'm sorry that this chapter took a lot
longer to update. I just got back from vacation, and I didn't have a
computer around, and I was too busy to write anything, so I couldn't get
anything done over vacation. But, I did get a lot of ideas, and hopefully
this chapter is ok. At first, I kept it the way I had planned, but then
more ideas came, and things totally changed. I hope that those ideas were
good though! I don't have much more to say, I guess, just sit back and
enjoy this chapter! ^_~ Don't forget the reviews!!!
Chapter 9: A Miko's Sacrifice
"I see the time has finally come has it?"
A pair of empty brown eyes gazed upon the battle below. Snake like demons drifted around her body as anger filled her eyes.
"I may have not been able to have your heart, for now I know she possesses it, and you hold hers; but I said I would aid you in this battle to come, and I will."
She placed her hand against her chest, a slight glow forming in it.
"Naraku will perish, and I will be there to take him to hell."
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"Inuyasha, what do you think of my new form? It suits me quite well, doesn't it? Thank that reincarnation of Kikyo for me. If it weren't for her, the sacred jewel would have never been in my possession."
"Close that trap of yours! Kagome helped by rejoining the jewel. You just got in her way and took it. For that I will make sure that your life ends sooner."
Naraku took a step forward and raised his hand, a ball of miasma forming around it.
"Lets just see you take my life."
Inuyasha growled angrily as he raced forward, preparing to swing.
"I've really had enough of your mouth, time to shut it!"
The blade glistened brightly as he swung at the demon, trying to strike him down. The ball of miasma only grew larger and engulfed the sword, sending it flying from the hanyou's hands. He gazed in shock as the weapon crashed to the ground, creating a loud chime.
"How in the hell did you do that?"
"My power has increased drastically, so don't be shocked at what I can achieve. As of now, you should only worry about living."
Naraku used his other fist and sent it hurdling towards Inuyasha's face, hitting him hard on the cheek. He gasped in pain as a cut appeared. Blood slowly trickled from the wound, rolling down his stained skin.
"Inuyasha!"
Kagome took a step forward, but was stopped abruptly by her friends' gentle hands.
"Let me go. I have to help him!"
"Lady Kagome, please remain still. I wish to tear apart that demon just as you do, but this is their battle at the moment. When the time comes, we will assist him and destroy Naraku. Until then, we must sit back and wait."
Her eyes narrowed and gave a deadly glare.
"I'm sorry, but I can't oblige by that. He needs our help, no matter what you or he says. I am going in there to help. It's my fault that he took the jewel, and now I must repent for my careless actions. I will aid Inuyasha, and no one can stop me."
Miroku and Sango both gazed at her in sheer shock. Obviously they weren't going to be able to stop her, so they decided to help as well.
"I'll do everything I can to assist."
Sango lifted her boomerang and stepped forward, ready to attack.
"Naraku has hurt me too, so Inuyasha doesn't deserve the glory in taking him down himself. He caused my brother to act the way he did, and now they're no longer with me."
"He caused this wretched curse in my hand, and soon it will devour me whole."
"He hurt the one person I care deeply for, and he continues on doing it. He insists on causing us pain, and I won't accept it. He will die."
Shippou jumped onto Kagome's shoulder.
"Naraku is a horrible demon, and if we don't stop him now, he will continue to cause suffering to whomever he wishes. Let's annihilate him."
A small orb of fox fire appeared in his hand. His eyes were raging with sheer anger as he spoke, signaling that he was ready to fight.
"Let's go."
Inuyasha's ears twitched when he heard his name called.
'They'd better stay back. I don't want them to be put in danger.'
He growled as he took a battle stance once more; however, this time he had no sword.
"Are you attempting to battle me without your sword? That's a big step for such a small vermin. Show me what a mongrel like you is made of."
Each word pierced through Inuyasha's ears like a dozen needles.
"I'll be more than you can handle!"
"You ready Sango?"
Kagome pulled out her bow, ready to aim.
"Let's nip this demon once and for all."
She moved forward in a quick motion, holding her boomerang in the air. Within a second, Kirara was beneath her and carried her into the air.
"Fly high above him Kirara! If we're unnoticeable, it'll be easier to attack."
Miroku grabbed Kagome by the wrist and ran to the left.
"If we're over here, we can attack him on all sides."
She nodded in response and ran with him. Shippou and Jaken ran towards the right, preparing their fire attacks. Rin stood away from the battle, considering she had no weapons to protect herself.
Inuyasha raced forward and dodged to the right, and then to the left. Within seconds, he was behind Naraku and had his claws inches from his back.
"Iron Reaver Soul Stealer!"
"Now!"
"Hiriakotsu!"
"Fox fire!"
A large staff struck the demon's arms, creating a large gash. Sango's boomerang, along with Kirara's deadly sharp claws, and Inuyasha's, had struck him in the back. Shippou's fox fire and Jaken's staff's fire surrounded Naraku's body; however, it didn't cause damage to Inuyasha or the others close to Naraku. Kagome's arrow traveled through the air, hitting Naraku in the chest. He howled in pain as each attack hit. A large wall of miasma sent each body hurdling away from him, giving a brief moment to heal his wounds.
"Kagome! What the hell are you doing? I wanted you guys to stay back!"
He reached for her arm as the miasma struck his body, sending him through the air. He held her close, ensuring her safety.
"What do you think? We were only trying to help, so lay off!"
His eyes widened when she spoke that. When the vapors finally ceased, he landed gently on the ground with Kagome still in his arms.
"Listen, I'm glad that you guys came to help, but he's a lot stronger, and it's easier to put yourself in danger. All I want is for you to be safe."
"I'm glad that you care so much, but we want to help, and there's nothing you can do to stop us. Naraku's blood will be spilled by each one of us, no matter what. I hope you understand that?"
She glanced up and gazed into his eyes, waiting for a reply. Something unexpected came though. His arms wrapped around her in a gentle embrace.
"I understand, but I will still keep you safe. If anything were to happen to you, I don't know what I would do."
Kagome smiled sweetly and hugged him back.
"I will be really careful, I promise. Now lets go."
Only feet away, Sango and the others didn't land to pleasantly from his attack. Each one landed on their butt, and Shippou crash landed on his head.
"Ouch, ooo Naraku! You are so going to pay for that!"
Shippou jumped to his feet and growled angrily, but when he saw Kagome and Inuyasha hugging, a warm smile spread across his face.
"Oh, now isn't that just sweet."
His emerald eyes continued to watch the couple, not even realizing who was approaching behind them. Sango and Miroku were to entangled to realize it either.
"Will you get off of me! I can understand you wanting to catch me from falling, but I'm not falling anymore! So lay off!"
She back handed him as his hands began to wander in certain places.
"You never stop your perverted actions, even in battle."
He jumped to his feet and simply smiled.
"I need some way to keep us all laughing don't I?"
"W-wha..."
She had no idea on how to respond to that question.
"Just watch your back and fight Miroku!"
She quickly turned in the direction in which Naraku had been standing. To her surprise, he was no longer there.
"Miroku, where did Naraku go?"
It was at that moment he attacked. However, he didn't attack Sango or Miroku, neither did he attack Shippou, Jaken, or Rin. All eyes widened as he attacked the couple, sending his vine like arm through their bodies. They were still embracing each other, so it went through Kagome's back, and out of Inuyasha's.
Her head was leaning against his shoulder when it happened. All she felt was a sharp pain, and then her life slipping away. Kagome slowly moved back and gazed into Inuyasha's eyes. That's when she knew he had been hit too. His eyes were filled with pain and anger. Her body gradually took a small step back as she continued to watch him. His eyes scanned her body and widened when he saw the wound on her as well.
"Kagome!"
Her eyes were blank, almost lifeless. She slowly fell forward to her knees, but Inuyasha had quickly caught her. He watched in pain and sorrow as tears filled her eyes. The breathe coming from her mouth became quick and raspy as she reached for him.
"Inu-Inuyasha... h-help me?"
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she swallowed hard, trying to find the strength to speak.
"Kagome, don't you dare leave me! I need you! Don't you understand?"
His fingers slowly wiped the tears from her cheeks, being as gentle as possible. His other hand was holding her arm, trying to keep her up.
"Don't leave me..."
"Kagome!"
Sango tried to run forward, but she was abruptly stopped by Miroku's arms.
"Let me go! We need to check on her! Can't you see that she's injured?"
She gazed up into his navy blue eyes, but gasped when she saw the tears.
"Miroku?"
He carefully turned Sango and gazed into her face. He knew what was happening to Kagome, and that she was dying. She couldn't be saved, for the wound was far too great.
"I'm afraid that Lady Kagome will not be... coming home with us tonight. The wound is far too great for medical care. She's not going to make it..."
He watched in pain as Sango's face expression drastically changed.
"W-what? K-Kagome... NO!"
She dropped forward into the monk's arms and cried endlessly. Miroku did his best to comfort her, but there was no way a single word could ease this pain.
Shippou's eyes gazed upon them, watching each movement and hearing each word. He was far too stunned to move a muscle. All you could see was tears rolling down his cheeks, yet there were no emotions playing in his eyes. He watched in agony as a person who was like a mother to him slowly began to die. Her aura was signaling death, so he knew it was near. How could this be? How could she lose her life like that? It was far too much for the kitsune to handle. He fell forward on his knees and cried, so much that he could nearly cry no more.
"You hear me, you will not die. You will fight this! Damn it, you're strong enough! Do you understand? Fight it Kagome, you... can... win..."
He watched the expression on her face slightly change. She was trying to smile.
"Inu-Inuyasha, must you always be so forceful?"
She tried to giggle, but only ended up coughing out some blood. She gently placed her hand over her wound, feeling the warm blood flowing out. She knew her life was close to an end, and she wanted to spend it with him.
"Inuyasha... listen."
He blinked back a few tears as his fingers stroked her cheek. She was still sitting on her knees, with blood pouring from her wound. At that moment, he had completely forgotten about his own wound. Kagome's precious life was the only thing on his mind.
"You know I'm not going to live..."
"Don't say that! It's absolutely ludicrous! You know you are, so quit saying you won't!"
She gradually raised her finger and placed it over his lips.
"Please, take good care of Sango and Miroku. Don't argue too much with Shippou, and treat Jaken with respect."
Her voice became a little demanding, but it instantly softened.
"Just take good care fo yourself, please?"
Inuyasha's amber eyes were like a mirror of pain. All you could see in them was never-ending sorrow and agony. He couldn't bare the fact that he was losing another woman he cared deeply for. Kagome was his life and his soul, and without her there, he was incomplete.
"Kagome..."
Her finger pressed a little harder against his lips.
"Shhh, please... just kiss me one last time?"
Tears were now rolling down his face. He wanted to sit back and cry like a child.
He slowly leaned forward, carefully placing his hand around her neck. Their lips were only inches apart. She smiled sweetly and fell into his kiss. His lips were so warm and gentle, yet hers were as cold as ice. This kiss was one of true passion. Nothing could express or explain the emotions dwelling in each heart. This one kiss would give the meaning of the love he felt for her, and the love she felt for him. This one kiss would show that love is one of the strongest things living in this earth. Love is valuable and precious, just like life. Love keeps the planet living, and keeps its spirit going strong. Love builds a person's life and keeps them living by giving them hope and strength. True love is the key to a person's soul, and in this kiss true love could be found.
"I have heard enough of these meaningless words. I will end this pathetic nuisance now."
"What is so pathetic about true love Naraku? Is the reason that you can't find it make love worthless to you?"
The demon slowly turned around, gazing at the maiden before him.
"I, Naraku, desire the love of a girl? The one thing I loathe in this world, besides that half breed, is love and it's foolish actions."
"Love is the strongest of all power there is. Nothing can break true passion between a couple, not even death; and I will be the one to show you that."
The maiden gradually raised a bow with an enchanted arrow inside.
"I may not have the power to end your life, but this act will bide time for the couple."
Naraku growled angrily as the maiden's name slipped from his lips.
"K-Kikyo... why would you waste your time fighting alongside him? I thought you wished for his heart in hell."
"Heh, that was the desire of a feeble maiden. I see now the truth, and the only answer to that girl's wish is to help him. I know that I will never hold his heart again; can't you see that in his eyes? His love for her is too great, and not even your demonic powers can end that. The only one I'll be seeing in hell is you, Naraku."
She smirked as the enchanted arrow left her bow. At a speed faster than lightning itself, the arrow raced through the air and struck the demon. A stream of purple light escaped the tip of the arrow and engulfed his body. Instead of the arrow piercing his skin, it had created a barrier to give Kikyo the time she needed to achieve her other task. She watched him in delight as he struggled to break free.
"You may as well end your feeble attempts to break free. Not even the strongest being can destroy this barrier. However, it won't last that long; but it still gives me the time I need."
She began walking towards the couple not too far from her.
Her eyes gazed upon them as they shared a kiss of true passion. Although, if she didn't hurry, her goal would not be achieved. Her pace began to quicken as she felt Kagome's life nearly reach an end.
'This is the right thing.'
Inuyasha slowly broke from the kiss. He gasped for air as they had spent a lot of time just melting in each others kiss.
"Kagome, you can't go."
"Inuyasha, j-just remember what I s-said, and all will be fine."
Her eyes gradually began to close, but she snapped them open.
'Not yet, I can't leave yet. I want to live just a little bit longer.'
"Kagome, how can I go on without you by my side. You are my other half, the other part of my very soul. If you leave, that part of me will cease to exist, and I will die inside."
His head lowered as a few more tears fell. His hand had slowly made it around hers, holding it in a warm embrace. Her breathing became more raspy, and her body became colder.
'She doesn't have much time.'
"Inuyasha, I'm afraid that this will be the last time I will see those amber eyes of yours. I wish that they were happy instead of full of sorrow. But I know that will change within the next few moments."
Inuyasha's ears twitched as a familiar voice rang through them. His head raised as a deadly growl filled his throat.
"What are you doing here?"
His eyes were now gazing into the face of his former love, Kikyo.
"I told you to stay away from me! I never want to see your eyes again. Now leave, I have no use in seeing you right now."
His eyes widened when he felt her cold touch on his shoulder.
"I know you feel anger against me, it's only natural. But I assure you that my intentions for being here is well worth seeing my face one last time."
"What do you mean one last time?"
His eyes followed her movements over to Kagome's body.
"Pay no heed to what I'm doing. Keep an eye on her, for I fear that this is her last breath."
Inuyasha quickly looked forward. His amber orbs widened in shock and horror as all of the life faded from Kagome's angelic eyes. A weak smile covered her lips as her body slowly fell forward. His ears were able to pick up her last words.
"May I be glad that I can rest in the arms of the man I love. I love you Inuyasha."
His whole body froze as she lay there in his arms, completely motionless.
"Kagome... Kagome?"
His hands gently shook her body, hoping that she was merely asleep. When realization struck him, he felt as if his own life was lost. His head gradually rose as a sheet of pure anger coated his eyes.
"Naraku..."
If you looked close enough, a storm of a hellish fire was raging uncontrollably in his amber orbs. Wave after wave of anger flashed in his eyes, so horrifying that the devil himself would quiver in fear. Kagome's death had set off an explosion of sheer rage in his heart. He could feel his demon blood taking over, filling him with the desire to kill. He slowly stood to his feet, gently placing Kagome's lifeless body on the ground. His nails gradually began to grow, sharping each second. His eyes were turning blood red, now so frightening that they surpassed the look of death and hell in Naraku's eyes.
"Inuyasha, your anger is far too great for my voice to reach you now. The only hope is her, for if you don't change back, you'll kill everyone, including your friends."
The outraged hanyou had heard her words and snapped in response.
"Shut up! I don't need a wench like you telling me how to go about. You have brought nothing but pain to my heart. My desire is to see you dead."
The kind, gentle heart of the half demon Inuyasha was no longer there. It was now a black hole, one absorbing hatred and anger. His once amber eyes were now blood red and full of the passion to kill.
Kikyo took a step back. Fear began to tinge her heart as she saw him like this. Seeing the once kind hanyou turn into a blood thirsty beast brought pain to the little amount of soul she had remaining in her body.
"I didn't want to have to do this, but you leave me no choice."
"No choice? A pathetic human like you doesn't get choices. Prepare to die."
Her eyes narrowed as a stream similar to the one holding Naraku formed in the air. The light slowly glided through the air and wrapped tightly around his body. He growled angrily as he tried to break free, but to no avail.
"What the hell is this damn thing? Get this crap off of me!"
He did his best to remove himself from the barrier, but nothing seemed to work. After his useless efforts, his attention was directed back towards Kikyo. He watched as she moved forward, and leaned to the ground. Her eyes were gazing upon the lifeless Kagome.
"Now is the right time."
Her arms carefully reached under Kagome and lifted her up. Kikyo stood to her feet, holding Kagome's body in her arms.
"Get the hell away from her! If you hurt her, I swear I will shred you to bits."
Obviously, his human blood was beginning to return, for in his full demon state, he wouldn't have remembered Kagome at all. His eyes watched in sheer anger as Kikyo approached him, still carrying Kagome.
"It shouldn't have gone this far. She wasn't suppose to lose her life."
"You're damn right she wasn't, now put her down and set me free."
Kikyo took another step forward, and then came to a halt. Her eyes locked with Inuyasha's. She tried desperately to reach his human side, but it didn't do much. He just gave her a look of death.
"This will change all."
Her head slowly lowered. It was as if suddenly she was in a trance. A blue tint gradually covered her, very similar to the color in which Kagome's body had turned when her soul was taken from her.
"Since I cannot have Inuyasha's heart, I will ensure that he can hold hers, and that she can hold his. This action will give her the strength to battle against Naraku, and the power to win. Have patience Inuyasha, and you will very soon find yourself embracing this girl once more."
His eyes widened in confusion. While she spoke those words, his demon blood had slowly begun to fade. His eyes turned back to amber, and his nails grew to their normal length. The stream of light around his body quickly vanished. He took in a sigh of relief as he watched Kikyo, having no idea on what she was doing.
"Kikyo? Kagome?"
Just as he spoke their names, the light around Kikyo's body expanded, a light so bright that it surpassed the intensity of the sun's golden rays. He quickly shielded his eyes, along with the others who had been watching the whole ordeal. Naraku too covered his eyes, shocked entirely and confused on what was occurring. The light from her body grew larger, soon engulfing almost a mile radius around their bodies. Beneath the light, a tear fell from her.
"Goodbye Inuyasha."
His ears twitched as they picked up her silent words.
"Goodbye, wait no! Kikyo, don't leave too!"
His eyes tried to open, but the blinding light was too much and caused him to quickly shut them. He felt like screaming at that moment. He had lost the one person that had become part of his soul, and now his former love was leaving for good. How could he handle all of the heartache? It was too much for him, even with the help of his friends. His friends! He had never checked to see if Miroku and the others were ok.
His body slowly turned as he sniffed for their scents. They weren't too far, for their aura's were pretty strong.
"Sango! Miroku!"
He hollered the best he could over the loud noise, but even he had a hard time hearing his own voice, so most likely they didn't hear him at all. As he sniffed once more for their scents, his whole body froze. A new, but very familiar scent had filled his nose. He gazed dead ahead of him as the light began to die down. He was too shocked to turn around. He didn't what he would see, but if his nose was correct, it would his other half. He swallowed hard, slowly beginning to turn. Before he turned fully, his name was called out in that angelic voice he loved deeply.
"Inuyasha!"
His head jolted around and gazed at the figure running towards him.
'Is this a dream?'
As soon as she approached him, her arms embraced him tightly, never wanting to let go.
"I'm so happy to see you again! Inuyasha?"
Not getting a response, she slowly moved back with her hands remaining on his shoulders. An expression of confusion covered every inch of his face. How could she be standing right before him, when her life ended only minutes before? Was this simply a dream?
"Inuyasha, do you not believe that I'm back? It was because of Kikyo. She sacrificed her remaining life and gave it to me. Now, I'm much stronger, and better than ever!"
She smiled brightly as his expression gradually began to change. Within seconds, tears rolled down his cheeks as he threw his arms around her in a tight, yet gentle hold.
"Kagome, never leave my side again."
"I promise, I won't."
Several feet away, Naraku had a look of sheer disgust on his face.
"I see that the priestess Kikyo sacrificed her life for this human girl. Why would she commit such a ridiculous attempt? She did nothing but waste her life on a pathetic wretch."
He growled angrily in his throat, waiting impatiently for the barrier to wear off. He knew it was about to, for it was weakening. But he still didn't have the strength to remove it himself.
"When this barrier is removed, I shall enjoy tormenting you Inuyasha. You and that feeble wench will die at my very hands."
"Kagome?"
Sango's eyes suddenly filled with complete joy as she saw her friend once more.
"Kagome!"
Sango, along with the others raced towards them, tears of bliss rolling down their cheeks. When they approached her, nothing but smiles and tears covered their faces.
"Kikyo did this? She gave her life, and return yours was brought back."
Miroku's eyes began to scan the beauty. She looked a little different, for now she was dressed in Kikyo's kimono, and her hair was pulled back similar to hers as well.
"Sango, Miroku, Shippou! You guys are all ok."
Kagome turned around and gave each one of them a friendly hug.
"What do you mean us, we lost you for awhile."
"I'm fine now. All we need to worry about id trashing Naraku. Where is he?"
Rin walked beside Kagome and pointed ahead of them.
"That lady who came put some type of light around him. He hasn't been able to mo-"
Her eyes widened as the demon finally broke free from the barrier.
"He's able to move now!"
She quickly grabbed Kagome's kimono and hid behind her legs, shaking in fear from Naraku.
"I see that your human wench Inuyasha doesn't know when to stay dead. I ensure you though that she will not come back to life after this battle is over."
Inuyasha slightly winced as he finally noticed the pain from his wound. However, he wouldn't let that get in the way of his battle.
"Naraku, you've pushed it too far this time. You've taken too much from me, and my friends. You have absolutely no chance of surviving. I will fight until I'm incapable of fighting. You will die, and as Kikyo said, she will hold you in hell."
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A/N: Well, there's the end of that chapter. I hope you liked it. It kinda changed from what I originally had planned, but I still think it turned out ok. The next chapter is going to be totally awesome! Naraku's demise is drawing closer, but not in the upcoming chapter. In the next chapter,
~"Damn it, I can't find his weakness! Even with Kagome's new abilites, it's still hopeless. The Shikkon jewel has given him too much power." 'A demon would never give up, whether he be a half breed or full blooded.' Inuyasha's eyes widened as that voice filled his ears. It was familiar, very familiar. He had heard it earlier that day in battle. Was it him again, was it Sesshomaru speaking to him? "Whoever you are, come out and show yourself!" 'I see that my own brother hasn't recognized my voice? Or is it that he doesn't want to?' Gradually, a small light began to appear before Inuyasha. It slowly began to take form. Long silver hair could be seen, along with a pair of golden eyes. It was him, standing right before was Sesshomaru, or his spirit. His body was a little transparent, so he knew it was only his soul. But seeing him there seemed to give him more strength, along with joy that filled his eyes.~
The next chapter is called, "The Spirit of a Brother." Stay tuned and I will update soon! This next one is going to be great for all of those waiting for the brother's to be reunited. However, that's not even the beginning. The real reunion will occur in the second to last, and the last chapter. Have any ideas on what it may be? Hey, just for some fun, let's see who can get the closest. You tell me what you think I'm going to do with their reunion, and we'll see who either get's it, or comes pretty close. In my last chapter, I will recognize the winner and give their name, acknowledging them for getting it right or close. You don't have to, but it'll just be for a little fun. Don't forget to review! Until next time, Ja ne! ^_~
~KittyBell~
Chapter 9: A Miko's Sacrifice
"I see the time has finally come has it?"
A pair of empty brown eyes gazed upon the battle below. Snake like demons drifted around her body as anger filled her eyes.
"I may have not been able to have your heart, for now I know she possesses it, and you hold hers; but I said I would aid you in this battle to come, and I will."
She placed her hand against her chest, a slight glow forming in it.
"Naraku will perish, and I will be there to take him to hell."
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"Inuyasha, what do you think of my new form? It suits me quite well, doesn't it? Thank that reincarnation of Kikyo for me. If it weren't for her, the sacred jewel would have never been in my possession."
"Close that trap of yours! Kagome helped by rejoining the jewel. You just got in her way and took it. For that I will make sure that your life ends sooner."
Naraku took a step forward and raised his hand, a ball of miasma forming around it.
"Lets just see you take my life."
Inuyasha growled angrily as he raced forward, preparing to swing.
"I've really had enough of your mouth, time to shut it!"
The blade glistened brightly as he swung at the demon, trying to strike him down. The ball of miasma only grew larger and engulfed the sword, sending it flying from the hanyou's hands. He gazed in shock as the weapon crashed to the ground, creating a loud chime.
"How in the hell did you do that?"
"My power has increased drastically, so don't be shocked at what I can achieve. As of now, you should only worry about living."
Naraku used his other fist and sent it hurdling towards Inuyasha's face, hitting him hard on the cheek. He gasped in pain as a cut appeared. Blood slowly trickled from the wound, rolling down his stained skin.
"Inuyasha!"
Kagome took a step forward, but was stopped abruptly by her friends' gentle hands.
"Let me go. I have to help him!"
"Lady Kagome, please remain still. I wish to tear apart that demon just as you do, but this is their battle at the moment. When the time comes, we will assist him and destroy Naraku. Until then, we must sit back and wait."
Her eyes narrowed and gave a deadly glare.
"I'm sorry, but I can't oblige by that. He needs our help, no matter what you or he says. I am going in there to help. It's my fault that he took the jewel, and now I must repent for my careless actions. I will aid Inuyasha, and no one can stop me."
Miroku and Sango both gazed at her in sheer shock. Obviously they weren't going to be able to stop her, so they decided to help as well.
"I'll do everything I can to assist."
Sango lifted her boomerang and stepped forward, ready to attack.
"Naraku has hurt me too, so Inuyasha doesn't deserve the glory in taking him down himself. He caused my brother to act the way he did, and now they're no longer with me."
"He caused this wretched curse in my hand, and soon it will devour me whole."
"He hurt the one person I care deeply for, and he continues on doing it. He insists on causing us pain, and I won't accept it. He will die."
Shippou jumped onto Kagome's shoulder.
"Naraku is a horrible demon, and if we don't stop him now, he will continue to cause suffering to whomever he wishes. Let's annihilate him."
A small orb of fox fire appeared in his hand. His eyes were raging with sheer anger as he spoke, signaling that he was ready to fight.
"Let's go."
Inuyasha's ears twitched when he heard his name called.
'They'd better stay back. I don't want them to be put in danger.'
He growled as he took a battle stance once more; however, this time he had no sword.
"Are you attempting to battle me without your sword? That's a big step for such a small vermin. Show me what a mongrel like you is made of."
Each word pierced through Inuyasha's ears like a dozen needles.
"I'll be more than you can handle!"
"You ready Sango?"
Kagome pulled out her bow, ready to aim.
"Let's nip this demon once and for all."
She moved forward in a quick motion, holding her boomerang in the air. Within a second, Kirara was beneath her and carried her into the air.
"Fly high above him Kirara! If we're unnoticeable, it'll be easier to attack."
Miroku grabbed Kagome by the wrist and ran to the left.
"If we're over here, we can attack him on all sides."
She nodded in response and ran with him. Shippou and Jaken ran towards the right, preparing their fire attacks. Rin stood away from the battle, considering she had no weapons to protect herself.
Inuyasha raced forward and dodged to the right, and then to the left. Within seconds, he was behind Naraku and had his claws inches from his back.
"Iron Reaver Soul Stealer!"
"Now!"
"Hiriakotsu!"
"Fox fire!"
A large staff struck the demon's arms, creating a large gash. Sango's boomerang, along with Kirara's deadly sharp claws, and Inuyasha's, had struck him in the back. Shippou's fox fire and Jaken's staff's fire surrounded Naraku's body; however, it didn't cause damage to Inuyasha or the others close to Naraku. Kagome's arrow traveled through the air, hitting Naraku in the chest. He howled in pain as each attack hit. A large wall of miasma sent each body hurdling away from him, giving a brief moment to heal his wounds.
"Kagome! What the hell are you doing? I wanted you guys to stay back!"
He reached for her arm as the miasma struck his body, sending him through the air. He held her close, ensuring her safety.
"What do you think? We were only trying to help, so lay off!"
His eyes widened when she spoke that. When the vapors finally ceased, he landed gently on the ground with Kagome still in his arms.
"Listen, I'm glad that you guys came to help, but he's a lot stronger, and it's easier to put yourself in danger. All I want is for you to be safe."
"I'm glad that you care so much, but we want to help, and there's nothing you can do to stop us. Naraku's blood will be spilled by each one of us, no matter what. I hope you understand that?"
She glanced up and gazed into his eyes, waiting for a reply. Something unexpected came though. His arms wrapped around her in a gentle embrace.
"I understand, but I will still keep you safe. If anything were to happen to you, I don't know what I would do."
Kagome smiled sweetly and hugged him back.
"I will be really careful, I promise. Now lets go."
Only feet away, Sango and the others didn't land to pleasantly from his attack. Each one landed on their butt, and Shippou crash landed on his head.
"Ouch, ooo Naraku! You are so going to pay for that!"
Shippou jumped to his feet and growled angrily, but when he saw Kagome and Inuyasha hugging, a warm smile spread across his face.
"Oh, now isn't that just sweet."
His emerald eyes continued to watch the couple, not even realizing who was approaching behind them. Sango and Miroku were to entangled to realize it either.
"Will you get off of me! I can understand you wanting to catch me from falling, but I'm not falling anymore! So lay off!"
She back handed him as his hands began to wander in certain places.
"You never stop your perverted actions, even in battle."
He jumped to his feet and simply smiled.
"I need some way to keep us all laughing don't I?"
"W-wha..."
She had no idea on how to respond to that question.
"Just watch your back and fight Miroku!"
She quickly turned in the direction in which Naraku had been standing. To her surprise, he was no longer there.
"Miroku, where did Naraku go?"
It was at that moment he attacked. However, he didn't attack Sango or Miroku, neither did he attack Shippou, Jaken, or Rin. All eyes widened as he attacked the couple, sending his vine like arm through their bodies. They were still embracing each other, so it went through Kagome's back, and out of Inuyasha's.
Her head was leaning against his shoulder when it happened. All she felt was a sharp pain, and then her life slipping away. Kagome slowly moved back and gazed into Inuyasha's eyes. That's when she knew he had been hit too. His eyes were filled with pain and anger. Her body gradually took a small step back as she continued to watch him. His eyes scanned her body and widened when he saw the wound on her as well.
"Kagome!"
Her eyes were blank, almost lifeless. She slowly fell forward to her knees, but Inuyasha had quickly caught her. He watched in pain and sorrow as tears filled her eyes. The breathe coming from her mouth became quick and raspy as she reached for him.
"Inu-Inuyasha... h-help me?"
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she swallowed hard, trying to find the strength to speak.
"Kagome, don't you dare leave me! I need you! Don't you understand?"
His fingers slowly wiped the tears from her cheeks, being as gentle as possible. His other hand was holding her arm, trying to keep her up.
"Don't leave me..."
"Kagome!"
Sango tried to run forward, but she was abruptly stopped by Miroku's arms.
"Let me go! We need to check on her! Can't you see that she's injured?"
She gazed up into his navy blue eyes, but gasped when she saw the tears.
"Miroku?"
He carefully turned Sango and gazed into her face. He knew what was happening to Kagome, and that she was dying. She couldn't be saved, for the wound was far too great.
"I'm afraid that Lady Kagome will not be... coming home with us tonight. The wound is far too great for medical care. She's not going to make it..."
He watched in pain as Sango's face expression drastically changed.
"W-what? K-Kagome... NO!"
She dropped forward into the monk's arms and cried endlessly. Miroku did his best to comfort her, but there was no way a single word could ease this pain.
Shippou's eyes gazed upon them, watching each movement and hearing each word. He was far too stunned to move a muscle. All you could see was tears rolling down his cheeks, yet there were no emotions playing in his eyes. He watched in agony as a person who was like a mother to him slowly began to die. Her aura was signaling death, so he knew it was near. How could this be? How could she lose her life like that? It was far too much for the kitsune to handle. He fell forward on his knees and cried, so much that he could nearly cry no more.
"You hear me, you will not die. You will fight this! Damn it, you're strong enough! Do you understand? Fight it Kagome, you... can... win..."
He watched the expression on her face slightly change. She was trying to smile.
"Inu-Inuyasha, must you always be so forceful?"
She tried to giggle, but only ended up coughing out some blood. She gently placed her hand over her wound, feeling the warm blood flowing out. She knew her life was close to an end, and she wanted to spend it with him.
"Inuyasha... listen."
He blinked back a few tears as his fingers stroked her cheek. She was still sitting on her knees, with blood pouring from her wound. At that moment, he had completely forgotten about his own wound. Kagome's precious life was the only thing on his mind.
"You know I'm not going to live..."
"Don't say that! It's absolutely ludicrous! You know you are, so quit saying you won't!"
She gradually raised her finger and placed it over his lips.
"Please, take good care of Sango and Miroku. Don't argue too much with Shippou, and treat Jaken with respect."
Her voice became a little demanding, but it instantly softened.
"Just take good care fo yourself, please?"
Inuyasha's amber eyes were like a mirror of pain. All you could see in them was never-ending sorrow and agony. He couldn't bare the fact that he was losing another woman he cared deeply for. Kagome was his life and his soul, and without her there, he was incomplete.
"Kagome..."
Her finger pressed a little harder against his lips.
"Shhh, please... just kiss me one last time?"
Tears were now rolling down his face. He wanted to sit back and cry like a child.
He slowly leaned forward, carefully placing his hand around her neck. Their lips were only inches apart. She smiled sweetly and fell into his kiss. His lips were so warm and gentle, yet hers were as cold as ice. This kiss was one of true passion. Nothing could express or explain the emotions dwelling in each heart. This one kiss would give the meaning of the love he felt for her, and the love she felt for him. This one kiss would show that love is one of the strongest things living in this earth. Love is valuable and precious, just like life. Love keeps the planet living, and keeps its spirit going strong. Love builds a person's life and keeps them living by giving them hope and strength. True love is the key to a person's soul, and in this kiss true love could be found.
"I have heard enough of these meaningless words. I will end this pathetic nuisance now."
"What is so pathetic about true love Naraku? Is the reason that you can't find it make love worthless to you?"
The demon slowly turned around, gazing at the maiden before him.
"I, Naraku, desire the love of a girl? The one thing I loathe in this world, besides that half breed, is love and it's foolish actions."
"Love is the strongest of all power there is. Nothing can break true passion between a couple, not even death; and I will be the one to show you that."
The maiden gradually raised a bow with an enchanted arrow inside.
"I may not have the power to end your life, but this act will bide time for the couple."
Naraku growled angrily as the maiden's name slipped from his lips.
"K-Kikyo... why would you waste your time fighting alongside him? I thought you wished for his heart in hell."
"Heh, that was the desire of a feeble maiden. I see now the truth, and the only answer to that girl's wish is to help him. I know that I will never hold his heart again; can't you see that in his eyes? His love for her is too great, and not even your demonic powers can end that. The only one I'll be seeing in hell is you, Naraku."
She smirked as the enchanted arrow left her bow. At a speed faster than lightning itself, the arrow raced through the air and struck the demon. A stream of purple light escaped the tip of the arrow and engulfed his body. Instead of the arrow piercing his skin, it had created a barrier to give Kikyo the time she needed to achieve her other task. She watched him in delight as he struggled to break free.
"You may as well end your feeble attempts to break free. Not even the strongest being can destroy this barrier. However, it won't last that long; but it still gives me the time I need."
She began walking towards the couple not too far from her.
Her eyes gazed upon them as they shared a kiss of true passion. Although, if she didn't hurry, her goal would not be achieved. Her pace began to quicken as she felt Kagome's life nearly reach an end.
'This is the right thing.'
Inuyasha slowly broke from the kiss. He gasped for air as they had spent a lot of time just melting in each others kiss.
"Kagome, you can't go."
"Inuyasha, j-just remember what I s-said, and all will be fine."
Her eyes gradually began to close, but she snapped them open.
'Not yet, I can't leave yet. I want to live just a little bit longer.'
"Kagome, how can I go on without you by my side. You are my other half, the other part of my very soul. If you leave, that part of me will cease to exist, and I will die inside."
His head lowered as a few more tears fell. His hand had slowly made it around hers, holding it in a warm embrace. Her breathing became more raspy, and her body became colder.
'She doesn't have much time.'
"Inuyasha, I'm afraid that this will be the last time I will see those amber eyes of yours. I wish that they were happy instead of full of sorrow. But I know that will change within the next few moments."
Inuyasha's ears twitched as a familiar voice rang through them. His head raised as a deadly growl filled his throat.
"What are you doing here?"
His eyes were now gazing into the face of his former love, Kikyo.
"I told you to stay away from me! I never want to see your eyes again. Now leave, I have no use in seeing you right now."
His eyes widened when he felt her cold touch on his shoulder.
"I know you feel anger against me, it's only natural. But I assure you that my intentions for being here is well worth seeing my face one last time."
"What do you mean one last time?"
His eyes followed her movements over to Kagome's body.
"Pay no heed to what I'm doing. Keep an eye on her, for I fear that this is her last breath."
Inuyasha quickly looked forward. His amber orbs widened in shock and horror as all of the life faded from Kagome's angelic eyes. A weak smile covered her lips as her body slowly fell forward. His ears were able to pick up her last words.
"May I be glad that I can rest in the arms of the man I love. I love you Inuyasha."
His whole body froze as she lay there in his arms, completely motionless.
"Kagome... Kagome?"
His hands gently shook her body, hoping that she was merely asleep. When realization struck him, he felt as if his own life was lost. His head gradually rose as a sheet of pure anger coated his eyes.
"Naraku..."
If you looked close enough, a storm of a hellish fire was raging uncontrollably in his amber orbs. Wave after wave of anger flashed in his eyes, so horrifying that the devil himself would quiver in fear. Kagome's death had set off an explosion of sheer rage in his heart. He could feel his demon blood taking over, filling him with the desire to kill. He slowly stood to his feet, gently placing Kagome's lifeless body on the ground. His nails gradually began to grow, sharping each second. His eyes were turning blood red, now so frightening that they surpassed the look of death and hell in Naraku's eyes.
"Inuyasha, your anger is far too great for my voice to reach you now. The only hope is her, for if you don't change back, you'll kill everyone, including your friends."
The outraged hanyou had heard her words and snapped in response.
"Shut up! I don't need a wench like you telling me how to go about. You have brought nothing but pain to my heart. My desire is to see you dead."
The kind, gentle heart of the half demon Inuyasha was no longer there. It was now a black hole, one absorbing hatred and anger. His once amber eyes were now blood red and full of the passion to kill.
Kikyo took a step back. Fear began to tinge her heart as she saw him like this. Seeing the once kind hanyou turn into a blood thirsty beast brought pain to the little amount of soul she had remaining in her body.
"I didn't want to have to do this, but you leave me no choice."
"No choice? A pathetic human like you doesn't get choices. Prepare to die."
Her eyes narrowed as a stream similar to the one holding Naraku formed in the air. The light slowly glided through the air and wrapped tightly around his body. He growled angrily as he tried to break free, but to no avail.
"What the hell is this damn thing? Get this crap off of me!"
He did his best to remove himself from the barrier, but nothing seemed to work. After his useless efforts, his attention was directed back towards Kikyo. He watched as she moved forward, and leaned to the ground. Her eyes were gazing upon the lifeless Kagome.
"Now is the right time."
Her arms carefully reached under Kagome and lifted her up. Kikyo stood to her feet, holding Kagome's body in her arms.
"Get the hell away from her! If you hurt her, I swear I will shred you to bits."
Obviously, his human blood was beginning to return, for in his full demon state, he wouldn't have remembered Kagome at all. His eyes watched in sheer anger as Kikyo approached him, still carrying Kagome.
"It shouldn't have gone this far. She wasn't suppose to lose her life."
"You're damn right she wasn't, now put her down and set me free."
Kikyo took another step forward, and then came to a halt. Her eyes locked with Inuyasha's. She tried desperately to reach his human side, but it didn't do much. He just gave her a look of death.
"This will change all."
Her head slowly lowered. It was as if suddenly she was in a trance. A blue tint gradually covered her, very similar to the color in which Kagome's body had turned when her soul was taken from her.
"Since I cannot have Inuyasha's heart, I will ensure that he can hold hers, and that she can hold his. This action will give her the strength to battle against Naraku, and the power to win. Have patience Inuyasha, and you will very soon find yourself embracing this girl once more."
His eyes widened in confusion. While she spoke those words, his demon blood had slowly begun to fade. His eyes turned back to amber, and his nails grew to their normal length. The stream of light around his body quickly vanished. He took in a sigh of relief as he watched Kikyo, having no idea on what she was doing.
"Kikyo? Kagome?"
Just as he spoke their names, the light around Kikyo's body expanded, a light so bright that it surpassed the intensity of the sun's golden rays. He quickly shielded his eyes, along with the others who had been watching the whole ordeal. Naraku too covered his eyes, shocked entirely and confused on what was occurring. The light from her body grew larger, soon engulfing almost a mile radius around their bodies. Beneath the light, a tear fell from her.
"Goodbye Inuyasha."
His ears twitched as they picked up her silent words.
"Goodbye, wait no! Kikyo, don't leave too!"
His eyes tried to open, but the blinding light was too much and caused him to quickly shut them. He felt like screaming at that moment. He had lost the one person that had become part of his soul, and now his former love was leaving for good. How could he handle all of the heartache? It was too much for him, even with the help of his friends. His friends! He had never checked to see if Miroku and the others were ok.
His body slowly turned as he sniffed for their scents. They weren't too far, for their aura's were pretty strong.
"Sango! Miroku!"
He hollered the best he could over the loud noise, but even he had a hard time hearing his own voice, so most likely they didn't hear him at all. As he sniffed once more for their scents, his whole body froze. A new, but very familiar scent had filled his nose. He gazed dead ahead of him as the light began to die down. He was too shocked to turn around. He didn't what he would see, but if his nose was correct, it would his other half. He swallowed hard, slowly beginning to turn. Before he turned fully, his name was called out in that angelic voice he loved deeply.
"Inuyasha!"
His head jolted around and gazed at the figure running towards him.
'Is this a dream?'
As soon as she approached him, her arms embraced him tightly, never wanting to let go.
"I'm so happy to see you again! Inuyasha?"
Not getting a response, she slowly moved back with her hands remaining on his shoulders. An expression of confusion covered every inch of his face. How could she be standing right before him, when her life ended only minutes before? Was this simply a dream?
"Inuyasha, do you not believe that I'm back? It was because of Kikyo. She sacrificed her remaining life and gave it to me. Now, I'm much stronger, and better than ever!"
She smiled brightly as his expression gradually began to change. Within seconds, tears rolled down his cheeks as he threw his arms around her in a tight, yet gentle hold.
"Kagome, never leave my side again."
"I promise, I won't."
Several feet away, Naraku had a look of sheer disgust on his face.
"I see that the priestess Kikyo sacrificed her life for this human girl. Why would she commit such a ridiculous attempt? She did nothing but waste her life on a pathetic wretch."
He growled angrily in his throat, waiting impatiently for the barrier to wear off. He knew it was about to, for it was weakening. But he still didn't have the strength to remove it himself.
"When this barrier is removed, I shall enjoy tormenting you Inuyasha. You and that feeble wench will die at my very hands."
"Kagome?"
Sango's eyes suddenly filled with complete joy as she saw her friend once more.
"Kagome!"
Sango, along with the others raced towards them, tears of bliss rolling down their cheeks. When they approached her, nothing but smiles and tears covered their faces.
"Kikyo did this? She gave her life, and return yours was brought back."
Miroku's eyes began to scan the beauty. She looked a little different, for now she was dressed in Kikyo's kimono, and her hair was pulled back similar to hers as well.
"Sango, Miroku, Shippou! You guys are all ok."
Kagome turned around and gave each one of them a friendly hug.
"What do you mean us, we lost you for awhile."
"I'm fine now. All we need to worry about id trashing Naraku. Where is he?"
Rin walked beside Kagome and pointed ahead of them.
"That lady who came put some type of light around him. He hasn't been able to mo-"
Her eyes widened as the demon finally broke free from the barrier.
"He's able to move now!"
She quickly grabbed Kagome's kimono and hid behind her legs, shaking in fear from Naraku.
"I see that your human wench Inuyasha doesn't know when to stay dead. I ensure you though that she will not come back to life after this battle is over."
Inuyasha slightly winced as he finally noticed the pain from his wound. However, he wouldn't let that get in the way of his battle.
"Naraku, you've pushed it too far this time. You've taken too much from me, and my friends. You have absolutely no chance of surviving. I will fight until I'm incapable of fighting. You will die, and as Kikyo said, she will hold you in hell."
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A/N: Well, there's the end of that chapter. I hope you liked it. It kinda changed from what I originally had planned, but I still think it turned out ok. The next chapter is going to be totally awesome! Naraku's demise is drawing closer, but not in the upcoming chapter. In the next chapter,
~"Damn it, I can't find his weakness! Even with Kagome's new abilites, it's still hopeless. The Shikkon jewel has given him too much power." 'A demon would never give up, whether he be a half breed or full blooded.' Inuyasha's eyes widened as that voice filled his ears. It was familiar, very familiar. He had heard it earlier that day in battle. Was it him again, was it Sesshomaru speaking to him? "Whoever you are, come out and show yourself!" 'I see that my own brother hasn't recognized my voice? Or is it that he doesn't want to?' Gradually, a small light began to appear before Inuyasha. It slowly began to take form. Long silver hair could be seen, along with a pair of golden eyes. It was him, standing right before was Sesshomaru, or his spirit. His body was a little transparent, so he knew it was only his soul. But seeing him there seemed to give him more strength, along with joy that filled his eyes.~
The next chapter is called, "The Spirit of a Brother." Stay tuned and I will update soon! This next one is going to be great for all of those waiting for the brother's to be reunited. However, that's not even the beginning. The real reunion will occur in the second to last, and the last chapter. Have any ideas on what it may be? Hey, just for some fun, let's see who can get the closest. You tell me what you think I'm going to do with their reunion, and we'll see who either get's it, or comes pretty close. In my last chapter, I will recognize the winner and give their name, acknowledging them for getting it right or close. You don't have to, but it'll just be for a little fun. Don't forget to review! Until next time, Ja ne! ^_~
~KittyBell~