Demon Body, Human Heart
By DemonSaya
Disclaimer: Okay, I dun own any of these characters, I'm borrowing them, and I promised that I'd return them. Well...I promised because Inuyasha's rather mad that I kidnapped them for awhile and I'm afraid he may pull out his sword and demolish me...Please don't sue me, I already have a pmsing adolescent half-demon to deal with!
Policy on Flamers: Give me Love, Peace, and Chicken Grease, and I shall give you the same. If you don't, I know lots of assassins, thieves, demons, and goddesses, that would love to hurt you if I told them you flamed ^_^
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Chapter 14: The Great Escape
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Sango and Kagome had been arguing about the wisdom of Kagome's decision for almost an hour. Both were almost red in the face trying to decide who would go and who would stay. Kagura's arrival put a quick end to the argument.
"Who will go?" She said evenly, her face serious.
"Sango."
"Kagome."
Kagome looked towards her friend, her eyes serious. "Sango-chan, you have to be the one to go. They don't want you, they want me. If you stay, they'll just kill you. I'm protected by the jewel for now. Please..." She clasped her best friends hands, her eyes pleading.
"Kagome-chan...but what if he tries to hurt you again?" Sango whispered, her lips almost quivering. It was almost like she was going to cry.
Kagome gave Sango a warm smile. "Sango, it's my chance to save you...give me this one opportunity. You're a better fighter than me, and you can tell Inuyasha I'm okay...please, Sango...do this for me?"
Sango glanced from Kagome to Kagura. "Why can't you take us both?"
Kagura glared at the girl. "Because, we'd get caught and we'd all be killed." She gave Sango a serious glare. "I'm sure you don't want that."
Sango swallowed painfully. It was difficult with the huge lump in her throat. She gave Kagome a quick hug then held her at arms length. "I'll go, but you have to promise me...you'll take care of yourself...Don't let that perverted demon near you..."
Kagome nodded into Sango's shoulder, her face seriou. "I promise." She whispered. "Now go..."
Sango nodded, stepping back and looking at Kagura. "Okay, do what you do."
Kagura pulled out her fans and a feather. "Don't release it until you've found them. Naraku shouldn't be able to see you, and hopefully wont notice till you're long gone." She gave a wave with her fans and watched the girl disappear.
Kagome wrapped a hand around the shikon no kakera, her eyes serious and sad at the same time.
Kagura glanced towards her, her red eyes softening a bit. "You love your mate, don't you..." She said evenly, her eyes a bit melancholy.
The girl looked at her in shock. "Eh?"
"It must be wonderful...being able to feel such emotions...all I have...are shadows of emotions..." She clenched her hands into fists. "And bloodlust." She looked towards Kagome, her face serious. "How can you love someone like that reckless brat?!"
Kagome leaned against the wall, lifting her eyes to the gray stone roof. "I love him...because he's reckless." She saw the confusion on Kagura's face and smiled. "Love is confusing. Sometimes, the thing you can't stand about a person at first is the exact thing that makes you fall in love with them."
Kagura sat down. "What is he like when he's not fighting?" She asked, her eyes big. She really had too much to learn about life once she was free. The thing that had always confused her the most was the feelings Kagome had for Inuyasha.
"Not so different..." She slid down the wall, closing her eyes and picturing his face. "He's gentler, but he still has that passion and ferocity. He kept a wall around his heart for a long time, and I could never see how he really felt, but now he can't hide his emotions from me."
Kagura watched the girls expression go from smiling to sadness. "What's wrong?"
Tears filled Kagome's eyes. "I'm so afraid I wont see him again...I want him to always be the way he was the day I was kidnapped...wild, carefree..." She laughed softly, a tear rolling down her face. "I'd never seen him so happy in my life. I want to see him smile...I want to see him again..."
"You will."
Kagome nodded, sniffling. "I hope so..."
Outside the door, a form in a regal gi and hakama stood, leaning against the frame. So, Kagura had betrayed him. It didn't matter. He would deal with her soon enough. After he had the jewel complete.
He sneered, glancing at the woman who stood at his side. "I see this news doesn't affect you in the least, Kikyou..." He said, eyes glittering.
Kikyou pushed her pony tail over her shoulder, turning and heading back down the hall towards the main room. "I already know of their affair. But when the girl is removed from the picture, Inuyasha will turn to me again. He always does." She looked back at him, her expression guarded. "It is the reason I chose to ally myself with evil."
Naraku sneered. This was a wonderful plan. Seeing Kikyou would no doubt throw off the demon just enough for him to implement his plan.
After all, he was in love with a woman, and any man who could love had a weakness. It was the same thing that made Kagura weak. Love created fools, and he had no use for fools. When this was all over, he would destroy Kikyou, Kagome and all of Inuyasha's precious things in front of him. After all, it would be the best way to destroy him.
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Miroku walked into the wind, alongside Inuyasha, Sesshoumaru on Inuyasha's other side, the kit riding on Miroku's shoulder. They had been walking for almost an hour since Naraku's doll had appeared.
He felt drawn as tight as a wire, his eyes flitting hear and there, his shoulders tense. He was furious with Inuyasha for being so calm and glared at him. That damn demon should be as worried as him. "How can you be so calm?" Miroku ground out between gritted teeth.
Inuyasha glanced towards him, his eyes serious, and firm with resolve. "Kagome's smart. Way smarter than me or anyone else I know. She'll stay safe. Sango's stronger than her, so she'll protect her. Getting angry or being worried will only be losing hope." He looked straight again.
"It would appear my little brother has grown up a bit."
Both looked towards Sesshoumaru, who looked passive as always. "Huh?" Inuyasha asked, his eyes narrowing a bit.
"You just spoke logically." He explained, walking along, his lips almost turning up into a smirk. "You are acting rationally in a situation where normally you would have run off by yourself and probably gotten killed."
Miroku glanced towards Inuyasha and noticed a grin on the hanyou's face. He didn't get it. This WAS Sesshoumaru, the demon who'd tried to kill them all on numerous occasions. He wasn't sure what he'd just heard, but it almost sounded like words of praise from the older demon's lips.
"Keh..." Inuyasha said, looking up at the sky. "Looks like Kagome was good for me." Then, his eyes widened. Someone was falling. Fast, too. He sniffed and his eyes widened even more. He jumped straight up, catching the exhausted girl carefully. "Sango?!"
Miroku looked abruptly towards where the demon had landed. He ran towards them, dropping to his knees beside Inuyasha, his eyes frantic. "Is she okay?!"
Inuyasha rested his thumb against her pulse, nodding. "She's alive, but she's exhausted..." He frowned deeply. "Looks like we have to stop for another night." He said evenly. He passed her off to Miroku and set down Kagome's pack.
As the two demon's set up camp, Miroku cradled Sango's half-consious form against him.
"Houshi-sama?" She whispered, lifting her eyes to his face. "I made it?"
Miroku nodded, breathing shakily. She was alive. She was alive, and safe, and she wasn't beating him up and calling him a pervert for holding her. Without a word, he pulled her against his chest, holding her head against his shoulder. His vision blurred as tears filled his eyes and he looked up, thanking Buddah for returning her to him.
She lifted her arms, wrapping them around him, pressing her face against his shoulder and crying. She made it. She was here. She clutched handfuls of his gi, convincing herself that she really was here, it wasn't just a dream. She gave into her sobs, shaking with the force of them. "I was scared!" She whispered into his gi.
He wiped his eyes, then put his hands on her upper arms, putting a bit of space between them. "It's okay, you're safe now...I wont let anything happen to you..." He gently brushed a tear from her eyes, his lips turning up into a watery smile. "I was worried about you, you dummy..." He said, resting his forhead against hers. He was surprised she hadn't pulled away yet, but as long as she didn't, he would be content to stay here.
A throat was cleared behind them and Miroku glared towards Inuyasha. "Give me another minute." He asked, more demanded, than requested.
"I'm sorry, but Kagome's still there. We don't have time." He said softly, his eyes serious. "I need to ask Sango some things. Like how she got out with Kagome still there."
Sango nodded, remembering, she was still a messanger, even if she was free. "It's okay, Miroku...I have to tell them what I know..." She stood shakily with Miroku's help, and walked towards the fire. She didn't object when Miroku put his arm around her and pulled her into his lap, his arms folded protectively around her.
"What happened?" Sesshoumaru asked, glancing towards the girl.
"K-Kagura..." She explained. "She made a deal with Kagome, she would get out one of us. Two would be too hard, and she was almost sure Naraku knew what she was planning..." She saw Inuyasha's frown and nodded. "She's different now. She wants to be free of Naraku's control." She closed her eyes tightly, tears filling her eyes.
"Come on, you don't have to tell us-" Miroku gently consoled her.
"Yes! I do." She took a ragged breath. "Kagome insisted that I go. She's still alive, and will be when we get there as well." She saw the doubt on Inuyasha's face and held up her hand. "Kagome was right. Naraku needs her to lure you. The Shikon no Tama shards wont let Naraku touch her at all. When he tries, it creates a pink aura around her and it actually injures him." She nodded. "We're about a day's walk away from there."
Inuyasha nodded, and stood. "Thank you." He said, then walked off to be alone. Sesshoumaru stood to leave as well.
"Wait, Sesshoumaru." Sango said. "There's one thing I was going to ask you before we were taken. Why were you staying in the village so passively?" She fixed him with a serious glare.
He glanced back at him. "I am the great demon of western lands. That village part of that. As long as it is, it is one of my...financial interests. Besides, the girl's power is about to peak. I could feel it from across the land. It is a special thing when a human reaches power that most demon's don't have the ability to attain. It holds a special interest to me. I have seen it once before. I will see this girl's true power." He walked off, leaving a very confused Miroku and Sango.
"Did he mean Kagome?" Miroku asked.
Slowly, Sango returned to herself and realized she was sitting on Miroku's lap. Reflexively, she blushed and put a bit of space between them. Yet, she wasn't expecting Miroku's reaction. He quickly placed her away from him, his eyes falling.
"You could have told me sooner you didn't like your position." He said softly, the depression returning.
Sango crept towards him on hands and knees, pressing her hand to his face and lifting it carefully. She saw the pain in his eyes and knew he'd never be able to hide his heart from her ever again. Her lips turned up into a sweet smile and she leaned towards him, kissing him on the lips gently.
He was so shocked by her actions, he didn't respond. When she pulled back, he was still frozen. "S-Sango..."
She gently caressed the back of his face. "I..." She crept back into his lap, winding her arms around his neck and resting her cheek against her bicep. "I love you." She whispered, tightening her embrace when she felt his arms go up around her waist.
His heart surged in his chest and gently he stroaked her hair. "I love you, too, Sango..." He said softly. He couldn't believe she'd just said what she had, but he didn't care if he did or not. Even if it was a sweet dream, he'd treasure it forever. He pulled back and placed a sweet kiss on her lips, delighted when, unlike their very first, she responded by kissing him back, rather than hitting him.
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Inuyasha watched the pair with soft eyes. It was about time. He was happy for them, but at the same time, he felt a deffinate urgency to find Kagome quickly. They would have to move fast tomorrow. Kirara could carry Sango and Miroku. He and Sesshoumaru could run fast enough to keep up with the cat demon.
He had to save Kagome. They were cutting the line far too close. And if Kaede was right about Kagome's power...He squeezed his eyes shut tightly. She was too strong to let something like that kill her! She had to live! She couldn't leave him! He wouldn't let her! He balled his fist and slammed the ball against a tree trunk, resting his forhead against it. Sesshoumaru had complimented him on being grown up about this, but in reality, he was terrified.
A gracefully clawed hand rested on his shoulder and he glared towards his brother. "What do you want?!"
"You shouldn't do this to yourself." Sesshoumaru said evenly. "If you do, you'll only wear yourself out before we get there."
"Keh..." Inuyasha growled. "I'm not tired at all..."
"I don't mean physically." Sesshoumaru looked at his younger brother, his golden eyes almost fond. "You will worry yourself to death before we get there, and I have a feeling there is going to be something worth seeing shortly after we arrive."
Inuyasha glared at Sesshoumaru, his eyes angry. "What the hell are you talking about."
"Seeing the dawning of a Miko's true power is something I've only seen once before."
Pain clawed through Inuyasha's chest. "You idiot! If her powers awaken, she might die!"
The tall demon arched an eyebrow. "Have you so little faith in your mate? The only other Miko anywhere near your mates level of power before awakening was Midoriko, the woman who gave birth to the Shikon no tama."
That shut him up. He had faith in her. He trusted her with his life. But he was so afraid he would lose her if her powers awakened. Most priestesses were taken away from everything and trained in the mountains for years after their powers awakened. People would no doubt want to get their hands on his Kagome. "I don't want to lose her..." He said, his voice anguished.
"I don't think that girl is going to let herself be taken away from you. I just hope you're prepared for being human in front of all your friends. I suppose they don't know yet?"
"They've known as long as I've known them. Kagome was with me the first time..." His eyes softened, ans a fond smile touched his lips. "Well, after I was released. I guess in reality YOU were there the first time."
Sesshoumaru gave a very uncharacteristic snort.
Inuyasha gave a feral grin, then nodded. "Kagome'll be alright. She's the strongest person I know. Stronger than me, even."
"She has to be." Sesshoumaru said, walking back towards the camp. "She's a woman, after all. And a woman has to be stronger than a man, because she's the chief supporter of the man she loves."
The younger demon grinned again. Sometimes, that stupid brother of his actually made sense.
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Kagome heard the door to her cell opening and lifted her eyes, expecting the boy, Kohaku or even Kagura bringing her food. Instead, it was Naraku himself, and someone else she recognized, but couldn't quite see due to the evening darkness and the shadows caused by the single glowing candle.
"Are you feeling well, Kagome?" Naraku asked with a sneer, the candle- light making his features appear twisted, grotesque.
"As well as can be expected." She snapped, her eyes angry.
"I see your companion has made a grand escape." He peered around the room, his eyes looking superior, as if he had an ace up his sleeve no one knew about.
"What are you plotting..." She asked, her eyes darkening noticably. She didn't however notice the slight glow emanating from her body.
A soft, feminine laugh. It wasn't pleasant, no joy, only sarcasm in that laugh. And coldness. "She doesn't realize it yet..." Kikyou said, stepping into the light.
Kagome's eyes smarted. "Kikyou..."
"I see your powers have almost reached their peak..." Her face became completely emotionless, and her eyes looked towards the yukata. "That is why Naraku could not touch you, because your purity is almost summitted."
"It doesn't matter. That's why you're here. Kill her before her power peaks and I'll reward you greatly..." Naraku gave a wicked grin to Kikyou.
Kikyou remained silent for a long moment. "Killing her would be the reward so I can take my Inuyasha back...but unfortunately, when her purity is this high, I cannot touch her. My souls will be pulled from my body."
"Your arrows?"
"They would have no affect against the barrier she projects, and the shards of the jewel would only react with the original making it worse."
Naraku glared at the troublesome girl. "I guess we'll just have to wait until her beloved one comes, so he can see her power kill her as it almost killed you."
Kagome's eyes widened in shock and fear. "What are you talking about?! What power?! I'm just plain and simple, Kagome! I don't have any powers!"
Kikyou harumphed. "My reincarnation with 'no power'. Scandalous." She walked towards the middle of the room, standing directly in the light of the candle beside Naraku. "I began to glow the day before my power reached it's peak, and the day it crested, it exploded and I purified eveything in the area...But I was rendered helpless for weeks." Her eyes glimmered. "I believe when her's crests, it will take care of Inuyasha and her friends for us."
Kagome's eyes widened and she clutched the jewel through the robe. When they were gone, she continued to sit there, shocked by what she'd heard. But if she had powers like Kikyou, why did they say it would kill her? After all, she had less power than Kikyou, she should barely be winded, right?
She shook those thoughts from her head and focussed on more important things. Like Inuyasha's reaction to this new development.
Her eyes softened. She knew he chose him, but she knew this would still hurt him. He'd never really considered Kikyou his enemy after all. And if she'd never existed, Inuyasha would have been even more untamed when she met him.
This would kill him, Kikyou completely turning against him. It was his first love, after all. First love never dies easily, and even though he's moved on, this would shatter his image of Kikyou.
And what would happen when her powers did finally explode?! She didn't want to hurt Inuyasha, and if she purified him completely, would that kill him?
She curled up in the corner, shivering from the cold dampness of the room and fell into an uneasy sleep. The words of her ultimate rival and her worst enemy weighed heavily on her conscious. She didn't sleep well that night, because she could feel the power now, throbbing inside of her, almost ready to explode from her body.
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Author's notes: Okay, so it wasn't AS long as I was planning, but it's longer than it WOULD have been. O.o; Sango and Miroku fans are no doubt quite pleased with this chapter, as are the Fluffy fans. I'm sorry, but I'd think that Demon's would be fascinated with a human possessing as much power as Kagome had. What do you think was calling all those demon's towards Kaede's village? ::Wicked grin:: Look forward to next chapter, when Inuyasha and company get to the castle to release Kagome from Naraku's evil clutches. Okay, that was cheesy. Please excuse that statement. I'll rephrase. Major final fight next time. It's NOT going to end pretty. Stay tuned *DemonSaya*
Disclaimer: Okay, I dun own any of these characters, I'm borrowing them, and I promised that I'd return them. Well...I promised because Inuyasha's rather mad that I kidnapped them for awhile and I'm afraid he may pull out his sword and demolish me...Please don't sue me, I already have a pmsing adolescent half-demon to deal with!
Policy on Flamers: Give me Love, Peace, and Chicken Grease, and I shall give you the same. If you don't, I know lots of assassins, thieves, demons, and goddesses, that would love to hurt you if I told them you flamed ^_^
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Chapter 14: The Great Escape
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Sango and Kagome had been arguing about the wisdom of Kagome's decision for almost an hour. Both were almost red in the face trying to decide who would go and who would stay. Kagura's arrival put a quick end to the argument.
"Who will go?" She said evenly, her face serious.
"Sango."
"Kagome."
Kagome looked towards her friend, her eyes serious. "Sango-chan, you have to be the one to go. They don't want you, they want me. If you stay, they'll just kill you. I'm protected by the jewel for now. Please..." She clasped her best friends hands, her eyes pleading.
"Kagome-chan...but what if he tries to hurt you again?" Sango whispered, her lips almost quivering. It was almost like she was going to cry.
Kagome gave Sango a warm smile. "Sango, it's my chance to save you...give me this one opportunity. You're a better fighter than me, and you can tell Inuyasha I'm okay...please, Sango...do this for me?"
Sango glanced from Kagome to Kagura. "Why can't you take us both?"
Kagura glared at the girl. "Because, we'd get caught and we'd all be killed." She gave Sango a serious glare. "I'm sure you don't want that."
Sango swallowed painfully. It was difficult with the huge lump in her throat. She gave Kagome a quick hug then held her at arms length. "I'll go, but you have to promise me...you'll take care of yourself...Don't let that perverted demon near you..."
Kagome nodded into Sango's shoulder, her face seriou. "I promise." She whispered. "Now go..."
Sango nodded, stepping back and looking at Kagura. "Okay, do what you do."
Kagura pulled out her fans and a feather. "Don't release it until you've found them. Naraku shouldn't be able to see you, and hopefully wont notice till you're long gone." She gave a wave with her fans and watched the girl disappear.
Kagome wrapped a hand around the shikon no kakera, her eyes serious and sad at the same time.
Kagura glanced towards her, her red eyes softening a bit. "You love your mate, don't you..." She said evenly, her eyes a bit melancholy.
The girl looked at her in shock. "Eh?"
"It must be wonderful...being able to feel such emotions...all I have...are shadows of emotions..." She clenched her hands into fists. "And bloodlust." She looked towards Kagome, her face serious. "How can you love someone like that reckless brat?!"
Kagome leaned against the wall, lifting her eyes to the gray stone roof. "I love him...because he's reckless." She saw the confusion on Kagura's face and smiled. "Love is confusing. Sometimes, the thing you can't stand about a person at first is the exact thing that makes you fall in love with them."
Kagura sat down. "What is he like when he's not fighting?" She asked, her eyes big. She really had too much to learn about life once she was free. The thing that had always confused her the most was the feelings Kagome had for Inuyasha.
"Not so different..." She slid down the wall, closing her eyes and picturing his face. "He's gentler, but he still has that passion and ferocity. He kept a wall around his heart for a long time, and I could never see how he really felt, but now he can't hide his emotions from me."
Kagura watched the girls expression go from smiling to sadness. "What's wrong?"
Tears filled Kagome's eyes. "I'm so afraid I wont see him again...I want him to always be the way he was the day I was kidnapped...wild, carefree..." She laughed softly, a tear rolling down her face. "I'd never seen him so happy in my life. I want to see him smile...I want to see him again..."
"You will."
Kagome nodded, sniffling. "I hope so..."
Outside the door, a form in a regal gi and hakama stood, leaning against the frame. So, Kagura had betrayed him. It didn't matter. He would deal with her soon enough. After he had the jewel complete.
He sneered, glancing at the woman who stood at his side. "I see this news doesn't affect you in the least, Kikyou..." He said, eyes glittering.
Kikyou pushed her pony tail over her shoulder, turning and heading back down the hall towards the main room. "I already know of their affair. But when the girl is removed from the picture, Inuyasha will turn to me again. He always does." She looked back at him, her expression guarded. "It is the reason I chose to ally myself with evil."
Naraku sneered. This was a wonderful plan. Seeing Kikyou would no doubt throw off the demon just enough for him to implement his plan.
After all, he was in love with a woman, and any man who could love had a weakness. It was the same thing that made Kagura weak. Love created fools, and he had no use for fools. When this was all over, he would destroy Kikyou, Kagome and all of Inuyasha's precious things in front of him. After all, it would be the best way to destroy him.
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Miroku walked into the wind, alongside Inuyasha, Sesshoumaru on Inuyasha's other side, the kit riding on Miroku's shoulder. They had been walking for almost an hour since Naraku's doll had appeared.
He felt drawn as tight as a wire, his eyes flitting hear and there, his shoulders tense. He was furious with Inuyasha for being so calm and glared at him. That damn demon should be as worried as him. "How can you be so calm?" Miroku ground out between gritted teeth.
Inuyasha glanced towards him, his eyes serious, and firm with resolve. "Kagome's smart. Way smarter than me or anyone else I know. She'll stay safe. Sango's stronger than her, so she'll protect her. Getting angry or being worried will only be losing hope." He looked straight again.
"It would appear my little brother has grown up a bit."
Both looked towards Sesshoumaru, who looked passive as always. "Huh?" Inuyasha asked, his eyes narrowing a bit.
"You just spoke logically." He explained, walking along, his lips almost turning up into a smirk. "You are acting rationally in a situation where normally you would have run off by yourself and probably gotten killed."
Miroku glanced towards Inuyasha and noticed a grin on the hanyou's face. He didn't get it. This WAS Sesshoumaru, the demon who'd tried to kill them all on numerous occasions. He wasn't sure what he'd just heard, but it almost sounded like words of praise from the older demon's lips.
"Keh..." Inuyasha said, looking up at the sky. "Looks like Kagome was good for me." Then, his eyes widened. Someone was falling. Fast, too. He sniffed and his eyes widened even more. He jumped straight up, catching the exhausted girl carefully. "Sango?!"
Miroku looked abruptly towards where the demon had landed. He ran towards them, dropping to his knees beside Inuyasha, his eyes frantic. "Is she okay?!"
Inuyasha rested his thumb against her pulse, nodding. "She's alive, but she's exhausted..." He frowned deeply. "Looks like we have to stop for another night." He said evenly. He passed her off to Miroku and set down Kagome's pack.
As the two demon's set up camp, Miroku cradled Sango's half-consious form against him.
"Houshi-sama?" She whispered, lifting her eyes to his face. "I made it?"
Miroku nodded, breathing shakily. She was alive. She was alive, and safe, and she wasn't beating him up and calling him a pervert for holding her. Without a word, he pulled her against his chest, holding her head against his shoulder. His vision blurred as tears filled his eyes and he looked up, thanking Buddah for returning her to him.
She lifted her arms, wrapping them around him, pressing her face against his shoulder and crying. She made it. She was here. She clutched handfuls of his gi, convincing herself that she really was here, it wasn't just a dream. She gave into her sobs, shaking with the force of them. "I was scared!" She whispered into his gi.
He wiped his eyes, then put his hands on her upper arms, putting a bit of space between them. "It's okay, you're safe now...I wont let anything happen to you..." He gently brushed a tear from her eyes, his lips turning up into a watery smile. "I was worried about you, you dummy..." He said, resting his forhead against hers. He was surprised she hadn't pulled away yet, but as long as she didn't, he would be content to stay here.
A throat was cleared behind them and Miroku glared towards Inuyasha. "Give me another minute." He asked, more demanded, than requested.
"I'm sorry, but Kagome's still there. We don't have time." He said softly, his eyes serious. "I need to ask Sango some things. Like how she got out with Kagome still there."
Sango nodded, remembering, she was still a messanger, even if she was free. "It's okay, Miroku...I have to tell them what I know..." She stood shakily with Miroku's help, and walked towards the fire. She didn't object when Miroku put his arm around her and pulled her into his lap, his arms folded protectively around her.
"What happened?" Sesshoumaru asked, glancing towards the girl.
"K-Kagura..." She explained. "She made a deal with Kagome, she would get out one of us. Two would be too hard, and she was almost sure Naraku knew what she was planning..." She saw Inuyasha's frown and nodded. "She's different now. She wants to be free of Naraku's control." She closed her eyes tightly, tears filling her eyes.
"Come on, you don't have to tell us-" Miroku gently consoled her.
"Yes! I do." She took a ragged breath. "Kagome insisted that I go. She's still alive, and will be when we get there as well." She saw the doubt on Inuyasha's face and held up her hand. "Kagome was right. Naraku needs her to lure you. The Shikon no Tama shards wont let Naraku touch her at all. When he tries, it creates a pink aura around her and it actually injures him." She nodded. "We're about a day's walk away from there."
Inuyasha nodded, and stood. "Thank you." He said, then walked off to be alone. Sesshoumaru stood to leave as well.
"Wait, Sesshoumaru." Sango said. "There's one thing I was going to ask you before we were taken. Why were you staying in the village so passively?" She fixed him with a serious glare.
He glanced back at him. "I am the great demon of western lands. That village part of that. As long as it is, it is one of my...financial interests. Besides, the girl's power is about to peak. I could feel it from across the land. It is a special thing when a human reaches power that most demon's don't have the ability to attain. It holds a special interest to me. I have seen it once before. I will see this girl's true power." He walked off, leaving a very confused Miroku and Sango.
"Did he mean Kagome?" Miroku asked.
Slowly, Sango returned to herself and realized she was sitting on Miroku's lap. Reflexively, she blushed and put a bit of space between them. Yet, she wasn't expecting Miroku's reaction. He quickly placed her away from him, his eyes falling.
"You could have told me sooner you didn't like your position." He said softly, the depression returning.
Sango crept towards him on hands and knees, pressing her hand to his face and lifting it carefully. She saw the pain in his eyes and knew he'd never be able to hide his heart from her ever again. Her lips turned up into a sweet smile and she leaned towards him, kissing him on the lips gently.
He was so shocked by her actions, he didn't respond. When she pulled back, he was still frozen. "S-Sango..."
She gently caressed the back of his face. "I..." She crept back into his lap, winding her arms around his neck and resting her cheek against her bicep. "I love you." She whispered, tightening her embrace when she felt his arms go up around her waist.
His heart surged in his chest and gently he stroaked her hair. "I love you, too, Sango..." He said softly. He couldn't believe she'd just said what she had, but he didn't care if he did or not. Even if it was a sweet dream, he'd treasure it forever. He pulled back and placed a sweet kiss on her lips, delighted when, unlike their very first, she responded by kissing him back, rather than hitting him.
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Inuyasha watched the pair with soft eyes. It was about time. He was happy for them, but at the same time, he felt a deffinate urgency to find Kagome quickly. They would have to move fast tomorrow. Kirara could carry Sango and Miroku. He and Sesshoumaru could run fast enough to keep up with the cat demon.
He had to save Kagome. They were cutting the line far too close. And if Kaede was right about Kagome's power...He squeezed his eyes shut tightly. She was too strong to let something like that kill her! She had to live! She couldn't leave him! He wouldn't let her! He balled his fist and slammed the ball against a tree trunk, resting his forhead against it. Sesshoumaru had complimented him on being grown up about this, but in reality, he was terrified.
A gracefully clawed hand rested on his shoulder and he glared towards his brother. "What do you want?!"
"You shouldn't do this to yourself." Sesshoumaru said evenly. "If you do, you'll only wear yourself out before we get there."
"Keh..." Inuyasha growled. "I'm not tired at all..."
"I don't mean physically." Sesshoumaru looked at his younger brother, his golden eyes almost fond. "You will worry yourself to death before we get there, and I have a feeling there is going to be something worth seeing shortly after we arrive."
Inuyasha glared at Sesshoumaru, his eyes angry. "What the hell are you talking about."
"Seeing the dawning of a Miko's true power is something I've only seen once before."
Pain clawed through Inuyasha's chest. "You idiot! If her powers awaken, she might die!"
The tall demon arched an eyebrow. "Have you so little faith in your mate? The only other Miko anywhere near your mates level of power before awakening was Midoriko, the woman who gave birth to the Shikon no tama."
That shut him up. He had faith in her. He trusted her with his life. But he was so afraid he would lose her if her powers awakened. Most priestesses were taken away from everything and trained in the mountains for years after their powers awakened. People would no doubt want to get their hands on his Kagome. "I don't want to lose her..." He said, his voice anguished.
"I don't think that girl is going to let herself be taken away from you. I just hope you're prepared for being human in front of all your friends. I suppose they don't know yet?"
"They've known as long as I've known them. Kagome was with me the first time..." His eyes softened, ans a fond smile touched his lips. "Well, after I was released. I guess in reality YOU were there the first time."
Sesshoumaru gave a very uncharacteristic snort.
Inuyasha gave a feral grin, then nodded. "Kagome'll be alright. She's the strongest person I know. Stronger than me, even."
"She has to be." Sesshoumaru said, walking back towards the camp. "She's a woman, after all. And a woman has to be stronger than a man, because she's the chief supporter of the man she loves."
The younger demon grinned again. Sometimes, that stupid brother of his actually made sense.
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Kagome heard the door to her cell opening and lifted her eyes, expecting the boy, Kohaku or even Kagura bringing her food. Instead, it was Naraku himself, and someone else she recognized, but couldn't quite see due to the evening darkness and the shadows caused by the single glowing candle.
"Are you feeling well, Kagome?" Naraku asked with a sneer, the candle- light making his features appear twisted, grotesque.
"As well as can be expected." She snapped, her eyes angry.
"I see your companion has made a grand escape." He peered around the room, his eyes looking superior, as if he had an ace up his sleeve no one knew about.
"What are you plotting..." She asked, her eyes darkening noticably. She didn't however notice the slight glow emanating from her body.
A soft, feminine laugh. It wasn't pleasant, no joy, only sarcasm in that laugh. And coldness. "She doesn't realize it yet..." Kikyou said, stepping into the light.
Kagome's eyes smarted. "Kikyou..."
"I see your powers have almost reached their peak..." Her face became completely emotionless, and her eyes looked towards the yukata. "That is why Naraku could not touch you, because your purity is almost summitted."
"It doesn't matter. That's why you're here. Kill her before her power peaks and I'll reward you greatly..." Naraku gave a wicked grin to Kikyou.
Kikyou remained silent for a long moment. "Killing her would be the reward so I can take my Inuyasha back...but unfortunately, when her purity is this high, I cannot touch her. My souls will be pulled from my body."
"Your arrows?"
"They would have no affect against the barrier she projects, and the shards of the jewel would only react with the original making it worse."
Naraku glared at the troublesome girl. "I guess we'll just have to wait until her beloved one comes, so he can see her power kill her as it almost killed you."
Kagome's eyes widened in shock and fear. "What are you talking about?! What power?! I'm just plain and simple, Kagome! I don't have any powers!"
Kikyou harumphed. "My reincarnation with 'no power'. Scandalous." She walked towards the middle of the room, standing directly in the light of the candle beside Naraku. "I began to glow the day before my power reached it's peak, and the day it crested, it exploded and I purified eveything in the area...But I was rendered helpless for weeks." Her eyes glimmered. "I believe when her's crests, it will take care of Inuyasha and her friends for us."
Kagome's eyes widened and she clutched the jewel through the robe. When they were gone, she continued to sit there, shocked by what she'd heard. But if she had powers like Kikyou, why did they say it would kill her? After all, she had less power than Kikyou, she should barely be winded, right?
She shook those thoughts from her head and focussed on more important things. Like Inuyasha's reaction to this new development.
Her eyes softened. She knew he chose him, but she knew this would still hurt him. He'd never really considered Kikyou his enemy after all. And if she'd never existed, Inuyasha would have been even more untamed when she met him.
This would kill him, Kikyou completely turning against him. It was his first love, after all. First love never dies easily, and even though he's moved on, this would shatter his image of Kikyou.
And what would happen when her powers did finally explode?! She didn't want to hurt Inuyasha, and if she purified him completely, would that kill him?
She curled up in the corner, shivering from the cold dampness of the room and fell into an uneasy sleep. The words of her ultimate rival and her worst enemy weighed heavily on her conscious. She didn't sleep well that night, because she could feel the power now, throbbing inside of her, almost ready to explode from her body.
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Author's notes: Okay, so it wasn't AS long as I was planning, but it's longer than it WOULD have been. O.o; Sango and Miroku fans are no doubt quite pleased with this chapter, as are the Fluffy fans. I'm sorry, but I'd think that Demon's would be fascinated with a human possessing as much power as Kagome had. What do you think was calling all those demon's towards Kaede's village? ::Wicked grin:: Look forward to next chapter, when Inuyasha and company get to the castle to release Kagome from Naraku's evil clutches. Okay, that was cheesy. Please excuse that statement. I'll rephrase. Major final fight next time. It's NOT going to end pretty. Stay tuned *DemonSaya*