Chapter Ten: Brighter Skies
"You'll never walk alone." Carousel (Hammerstein II)
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Rising proudly, Sesshoumaru faced Naraku defiantly and invigorated by his second wind. Tokijin's weight seemed less now that some of his strength had returned. Sesshoumaru's body grew used to and could tolerate the stink of Naraku's miasma. With a haughty voice, Naraku jeered,
"Are you coming back for more? How many more times must I hurt you before you will bow before me!" Sesshoumaru grinned sly-like as he observed Naraku obvious annoyance.
'Does he wish me to bow? To him I would never bow, not even in death. That fool, I will destroy him with this blade, forged from the fangs of his own creation.' Sesshoumaru thought, as he raised Tokijin to an offensive stance and stated, "Naraku, you will perish!" Sesshoumaru's voice was hard and cold, his blood had calmed and red no longer dominated his eyes. Naraku froze in his steps as he saw the golden color in Sesshoumaru's eyes gleam murderously.
Approaching Naraku with Tokijin extended outward, Sesshoumaru felt his normal manner settle upon him and was relieved, but ceased to advance when he heard a cocky voice exclaim,
"What're you doin' here Sesshoumaru?" Sesshoumaru turned suddenly and saw his delinquent half-brother Inuyasha standing in the courtyard with Tetsuiga resting on his shoulder. The others stood behind Inuyasha, and looked quite bewildered at Sesshoumaru's presence here.
Naraku inhaled deeply as Sesshoumaru withdrew Tokijin from his path and spoke to his brother,
"As you can see, little brother, Naraku and I were having a discussion."
"Why didn't you invite me then!" Inuyasha demanded, as he leapt to Sesshoumaru's side, "I think talking to Naraku is great!" A satisfied smile defined Inuyasha's face. Sesshoumaru did not abhor the assistance; he had other things to accomplish besides entertaining Naraku.
Naraku faced both Inuyasha's clumsy, but powerful Tetsuiga, and the expertly wielded power of Tokijin. The two brothers who rarely fought side by side against the same enemy now had swords drawn together. Naraku's mind raced for a way out,
'I was not expecting this,' he thought as realization swept him, 'Inuyasha will not be difficult to fend off alone, but with Sesshoumaru at his side and the others who follow him he will be difficult. I must be wary.'
"The two dogs of the Sengoku Jedai, joining together for their slaughter. It sounds sweet indeed." Naraku sneered, and Inuyasha was about to react when a severe glare from Sesshoumaru quieted him.
"I only see one cur here, and he stands before me." Sesshoumaru stated deliberately. He perceived the growing panic of Naraku's mindset and smiled. 'One thing keeps him on balance, Kagura's servitude and likely surrender, which is both unfair to Kagura and can easily be changed.' Sesshoumaru thought, and suddenly his mind dwelled back to Kagura, and the struggle and betrayal she must have felt as Naraku disciplined her.
Sesshoumaru envision the bruises, scars and hopelessness that must have arisen when she walked into Naraku's chambers and showed her usual defiant smile. His mind trembled and Sesshoumaru knew what he must do to redeem his self, and make all the wrongs he assisted in creating right.
Kagome approached Miroku and asked, slightly sarcastically,
"What exactly is Sesshoumaru doing here?" Miroku shrugged his shoulders, not entirely sure likewise, but Sango answered sadly,
"I expect it has something to do with Kagura. I don't know why, but ever since I saw that change in her, I noticed the same change in Sesshoumaru. It would also seem that Naraku has set something up involving those two, and it was not meant for us, his common pursuers."
"Sango, are you suggesting that Sesshoumaru is fighting Naraku because he cares for Kagura?" Miroku asked, completely bewildered by the prospect of Sesshoumaru caring in general.
"It's not entirely unlikely. His dad had to have a heart, so why wouldn't Sesshoumaru?" Sango naively suggested, but Miroku could see that her message was much deeper. However, Kagome asked, still confused,
"But he's Sesshoumaru! How do you trust a demon like that?" Rolling her eyes Sango explained,
"It's much easier to trust Sesshoumaru over Naraku."
"Good point." Kagome agreed and turned her attention back to the battle playing itself out.
Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha met blows with Naraku and sparred in a deadly and vicious game of survival. It was evident that Naraku was growing weaker as his injuries grew and miasma less potent. Naraku sensed a fearful wind of change in the air and cowered as best he could. Yet it grew clearer that the only threat Naraku posed was his demeaning and desperate words that struck the heart and soul. Strong and valiant hearts did not tremble at his jeers; so neither did the hearts of Inuyasha or Sesshoumaru.
Sesshoumaru, however, was worried for the frail and broken heart of Kagura, who only knew slavery and the impossible hope of freedom.
'I must find Kagura and save her from this place. Her actions and bravery toward Rin should not be unheeded.' Sesshoumaru reaffirmed yet again, and stated to Inuyasha, who fought with a joyous vigor.
"I trust you can take care of Naraku on your own." Sesshoumaru said simply and disappeared from the battlefield, but this did not go unnoticed by Naraku.
'Sesshoumaru seeks to save Kagura, does he? Perhaps the image of her enslavement will send him into depravity and my work will be done.' Naraku thought, knowing his current state, but it would be much easier to slaughter Inuyasha alone. This gave Naraku comfort, and he continued to wage swords and words with Inuyasha and those who followed him.
Small and almost undetectable candles did not shed warmth upon the sullen interior of Naraku's mansion. Sesshoumaru's eyes spied through the darkness as they sought Kagura. He saw her faint figure through the bamboo screen and entered at his own caution. Sesshoumaru pushed aside the thin screen, and walked silently to Kagura, who lay still and collapsed on the floor.
Kagura was sprawled across Naraku's deep red sitting pillow, and her face concealed by the overwhelming shadows of the bleak Fortress. An optimist would have assumed sleep, but Sesshoumaru noticed a small curved weapon a few feet from Kagura's pale, bruised hand, immediately suspecting foul play. But from whom, he did not know.
Sesshoumaru on bended knee hesitantly and gently pushed Kagura's body and exposed her face to the dim lighting. The unnatural paleness could not hide the hot tears that made Kagura's face appear unearthly in the faintly lit room. When Sesshoumaru's hand lightly stroked Kagura's face, he felt the tender indentation of a harsh bruise and swiftly withdrew his hand from the spot.
Suddenly, Kagura stirred and her eyes slowly opened to greet the surprised and relieved face of Sesshoumaru, who could not hide the joy in his golden eyes. Kagura smiled painfully in return, and felt Sesshoumaru's warm hand clasped around her own.
"Sesshoumaru-san." Kagura said simply.
"Kagura-san, you are injured." Sesshoumaru stated, as he saw the obscure shape of her shattered wrist. Kagura warily lifted herself and saw the odd shape of her wrist,
"It was broken by Naraku." Kagura responded darkly. Sesshoumaru looked towards Kagura sympathetically and apologized,
"I am sorry, I should not have handed you over to him."
"Do not worry, I should apologize." Kagura said softly, than choked back a sob, "I could not save Rin. I was blinded by fear and did not save her." Smiling softly, Sesshoumaru replied,
"There is no need for you suffer in an apology your heart has endured enough. I only sought—"Kagura dramatically interrupted Sesshoumaru as she stated apologetically and frantically,"
"But, I promised you I would save Rin if I could. I failed—"Suddenly, Kagura felt dizzy and short of breath, she paused in her speech and clutched her shoulder, in an attempt to halt the sensations. Kagura threatened to fall back, but was caught gently by Sesshoumaru, who urged,
"Do not stress yourself Kagura—"Then he paused as he saw a river of wounds winding down Kagura's arm, in this harsh darkness Sesshoumaru said darkly,
"Is this the reason of your weakness? Was it I that drove you to harm yourself so Kagura?" Kagura shook her head and smiled benignantly,
"No Sesshoumaru." Kagura began than labored for another breath to support her speech," You gave me hope and a sense of being; it was Naraku caused these actions. I—"Sesshoumaru cut Kagura short by embracing her gently.
Kagura could scarce comprehend the movement of her body before the embrace, but suddenly felt the Demon Lord's arm wrap completely around her back. Kagura blushed in the warmth Sesshoumaru freely offered her and sighed in contentment.
Sesshoumaru also found his actions difficult to explain. It may have been the words, ' You gave me hope and a sense of being,' but whatever caused this new emotion to spring from within he did not ignore its message. When those same irrational emotion humans called love insisted again, Sesshoumaru whispered to himself more than Kagura,
"You'll never walk alone." He trembled as he felt Kagura's lips form into a smile against on his shoulders and tears of joy that swept from her eyes wet his neck. Kagura suddenly pulled back and asked, whipping the new, happier tears from her eyes,
"Do you mean it Sesshoumaru?" Affectionately, Sesshoumaru caressed Kagura's cheek, and said with a kind hearted smile,
"Yes." Kagura, this time embraced Sesshoumaru and he now felt the sensation of never being alone again.
Unexpectedly, Kagura slipped out of Sesshoumaru's arms and fell soundlessly to the ground.
"Kagura!" Sesshoumaru exclaimed as he picked Kagura's still body from the deep red cushion and attempted to revive her. No response came from Kagura's body and Sesshoumaru pleaded,
"No, do not sleep, for I feel you shall never wake and I could not bear to lose another so close to my heart!" Sesshoumaru thought immediately of Rin's diminished life, and now saw Kagura's failing one.
Lightly setting Kagura down, Sesshoumaru felt a faint pulse beating in her blood stream and shut his golden eyes in silent prayer for Kagura's recovery. Sesshoumaru's eyes darted open as he sensed a meek presence enter the room and swiftly turned to face the presence.
It was Kanna, with her mirror in hand she looked at Kagura, and a small voice asked,
"Is my sister alive?" Sesshoumaru nodded, and then noticed the mirror in Kanna's hands. He asked as he noticed a faint glow,
"What does your mirror contain?" Kanna did not speak, but drifted silently away and Sesshoumaru glared coldly at Kagura's still lying figure. Her chest moved in peaceful intervals as if she was recalling death to her.
'She would move to any means for even a moment of peace.' Sesshoumaru thought tragically as his eyes traced the river of scars on Kagura's revealed arms.
Bending down again, Sesshoumaru tenderly lifted Kagura's body from the scarlet pillow, which was soaked in blood red and kissed her forehead as he carried Kagura out. Kagura's arms were arranged loosely around Sesshoumaru's neck as he felt tears from his own golden eyes dust his cheek.
As usual, Inuyasha found his explosive temper imprudently expressing itself throughout the intense battle. Miroku had joined Inuyasha's side, as did Sango. Kagome remained behind the fray, still detecting the rouge jewel shard that she sought to purify. Naraku seemed weaker, however, the demon had taken his larger and more lethal tentacle form and hacked mercilessly at the rag-tag group of fighters.
"Where did your brother go!" Miroku demanded as he fought off a root-like tentacle with his holy staff. Inuyasha launched Tetsuiga and failed to complete a successful strike against Naraku. He answered roughly,
"How the hell am I supposed to know? He just left. You saw it!" Tetsuiga was nearly thrown aside but Inuyasha gripped the precious sword tighter. Rolling his eyes, Miroku nodded and fended off another dangerous tentacle.
"Great, your brother slinked off right when we could use his help." Miroku stated quietly while diving to avoid a threatening strike. The continual battle against Naraku continued to look bleak.
As Sesshoumaru somberly left the fortress, Naraku immediately felt his presence and was glad at the darkness it embodied.
'Good,' Naraku thought deviously, ' He has seen and mourns Kagura's self- hatred.' Taking a sharp blow from Miroku's staff, Naraku returned his attention to the larger problem at hand.
"You fool!" Naraku exclaimed audaciously.
In his usual silent manner, Sesshoumaru leapt towards the outskirts of the battle. For, Sesshoumaru was concerned far more with Kagura's well being at this moment. Arrogantly he addressed Kagome,
"Human, see to it that Kagura is kept safe. She is hurt!" First, Kagome glanced at Sesshoumaru and back down to Kagura's motionless body. She expected to see apathy in Sesshoumaru's eyes, but saw raw compassion for the fallen Kagura. Kagome nodded, finally understanding what Sango meant earlier. Sesshoumaru returned to the battle and Kagome bent towards Kagura's face. Kagome observed damp skin from warm tears, bruises, and her eye was drawn to a cut on Kagura's finger.
Kagome did not dare touch the cut because she already knew what the fresh wound represented. Delicately, Kagome pushed up the blood stained sleeves that covered Kagura's arms and saw the intense river of scars and felt the lumpy, formless wrist. Kagome's eyes hardened and she choked back a sob.
'This is the work of Naraku! That demon will pay!' Kagome thought belligerently.
Just as the river of scars that ran the length of Kagura's arms symbolized her personal failure, the battle proved to look just as hopeless. Naraku had gained some his former strength in his tentacle-like transformation and easily fended off any attack that was given to him by either fighter. Sango whipped her boomerang toward Naraku and one tentacle dropped limply off, hitting the ground with a large thud.
Naraku was angered at the loss of one tentacle and knocked Sango helplessly aside. Sango fell awkwardly and felt something in her body crack. Her vision faded into darkness as the others fought against Naraku.
Kagome rushed to Sango's side and lifted her to safety. Naraku inaccurately assumed that Kagome's spirit would be broken by so much death and tragedy, but it only increased her mounting anger towards his deceitful ways. Rin, Kagura, and now Sango, had fallen into his webs and seemed entangled as a permanent resident.
If Kagome had done as her miko instinct directed Rin would be forever lost. Kagome refused to sacrifice Rin, an innocent child for any purpose. Yet, there was a vague chance that the girl's lost soul could be recovered, and Kagome was willing to take the risk.
Drawing an arrow, Kagome strung it through her bow and shot through the darkness of night that threatened to close. The enchanted arrow created its own pure light through the strangling grip of dreary occupation. Piercing though Naraku's flesh it stopped its motion and the whole of Naraku's fortress began to disappear.
The evils of Naraku were sucked into a vacuum of purity resonating powerfully from the arrow. Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha, and Miroku drew back near Kagome and watched as the immense fortress turned into nothingness. A small, shimmering orb floated out of the trap with ease and dawn's light could be seen piercing the night sky.
The End
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Rissi's note:
I'm so sorry I made you wait for this, but I've been really, really busy! And it's not quite over in case you all want to hit me for the vagueness of the ending. We have the epilogue yet to explore ^_~! On to the reviews!
HSSU: Finally, I can write cool review responses to you! I'm glad you are enjoying my manuscript.
Veoki: Thank you! You have no idea how much an author enjoys hearing their work is appreciated! And don't worry about reviewing that often. One review like yours is more appreciated than a mere good job!
Jilli-chan: Momentarily he was, I thought it would add an interesting twist. ^_^
Silver-WolfRyuki: I'm glad you enjoyed it! Sorry if this update took too long.
Zero27: Thank you! I would hate to see you depressed on my account. I hope you like this one just as much!
Sesshoumarufan27: Thank you! And I'm truly sorry if this update took too long.
Speak tha mind: I'm flattered...I think....Sorry it took so long...are you dead yet? *pokes*
Kagome the Hauntress: Thanks, and I'm so sorry my update took so long, don't ditch the fic yet.
Yeah, again, I'm going to apologize for the lateness of my update and Ameko No Mori for FF.net's queer behaviour, and possibly for the lack of an even clear ending. But just wait for the epilogue and you will all be fine ^__^!
Ciao!
"You'll never walk alone." Carousel (Hammerstein II)
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Rising proudly, Sesshoumaru faced Naraku defiantly and invigorated by his second wind. Tokijin's weight seemed less now that some of his strength had returned. Sesshoumaru's body grew used to and could tolerate the stink of Naraku's miasma. With a haughty voice, Naraku jeered,
"Are you coming back for more? How many more times must I hurt you before you will bow before me!" Sesshoumaru grinned sly-like as he observed Naraku obvious annoyance.
'Does he wish me to bow? To him I would never bow, not even in death. That fool, I will destroy him with this blade, forged from the fangs of his own creation.' Sesshoumaru thought, as he raised Tokijin to an offensive stance and stated, "Naraku, you will perish!" Sesshoumaru's voice was hard and cold, his blood had calmed and red no longer dominated his eyes. Naraku froze in his steps as he saw the golden color in Sesshoumaru's eyes gleam murderously.
Approaching Naraku with Tokijin extended outward, Sesshoumaru felt his normal manner settle upon him and was relieved, but ceased to advance when he heard a cocky voice exclaim,
"What're you doin' here Sesshoumaru?" Sesshoumaru turned suddenly and saw his delinquent half-brother Inuyasha standing in the courtyard with Tetsuiga resting on his shoulder. The others stood behind Inuyasha, and looked quite bewildered at Sesshoumaru's presence here.
Naraku inhaled deeply as Sesshoumaru withdrew Tokijin from his path and spoke to his brother,
"As you can see, little brother, Naraku and I were having a discussion."
"Why didn't you invite me then!" Inuyasha demanded, as he leapt to Sesshoumaru's side, "I think talking to Naraku is great!" A satisfied smile defined Inuyasha's face. Sesshoumaru did not abhor the assistance; he had other things to accomplish besides entertaining Naraku.
Naraku faced both Inuyasha's clumsy, but powerful Tetsuiga, and the expertly wielded power of Tokijin. The two brothers who rarely fought side by side against the same enemy now had swords drawn together. Naraku's mind raced for a way out,
'I was not expecting this,' he thought as realization swept him, 'Inuyasha will not be difficult to fend off alone, but with Sesshoumaru at his side and the others who follow him he will be difficult. I must be wary.'
"The two dogs of the Sengoku Jedai, joining together for their slaughter. It sounds sweet indeed." Naraku sneered, and Inuyasha was about to react when a severe glare from Sesshoumaru quieted him.
"I only see one cur here, and he stands before me." Sesshoumaru stated deliberately. He perceived the growing panic of Naraku's mindset and smiled. 'One thing keeps him on balance, Kagura's servitude and likely surrender, which is both unfair to Kagura and can easily be changed.' Sesshoumaru thought, and suddenly his mind dwelled back to Kagura, and the struggle and betrayal she must have felt as Naraku disciplined her.
Sesshoumaru envision the bruises, scars and hopelessness that must have arisen when she walked into Naraku's chambers and showed her usual defiant smile. His mind trembled and Sesshoumaru knew what he must do to redeem his self, and make all the wrongs he assisted in creating right.
Kagome approached Miroku and asked, slightly sarcastically,
"What exactly is Sesshoumaru doing here?" Miroku shrugged his shoulders, not entirely sure likewise, but Sango answered sadly,
"I expect it has something to do with Kagura. I don't know why, but ever since I saw that change in her, I noticed the same change in Sesshoumaru. It would also seem that Naraku has set something up involving those two, and it was not meant for us, his common pursuers."
"Sango, are you suggesting that Sesshoumaru is fighting Naraku because he cares for Kagura?" Miroku asked, completely bewildered by the prospect of Sesshoumaru caring in general.
"It's not entirely unlikely. His dad had to have a heart, so why wouldn't Sesshoumaru?" Sango naively suggested, but Miroku could see that her message was much deeper. However, Kagome asked, still confused,
"But he's Sesshoumaru! How do you trust a demon like that?" Rolling her eyes Sango explained,
"It's much easier to trust Sesshoumaru over Naraku."
"Good point." Kagome agreed and turned her attention back to the battle playing itself out.
Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha met blows with Naraku and sparred in a deadly and vicious game of survival. It was evident that Naraku was growing weaker as his injuries grew and miasma less potent. Naraku sensed a fearful wind of change in the air and cowered as best he could. Yet it grew clearer that the only threat Naraku posed was his demeaning and desperate words that struck the heart and soul. Strong and valiant hearts did not tremble at his jeers; so neither did the hearts of Inuyasha or Sesshoumaru.
Sesshoumaru, however, was worried for the frail and broken heart of Kagura, who only knew slavery and the impossible hope of freedom.
'I must find Kagura and save her from this place. Her actions and bravery toward Rin should not be unheeded.' Sesshoumaru reaffirmed yet again, and stated to Inuyasha, who fought with a joyous vigor.
"I trust you can take care of Naraku on your own." Sesshoumaru said simply and disappeared from the battlefield, but this did not go unnoticed by Naraku.
'Sesshoumaru seeks to save Kagura, does he? Perhaps the image of her enslavement will send him into depravity and my work will be done.' Naraku thought, knowing his current state, but it would be much easier to slaughter Inuyasha alone. This gave Naraku comfort, and he continued to wage swords and words with Inuyasha and those who followed him.
Small and almost undetectable candles did not shed warmth upon the sullen interior of Naraku's mansion. Sesshoumaru's eyes spied through the darkness as they sought Kagura. He saw her faint figure through the bamboo screen and entered at his own caution. Sesshoumaru pushed aside the thin screen, and walked silently to Kagura, who lay still and collapsed on the floor.
Kagura was sprawled across Naraku's deep red sitting pillow, and her face concealed by the overwhelming shadows of the bleak Fortress. An optimist would have assumed sleep, but Sesshoumaru noticed a small curved weapon a few feet from Kagura's pale, bruised hand, immediately suspecting foul play. But from whom, he did not know.
Sesshoumaru on bended knee hesitantly and gently pushed Kagura's body and exposed her face to the dim lighting. The unnatural paleness could not hide the hot tears that made Kagura's face appear unearthly in the faintly lit room. When Sesshoumaru's hand lightly stroked Kagura's face, he felt the tender indentation of a harsh bruise and swiftly withdrew his hand from the spot.
Suddenly, Kagura stirred and her eyes slowly opened to greet the surprised and relieved face of Sesshoumaru, who could not hide the joy in his golden eyes. Kagura smiled painfully in return, and felt Sesshoumaru's warm hand clasped around her own.
"Sesshoumaru-san." Kagura said simply.
"Kagura-san, you are injured." Sesshoumaru stated, as he saw the obscure shape of her shattered wrist. Kagura warily lifted herself and saw the odd shape of her wrist,
"It was broken by Naraku." Kagura responded darkly. Sesshoumaru looked towards Kagura sympathetically and apologized,
"I am sorry, I should not have handed you over to him."
"Do not worry, I should apologize." Kagura said softly, than choked back a sob, "I could not save Rin. I was blinded by fear and did not save her." Smiling softly, Sesshoumaru replied,
"There is no need for you suffer in an apology your heart has endured enough. I only sought—"Kagura dramatically interrupted Sesshoumaru as she stated apologetically and frantically,"
"But, I promised you I would save Rin if I could. I failed—"Suddenly, Kagura felt dizzy and short of breath, she paused in her speech and clutched her shoulder, in an attempt to halt the sensations. Kagura threatened to fall back, but was caught gently by Sesshoumaru, who urged,
"Do not stress yourself Kagura—"Then he paused as he saw a river of wounds winding down Kagura's arm, in this harsh darkness Sesshoumaru said darkly,
"Is this the reason of your weakness? Was it I that drove you to harm yourself so Kagura?" Kagura shook her head and smiled benignantly,
"No Sesshoumaru." Kagura began than labored for another breath to support her speech," You gave me hope and a sense of being; it was Naraku caused these actions. I—"Sesshoumaru cut Kagura short by embracing her gently.
Kagura could scarce comprehend the movement of her body before the embrace, but suddenly felt the Demon Lord's arm wrap completely around her back. Kagura blushed in the warmth Sesshoumaru freely offered her and sighed in contentment.
Sesshoumaru also found his actions difficult to explain. It may have been the words, ' You gave me hope and a sense of being,' but whatever caused this new emotion to spring from within he did not ignore its message. When those same irrational emotion humans called love insisted again, Sesshoumaru whispered to himself more than Kagura,
"You'll never walk alone." He trembled as he felt Kagura's lips form into a smile against on his shoulders and tears of joy that swept from her eyes wet his neck. Kagura suddenly pulled back and asked, whipping the new, happier tears from her eyes,
"Do you mean it Sesshoumaru?" Affectionately, Sesshoumaru caressed Kagura's cheek, and said with a kind hearted smile,
"Yes." Kagura, this time embraced Sesshoumaru and he now felt the sensation of never being alone again.
Unexpectedly, Kagura slipped out of Sesshoumaru's arms and fell soundlessly to the ground.
"Kagura!" Sesshoumaru exclaimed as he picked Kagura's still body from the deep red cushion and attempted to revive her. No response came from Kagura's body and Sesshoumaru pleaded,
"No, do not sleep, for I feel you shall never wake and I could not bear to lose another so close to my heart!" Sesshoumaru thought immediately of Rin's diminished life, and now saw Kagura's failing one.
Lightly setting Kagura down, Sesshoumaru felt a faint pulse beating in her blood stream and shut his golden eyes in silent prayer for Kagura's recovery. Sesshoumaru's eyes darted open as he sensed a meek presence enter the room and swiftly turned to face the presence.
It was Kanna, with her mirror in hand she looked at Kagura, and a small voice asked,
"Is my sister alive?" Sesshoumaru nodded, and then noticed the mirror in Kanna's hands. He asked as he noticed a faint glow,
"What does your mirror contain?" Kanna did not speak, but drifted silently away and Sesshoumaru glared coldly at Kagura's still lying figure. Her chest moved in peaceful intervals as if she was recalling death to her.
'She would move to any means for even a moment of peace.' Sesshoumaru thought tragically as his eyes traced the river of scars on Kagura's revealed arms.
Bending down again, Sesshoumaru tenderly lifted Kagura's body from the scarlet pillow, which was soaked in blood red and kissed her forehead as he carried Kagura out. Kagura's arms were arranged loosely around Sesshoumaru's neck as he felt tears from his own golden eyes dust his cheek.
As usual, Inuyasha found his explosive temper imprudently expressing itself throughout the intense battle. Miroku had joined Inuyasha's side, as did Sango. Kagome remained behind the fray, still detecting the rouge jewel shard that she sought to purify. Naraku seemed weaker, however, the demon had taken his larger and more lethal tentacle form and hacked mercilessly at the rag-tag group of fighters.
"Where did your brother go!" Miroku demanded as he fought off a root-like tentacle with his holy staff. Inuyasha launched Tetsuiga and failed to complete a successful strike against Naraku. He answered roughly,
"How the hell am I supposed to know? He just left. You saw it!" Tetsuiga was nearly thrown aside but Inuyasha gripped the precious sword tighter. Rolling his eyes, Miroku nodded and fended off another dangerous tentacle.
"Great, your brother slinked off right when we could use his help." Miroku stated quietly while diving to avoid a threatening strike. The continual battle against Naraku continued to look bleak.
As Sesshoumaru somberly left the fortress, Naraku immediately felt his presence and was glad at the darkness it embodied.
'Good,' Naraku thought deviously, ' He has seen and mourns Kagura's self- hatred.' Taking a sharp blow from Miroku's staff, Naraku returned his attention to the larger problem at hand.
"You fool!" Naraku exclaimed audaciously.
In his usual silent manner, Sesshoumaru leapt towards the outskirts of the battle. For, Sesshoumaru was concerned far more with Kagura's well being at this moment. Arrogantly he addressed Kagome,
"Human, see to it that Kagura is kept safe. She is hurt!" First, Kagome glanced at Sesshoumaru and back down to Kagura's motionless body. She expected to see apathy in Sesshoumaru's eyes, but saw raw compassion for the fallen Kagura. Kagome nodded, finally understanding what Sango meant earlier. Sesshoumaru returned to the battle and Kagome bent towards Kagura's face. Kagome observed damp skin from warm tears, bruises, and her eye was drawn to a cut on Kagura's finger.
Kagome did not dare touch the cut because she already knew what the fresh wound represented. Delicately, Kagome pushed up the blood stained sleeves that covered Kagura's arms and saw the intense river of scars and felt the lumpy, formless wrist. Kagome's eyes hardened and she choked back a sob.
'This is the work of Naraku! That demon will pay!' Kagome thought belligerently.
Just as the river of scars that ran the length of Kagura's arms symbolized her personal failure, the battle proved to look just as hopeless. Naraku had gained some his former strength in his tentacle-like transformation and easily fended off any attack that was given to him by either fighter. Sango whipped her boomerang toward Naraku and one tentacle dropped limply off, hitting the ground with a large thud.
Naraku was angered at the loss of one tentacle and knocked Sango helplessly aside. Sango fell awkwardly and felt something in her body crack. Her vision faded into darkness as the others fought against Naraku.
Kagome rushed to Sango's side and lifted her to safety. Naraku inaccurately assumed that Kagome's spirit would be broken by so much death and tragedy, but it only increased her mounting anger towards his deceitful ways. Rin, Kagura, and now Sango, had fallen into his webs and seemed entangled as a permanent resident.
If Kagome had done as her miko instinct directed Rin would be forever lost. Kagome refused to sacrifice Rin, an innocent child for any purpose. Yet, there was a vague chance that the girl's lost soul could be recovered, and Kagome was willing to take the risk.
Drawing an arrow, Kagome strung it through her bow and shot through the darkness of night that threatened to close. The enchanted arrow created its own pure light through the strangling grip of dreary occupation. Piercing though Naraku's flesh it stopped its motion and the whole of Naraku's fortress began to disappear.
The evils of Naraku were sucked into a vacuum of purity resonating powerfully from the arrow. Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha, and Miroku drew back near Kagome and watched as the immense fortress turned into nothingness. A small, shimmering orb floated out of the trap with ease and dawn's light could be seen piercing the night sky.
The End
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Rissi's note:
I'm so sorry I made you wait for this, but I've been really, really busy! And it's not quite over in case you all want to hit me for the vagueness of the ending. We have the epilogue yet to explore ^_~! On to the reviews!
HSSU: Finally, I can write cool review responses to you! I'm glad you are enjoying my manuscript.
Veoki: Thank you! You have no idea how much an author enjoys hearing their work is appreciated! And don't worry about reviewing that often. One review like yours is more appreciated than a mere good job!
Jilli-chan: Momentarily he was, I thought it would add an interesting twist. ^_^
Silver-WolfRyuki: I'm glad you enjoyed it! Sorry if this update took too long.
Zero27: Thank you! I would hate to see you depressed on my account. I hope you like this one just as much!
Sesshoumarufan27: Thank you! And I'm truly sorry if this update took too long.
Speak tha mind: I'm flattered...I think....Sorry it took so long...are you dead yet? *pokes*
Kagome the Hauntress: Thanks, and I'm so sorry my update took so long, don't ditch the fic yet.
Yeah, again, I'm going to apologize for the lateness of my update and Ameko No Mori for FF.net's queer behaviour, and possibly for the lack of an even clear ending. But just wait for the epilogue and you will all be fine ^__^!
Ciao!