What the Heart Knows
by Japanese dreamer
Disclaimer: The anime Inuyasha is not my property. This was written purely for fun and no profit was made.
Chapter 15
The clanging sounds of metal against metal were heard endlessly through the air. A dodge, a thrust, and a slash of a sword only inches away from the skin, the battle continued.
Kurama was trying his best to fend off Hades. He with only one sword, and Hades with two made it only harder for him. He always had to remember that if he was blocking one sword, another would be attacking.
Hades was confused as to why this lowly demon had survived for this long. Like Kagome, he should have tired out. There was something he didn't know about this fox. But what? What could make this demon so utterly powerful so that his power matched his own.
Hades, too deep in thought, didn't see the clawed hand that swiped at his left hand.
Hades let out a growl when he felt the searing pain on his hand. With to much pain, he dropped one of his kodachis. Three claw marks adorned his hand, the sizzling of skin could be heard as the corrosive poison ate away at his skin.
Hades, angrier than ever, charged at Kurama. He was relentless, swiping and slashing at Kurama.
Once again, Kurama was on the defense, except this time Hades was angry. Kurama blocked Hades sword with his own sword as it came down over his head. His arms strained against the power behind the attack. With one last burst of energy his pushed Hades back.
Kurama staggered as he dropped his sword. He was tired of prolonging the battle, it was time to end it.
In his hand appeared two seeds, the seeds of the venus fly traps, except this time they weren't hungry for flies. He through them on the ground and used his energy to make them grow. Slowly they grew until they towered over Hades.
"These are my beloved fly traps. Though i've raised these to love the taste human flesh instead of the fly. They are attracted to movement so i'd advised you not to move."
Hades looked at the towering fly trap. It had no eyes but he knew it had exquisite hearing. He had to say he was impressed. Only very powerful youkai could control plants such as these.
Suddenly the ground started to shake. More and more plants were forming on the cliff that they stood on. Each one deadly in its own way. Some had spikes, some had poison, and some had teeth that could rival a wolf's.
He knew only one other person who could do this, Ceron, the fourth soul, and known to all as Mother Earth. This could mean only one thing, the fox was his son!
Hades panicked. That would mean the fox was a god like him. Now he knew why Kurama had lasted no long. He was no mere demon, he was a god.
"You're a god."
Kurama nodded his head. There was no use hiding the truth anymore.
Hades now was angrier than ever. His panic subsided. No one... no one would get in his way. He would kill any god that got in his way, even his brother.
"You can't stop me fox. I've lived longer than you, I know more about your powers than you do. You'll not win against me, your to weak!" Everything around Hades suddenly caught on fire. His anger was fueling his power, increasing it.
Just as the plants were here, they were gone the next moment, only ashes were left.
Kurama took a step back. Hades was slowly losing control. His eyes now black looked at Kurama. His form slowly grew blurry, until he was enveloped in a black light. His small human form slowly grew larger.
Kurama's eyes widened further. He was transforming into his true form! Even Kurama knew he could not fight Hades this way. He knew he had no chance since he had no experience. He knew not how to transform into his true form. He doubted that if he changed into his spirit fox form he would be able to beat Hades. He knew he needed help. But who else was there left?
-----------------------------
Kagome drifted between the state of consciousness and unconsciousness. She could faintly hear the clangs of metal but she couldn't decide if they were real or not. Suddenly, she felt the ground move. She tried to get up to see what was happening but was too weak. She relaxed when she felt the ground stop shaking.
But now she could fill something soft under her. With the last of her strength, she moved her right arm to fall beside her. Her palm felt soft grass under her fingers and she smiled at the feel of it. She knew that somehow this was Kurama's doing. His words echoed in her mind, "You're a goddess Kagome."
Out of all the things she thought she would be, she had never expected to be a goddess. Her mind drifted back to Kurama. She hoped that he was okay, that he was winning. But she knew nothing, could see nothing. She had almost drifted back off when she felt an enormous amount of power.
Kagome tried desperately to open her eyes but she was just to weak. The evil aura filled her senses. She panicked. It was so much power! Even she knew that Kurama wasn't this strong. Tears formed in her eyes. If Kurama couldn't beat Hades, than who would?
Slowly she heard a whisper in her head, You have to get up Kagome, you have to help your mate, he needs you!
Kagome focused her mind on the voice. 'But how? How can I help him? I can't even open my eyes!'
You have to find your powers Kagome. Your a goddess, you have more power than this! You have to find out. Hurry, your mate is in trouble.
Kagome started to panic, 'But where do I look? You have to help me!'
No... you have to find your power on your own, I can not help you.
Kagome sighed. She forced her tears to stop. Crying wouldn't help her, concentration would. She slowly entered her own mind, looking for the hidden power that was said to be in her. Using her instincts she followed the path her feet walked. Slowly she could feel a warmth creep over her. She knew that was it, that was what she needed to find. She focused her mind to try to pull it out. Sh needed the power now. She had to wake it up. With a final burst of her miko energy, she pushed on the power.
The power let go and finally released. Kagome gave a sigh of triumphant as the power flowed through her veins, energizing her. It helped heal the injuries she had but not by much, it's power wasn't for healing, it's power was for fighting.
I knew you could find it
Kagome smiled mentally 'Thank you uncle Zeus'
---------------------------
Back with the four souls, Zeus smiled as Kagome opened her eyes. "You have a smart daughter Midoriko, you should be proud."
Midoriko smiled, "I am proud."
--------------------------- Back at Koenma's castle
Slowly the raging demons were dwindling down. They were winning! Yusuke slowed down as he killed the last few demons that were alive. But suddenly, the demons grew more fierce, their eyes now black. They looked stronger now, like their energy had been increased.
Sesshoumaru and Yusuke traded worried glances. Did this mean that Kagome was losing? Yusuke erased the thought in his mind. He could not doubt Kagome or Kurama. They would pull through... they had too.
---------------------------
When Kagome finally opened her eyes, she was greeted with the sight of ashes and burned plants. The soft grass that she felt only moments ago had died, and were turning brown. She looked around and finally found Kurama.
Kagome was horrified at the sight of him. He had gashes on his legs and arms, the blood seeping easily through his clothes. He looked out of breath and tired.
Kagome than spotted the gigantic black wolf demon that stood in front of Kurama. Kagome shivered at the sight of him. He looked so utterly terrifying. His eyes were black, so black that it blended in with his fur that was black also, making it seem his eyes were closed.
Saliva dripped from the dogs mouth. The floor sizzled where the saliva fell, it was poison. Strong fangs were bared at Kurama who looked about ready to collapse. Black claws dog into the rock ground as it waited to attack Kurama.
She was surprised when the wolf started to talk. "You'll never defeat. No one can defeat me, I'm the strongest. Die you filthy demon."
Before Hades could use his final blow on Kurama, a voice stopped him. "Your right to say that no one can beat you... but your wrong to say that we can't beat you."
Hades eyes widened when he saw his daughter there, standing like she hadn't been near death just moments ago.
He saw her quick movement and he saw that she had reached Kurama with no effort at all.
Hades laughed, "What a pretty picture this makes. Your just making it easier to kill you. Now I can just kill you at the same time. "
"But you are forgetting one thing father... I am a god too."
Hades took a step back. He hadn't expected her to find out, not yet, not so soon. "I'm afraid your wrong Kagome." Even Hades could feel the falseness of his own words. He felt the quiver in his voice as he continued, "Your not a god."
"Oh, but aren't I father, after all, I am your daughter."
Slowly a blue orb appeared in Kagome's hand. It's pureness attracted Hades eyes. He watched as the orb grew bigger, knowing as it grew bigger, his fate was being sealed.
Kagome looked up at Kurama, "I need your help Kurama."
Kurama smiled, "I'll always be here to help."
Slowly he placed his own left hand on top of the orb. His powers fused with Kagome's own powers. There sphere grew larger, now a swirling mass of green and blue.
Hades growled. His chances were slipping. He charged at the couple but couldn't get there soon enough.
"We, daughter of the fourth soul and son of the second and third soul, banish you Hades to eternal death in hell! May you rot here with your own evil." With that said, Kagome and Kurama pulled their hands back, releasing the orb. Hades tried to dodge but it was no use.
The scream of pain filled the air as the orb hit Hades. It enveloped him a blue green light that purified him. Hades reverted back to his human form. He clutched at his head. The energy was trying to purify his mind. But if was no use, he was too dark too evil, so instead of helping him, it brought him pain. He took a step back, at the edge of the cliff now. With one final jerk of his body he fell back into the hot lava.
Thousands of arms reached out of the lava and grabbed him, preventing him from trying to escape. All the souls he had tortured wanted revenge. They pulled him into the lava, to make sure he would be there with them to suffer.
Kurama and Kagome looked on. They had won but not without a few battle scars. Kagome looked up at him, her love in her eyes.
"Lets go home Kurama." Kurama nodded. They turned around and there the familiar iron door stood. Kagome turned around once again to look into the lava... "good bye father."
With that said, the two left the chamber of hell, hoping that they would never have to set foot in there again.
--------------------------------
The four souls cheered finally at the end of the battle. Midoriko had tears in her eyes. Her daughter had did it, she had defeated her Hades for the sake of the world.
Midoriko pressed her hand to the screen on which her daughter's face could be seen. Surprisingly, Kagome smiled. It was finally over.
"It's over sister." Midoriko turned to Zeus and nodded, "Yes, it's finally over."
-----------------------------
The others were just about to give up hope when the demons had suddenly stopped fighting. They closed there eyes only to open them back up. But this time, instead of black, there was life!
Yusuke let out a large yell of triumph.
Seshoumaru, put his sword away, a small smile at the corner of his mouth, I knew you could do it Kagome, you always pull through.
Yusuke ran into the palace, hugging everyone in sight. Although he stayed away from Hiei, he didn't really want the koorime to slice him up. He stayed away from Kuwabara too, there was no way he was hugging him!
Shippo and the others heard the news and cheered for Kagome and Kurama. Hurry up and come home soon mama, Shippo thought.
-----------------------------
Finally they reached the end of the tunnel. Kagome reached to open the door, her hand grasping the knob. Light fell on them when the was open. They step through and close the door one final time.
Kagome smiled at Kurama, happy at finally knowing the battle was over. She pushed him on toward the castle, knowing the others were waiting. Kurama slowed their running to a walk before pulling her to him and planting a kiss on her lips.
She smiled up at him... they were home.
---------------------------
AN: There it is the end! I finally finished my first fanfic!!! dances around happily You guys can decide if I do an epilogue or not okay. Thanks to those who reviewed and stuck with my story, I couldn't have done it with out ya!
Thanks so much! JD
by Japanese dreamer
Disclaimer: The anime Inuyasha is not my property. This was written purely for fun and no profit was made.
Chapter 15
The clanging sounds of metal against metal were heard endlessly through the air. A dodge, a thrust, and a slash of a sword only inches away from the skin, the battle continued.
Kurama was trying his best to fend off Hades. He with only one sword, and Hades with two made it only harder for him. He always had to remember that if he was blocking one sword, another would be attacking.
Hades was confused as to why this lowly demon had survived for this long. Like Kagome, he should have tired out. There was something he didn't know about this fox. But what? What could make this demon so utterly powerful so that his power matched his own.
Hades, too deep in thought, didn't see the clawed hand that swiped at his left hand.
Hades let out a growl when he felt the searing pain on his hand. With to much pain, he dropped one of his kodachis. Three claw marks adorned his hand, the sizzling of skin could be heard as the corrosive poison ate away at his skin.
Hades, angrier than ever, charged at Kurama. He was relentless, swiping and slashing at Kurama.
Once again, Kurama was on the defense, except this time Hades was angry. Kurama blocked Hades sword with his own sword as it came down over his head. His arms strained against the power behind the attack. With one last burst of energy his pushed Hades back.
Kurama staggered as he dropped his sword. He was tired of prolonging the battle, it was time to end it.
In his hand appeared two seeds, the seeds of the venus fly traps, except this time they weren't hungry for flies. He through them on the ground and used his energy to make them grow. Slowly they grew until they towered over Hades.
"These are my beloved fly traps. Though i've raised these to love the taste human flesh instead of the fly. They are attracted to movement so i'd advised you not to move."
Hades looked at the towering fly trap. It had no eyes but he knew it had exquisite hearing. He had to say he was impressed. Only very powerful youkai could control plants such as these.
Suddenly the ground started to shake. More and more plants were forming on the cliff that they stood on. Each one deadly in its own way. Some had spikes, some had poison, and some had teeth that could rival a wolf's.
He knew only one other person who could do this, Ceron, the fourth soul, and known to all as Mother Earth. This could mean only one thing, the fox was his son!
Hades panicked. That would mean the fox was a god like him. Now he knew why Kurama had lasted no long. He was no mere demon, he was a god.
"You're a god."
Kurama nodded his head. There was no use hiding the truth anymore.
Hades now was angrier than ever. His panic subsided. No one... no one would get in his way. He would kill any god that got in his way, even his brother.
"You can't stop me fox. I've lived longer than you, I know more about your powers than you do. You'll not win against me, your to weak!" Everything around Hades suddenly caught on fire. His anger was fueling his power, increasing it.
Just as the plants were here, they were gone the next moment, only ashes were left.
Kurama took a step back. Hades was slowly losing control. His eyes now black looked at Kurama. His form slowly grew blurry, until he was enveloped in a black light. His small human form slowly grew larger.
Kurama's eyes widened further. He was transforming into his true form! Even Kurama knew he could not fight Hades this way. He knew he had no chance since he had no experience. He knew not how to transform into his true form. He doubted that if he changed into his spirit fox form he would be able to beat Hades. He knew he needed help. But who else was there left?
-----------------------------
Kagome drifted between the state of consciousness and unconsciousness. She could faintly hear the clangs of metal but she couldn't decide if they were real or not. Suddenly, she felt the ground move. She tried to get up to see what was happening but was too weak. She relaxed when she felt the ground stop shaking.
But now she could fill something soft under her. With the last of her strength, she moved her right arm to fall beside her. Her palm felt soft grass under her fingers and she smiled at the feel of it. She knew that somehow this was Kurama's doing. His words echoed in her mind, "You're a goddess Kagome."
Out of all the things she thought she would be, she had never expected to be a goddess. Her mind drifted back to Kurama. She hoped that he was okay, that he was winning. But she knew nothing, could see nothing. She had almost drifted back off when she felt an enormous amount of power.
Kagome tried desperately to open her eyes but she was just to weak. The evil aura filled her senses. She panicked. It was so much power! Even she knew that Kurama wasn't this strong. Tears formed in her eyes. If Kurama couldn't beat Hades, than who would?
Slowly she heard a whisper in her head, You have to get up Kagome, you have to help your mate, he needs you!
Kagome focused her mind on the voice. 'But how? How can I help him? I can't even open my eyes!'
You have to find your powers Kagome. Your a goddess, you have more power than this! You have to find out. Hurry, your mate is in trouble.
Kagome started to panic, 'But where do I look? You have to help me!'
No... you have to find your power on your own, I can not help you.
Kagome sighed. She forced her tears to stop. Crying wouldn't help her, concentration would. She slowly entered her own mind, looking for the hidden power that was said to be in her. Using her instincts she followed the path her feet walked. Slowly she could feel a warmth creep over her. She knew that was it, that was what she needed to find. She focused her mind to try to pull it out. Sh needed the power now. She had to wake it up. With a final burst of her miko energy, she pushed on the power.
The power let go and finally released. Kagome gave a sigh of triumphant as the power flowed through her veins, energizing her. It helped heal the injuries she had but not by much, it's power wasn't for healing, it's power was for fighting.
I knew you could find it
Kagome smiled mentally 'Thank you uncle Zeus'
---------------------------
Back with the four souls, Zeus smiled as Kagome opened her eyes. "You have a smart daughter Midoriko, you should be proud."
Midoriko smiled, "I am proud."
--------------------------- Back at Koenma's castle
Slowly the raging demons were dwindling down. They were winning! Yusuke slowed down as he killed the last few demons that were alive. But suddenly, the demons grew more fierce, their eyes now black. They looked stronger now, like their energy had been increased.
Sesshoumaru and Yusuke traded worried glances. Did this mean that Kagome was losing? Yusuke erased the thought in his mind. He could not doubt Kagome or Kurama. They would pull through... they had too.
---------------------------
When Kagome finally opened her eyes, she was greeted with the sight of ashes and burned plants. The soft grass that she felt only moments ago had died, and were turning brown. She looked around and finally found Kurama.
Kagome was horrified at the sight of him. He had gashes on his legs and arms, the blood seeping easily through his clothes. He looked out of breath and tired.
Kagome than spotted the gigantic black wolf demon that stood in front of Kurama. Kagome shivered at the sight of him. He looked so utterly terrifying. His eyes were black, so black that it blended in with his fur that was black also, making it seem his eyes were closed.
Saliva dripped from the dogs mouth. The floor sizzled where the saliva fell, it was poison. Strong fangs were bared at Kurama who looked about ready to collapse. Black claws dog into the rock ground as it waited to attack Kurama.
She was surprised when the wolf started to talk. "You'll never defeat. No one can defeat me, I'm the strongest. Die you filthy demon."
Before Hades could use his final blow on Kurama, a voice stopped him. "Your right to say that no one can beat you... but your wrong to say that we can't beat you."
Hades eyes widened when he saw his daughter there, standing like she hadn't been near death just moments ago.
He saw her quick movement and he saw that she had reached Kurama with no effort at all.
Hades laughed, "What a pretty picture this makes. Your just making it easier to kill you. Now I can just kill you at the same time. "
"But you are forgetting one thing father... I am a god too."
Hades took a step back. He hadn't expected her to find out, not yet, not so soon. "I'm afraid your wrong Kagome." Even Hades could feel the falseness of his own words. He felt the quiver in his voice as he continued, "Your not a god."
"Oh, but aren't I father, after all, I am your daughter."
Slowly a blue orb appeared in Kagome's hand. It's pureness attracted Hades eyes. He watched as the orb grew bigger, knowing as it grew bigger, his fate was being sealed.
Kagome looked up at Kurama, "I need your help Kurama."
Kurama smiled, "I'll always be here to help."
Slowly he placed his own left hand on top of the orb. His powers fused with Kagome's own powers. There sphere grew larger, now a swirling mass of green and blue.
Hades growled. His chances were slipping. He charged at the couple but couldn't get there soon enough.
"We, daughter of the fourth soul and son of the second and third soul, banish you Hades to eternal death in hell! May you rot here with your own evil." With that said, Kagome and Kurama pulled their hands back, releasing the orb. Hades tried to dodge but it was no use.
The scream of pain filled the air as the orb hit Hades. It enveloped him a blue green light that purified him. Hades reverted back to his human form. He clutched at his head. The energy was trying to purify his mind. But if was no use, he was too dark too evil, so instead of helping him, it brought him pain. He took a step back, at the edge of the cliff now. With one final jerk of his body he fell back into the hot lava.
Thousands of arms reached out of the lava and grabbed him, preventing him from trying to escape. All the souls he had tortured wanted revenge. They pulled him into the lava, to make sure he would be there with them to suffer.
Kurama and Kagome looked on. They had won but not without a few battle scars. Kagome looked up at him, her love in her eyes.
"Lets go home Kurama." Kurama nodded. They turned around and there the familiar iron door stood. Kagome turned around once again to look into the lava... "good bye father."
With that said, the two left the chamber of hell, hoping that they would never have to set foot in there again.
--------------------------------
The four souls cheered finally at the end of the battle. Midoriko had tears in her eyes. Her daughter had did it, she had defeated her Hades for the sake of the world.
Midoriko pressed her hand to the screen on which her daughter's face could be seen. Surprisingly, Kagome smiled. It was finally over.
"It's over sister." Midoriko turned to Zeus and nodded, "Yes, it's finally over."
-----------------------------
The others were just about to give up hope when the demons had suddenly stopped fighting. They closed there eyes only to open them back up. But this time, instead of black, there was life!
Yusuke let out a large yell of triumph.
Seshoumaru, put his sword away, a small smile at the corner of his mouth, I knew you could do it Kagome, you always pull through.
Yusuke ran into the palace, hugging everyone in sight. Although he stayed away from Hiei, he didn't really want the koorime to slice him up. He stayed away from Kuwabara too, there was no way he was hugging him!
Shippo and the others heard the news and cheered for Kagome and Kurama. Hurry up and come home soon mama, Shippo thought.
-----------------------------
Finally they reached the end of the tunnel. Kagome reached to open the door, her hand grasping the knob. Light fell on them when the was open. They step through and close the door one final time.
Kagome smiled at Kurama, happy at finally knowing the battle was over. She pushed him on toward the castle, knowing the others were waiting. Kurama slowed their running to a walk before pulling her to him and planting a kiss on her lips.
She smiled up at him... they were home.
---------------------------
AN: There it is the end! I finally finished my first fanfic!!! dances around happily You guys can decide if I do an epilogue or not okay. Thanks to those who reviewed and stuck with my story, I couldn't have done it with out ya!
Thanks so much! JD