Chapter 13: Back (omg I did it! It's the last chapter!! Tee hee!!)
Yashi watched from a distance as Kagome gently traced the figure of the dog with the tips of her fingers. The shape was different from what he remembered. In his vision it had looked new and overpowering. Now, as he stood there, it looked old and worn. The eyes looked dark and weak while in his vision they had been glowing. Yashi's eyes traveled to the side of the tree. A huge rock stood in the exact same place where Inuyasha had been. Slowly Yashi walked over and rubbed the rough surface of the rock. He could still see, as plain as day, Inuyasha sitting there staring at him.
"Great. Now that we're here what are we suppose to do," Kouga asked out loud to anyone who was listening.
Yashi could only remember bits and pieces of his vision but what Inuyasha had told him had stuck with him the whole time. 'Just remember, Behind the eyes lies the door,' Yashi remembered, ' what had he meant by that?'
"There's a door," Yashi said turning around to look at Kouga.
"What," Kouga asked confused.
"There's a door, behind the eyes," Yashi said.
Kouga and Kagome gave each other confused glances.
"Yashi, I've looked, and there are no signs of a door ever being here," Kagome said turning.
"There has to be," Yashi said walking towards the tree running his fingernails through the small cracks of the tree trying frantically to find some kind of hint that a door was there.
"There is a door but how it be opened lies in the knowledge of the one who lies beneath us," Sesshoumaru said walking out from the bushes. He had long since been there and had been watching from the trees.
"Sesshoumaru," Kouga hissed.
Sesshoumaru's gaze was strong and deadly with a hint of humor. Yashi could hear a growl push past Kouga's lips before he shot off into Sesshoumaru's direction full force.
Sesshoumaru only smiled as he watched Kouga charge him. Quickly the fluffy boa around his shoulder slid foreword and twisted like a snake around Kouga's midsection and chest, capturing his arms. Kouga's breaths were starting to become short and raspy as the boa surrounding him contracted it self. The smile on Sesshoumaru's face soon grew into a malicious laugh as he watched pain sweep over Kouga's face. With every moment that past the boa constricted itself further, crushing Kouga within it's powerful grip.
"KOUGA . . . " Kagome screamed.
Yashi watched as Kouga's eyes slowly began to close and his head begin to fall to his chest. Sesshoumaru's laughter had stopped and was replaced by a scowl. The fun had stopped the moment Kouga had stopped struggling and had slipped into the final fazes of death. As soon as Kouga's body laid weak in his grasp Sesshoumaru flung him deep into the woods. Kagome stood crying into Yashi's chest whose eyes were narrowed with loathing at Sesshoumaru.
Sesshoumaru starred back with the same hate and disgust. Slowly he turned and began to walk towards them. His step was light yet determined.
"Show me the way in and I will spare your life," Sesshoumaru said stopping in front of him.
"Even if I knew the way in I wouldn't show you," Yashi said pushing Kagome to the side.
Sesshoumaru's brow sank.
"You had your chance," Sesshoumaru said as he sprung foreword and dug his claws deep into Yashi's stomach making him fall hard to the ground.
"SESSHOUMARU . . . NO," Kagome screamed as she grabbed Sesshoumaru's arm with both her hands and pulled.
Sesshoumaru's grip loosened as he awaited the painful sting of Kagome's touch to wash over him. It never came. Quickly he grabbed her wrists with his free hand and brought her to her knees. Kagome let out a painful scream.
With her scream still echoing through out the forest the gem around Yashi's neck slowly levitated out of his shirt, hanging in the air. An eerie yellow glow from deep in its core began to show. Bit by bit the tie around Yashi's neck became undone and the jewel slowly drifted to the tree. As soon as it looked like it was going to hit the tree it stopped and hung in front of the dog, its glow growing stronger.
The eyes on the dog began to glow a brilliant gold making the world around them seem like night. The edges of where the dog was carved glowed with the same intensity as its eyes. Soon the dog figure slowly began to fade and was replaced by a spinning vortex of black and yellow. The wind around Yashi and the others began to be sucked in bringing branches and tiny rocks with it along with the jewel.
"What's happening," Kagome yelled to Yashi over the strength of the wind.
"The door has opened," Sesshoumaru yelled as he pushed away from Yashi, bringing Kagome with him.
"YASHI," Kagome screamed as Sesshoumaru grabbed her around the waist and stepped into the portal.
Yashi lied on the ground clenching his bleeding stomach; he could see from the corner of his eyes the portal beginning to close as the last traces of Kagome disappeared. A voice rung in his head as he closed his eyes, 'don't give up . . . to close . . . must protect Kagome.' It was weak and almost sounded of Inuyasha's voice but Yashi could have sworn it was his own.
"Get up, must get up," Yashi said to himself as he hosted himself up on to his feet.
The portal was a little smaller than himself but Yashi managed to contort himself to fit through. As he fell the black wind whipped through his hair and stung his eyes. It was as if he was flying through space. In front of him he could see a white light. As he moved towards it grew bigger and Kagome's screams got louder.
Yashi landed with a thump. Standing up he looked around. Trees surrounded him, but behind them there was only blackness. The ground was grassy with little leaves. It looked like a poor reproduction of the forest he was just in. Sesshoumaru stood a little ways in front of him with Kagome held tightly at his side. Behind them stood a stone shrine. In the middle, an old and battered sword stood stuck in a man made crack. The only odd thing that Yashi saw was the thing surrounding. A white mass floated two and fro around the sword. Once looking at it Yashi's heart almost stopped and he had to scare him self to get it beating again.
"You should have stayed behind, now you'll only die," Sesshoumaru said staring at Yashi.
Yashi's stomach was still bleeding heavily but the pain was gone. With one quick glance at the pleased face of Sesshoumaru and to the pain struck face of Kagome a strange new hate filled him. Without thinking Yashi darted at Sesshoumaru, his fists held high and ready.
"LET HER GO," Yashi growled as he ran.
"YASHI . . .NO," Kagome screamed.
Sesshoumaru pushed Kagome to the ground and in one swift movement he caught Yashi by the neck and pushed him back up against the nearest tree.
"Back in the same position I see," Sesshoumaru said.
Yashi tried to push Sesshoumaru away but was too weak to do so.
"It's seems the blood loss is getting the better of you," Sesshoumaru said, "Lets see if I can help you with that."
Sesshoumaru swiftly pulled his hand back into a cocked position. Slowly a green glow formed around it. Using his pointer finger instead of his whole hand he gently drew a line across Yashi's blood soaked stomach. As he moved the clothing melted bringing Yashi's flesh along with it. Blood fell heavily from Yashi's abdomen leaving him dangling under Sesshoumaru's grasp.
"Yashi," Kagome gasped as she ran to aid him
Yashi feel to the ground, his body seeming like there were no bones to support him. His breaths were slow and shallow and he could feel the last bit of life slipping from him.
"What a waste," Sesshoumaru said looking down at the dying Yashi, "Come kagome soon you and the Tetsaigua will be mine for good."
Sesshoumaru caught Kagome by the wrist before she had the chance to reach Yashi. Spinning her he pulled her along to the sword that awaited him. Kagome tilted her head as she walked up the steps to look back at Yashi. His skin was porcelain white and the blood had finally stopped flowing. Even from the distance Kagome could tell that he was dead.
As she watched, Yashi's body began to form a milky white glow. First starting at his feet then working its way up. The glow steadily grew, making what seemed as a protective barrier to the outside world.
"Wait! Look," Kagome said to Sesshoumaru.
Sesshoumaru surprised that she had stopped struggling and was talking to him stopped and looked back as well.
"What is it," Kagome asked.
"I'm surprised that his soul hasn't left this world already. Humans are never strong enough to hold on to it," Sesshoumaru said gazing.
"But why is it still there," Kagome asked.
"It's calling to something," Sesshoumaru said.
"Calling to what," Kagome asked.
As soon as Kagome's words were spoken the floating white mass behind them flashed a luminous white in the pulsing motion of a heartbeat. Like a flash of lightning it zoomed across the open field to hover above Yashi. Its oval like shape slowly began to lengthen into an elongated mist that only seemed to cover half of Yashi's body. Slowly the mist began to sink into Yashi's body, mixing with the barrier like glow around Yashi's body.
"No it can't be," Sesshoumaru, said, his eyes wide as he ran towards Yashi, "I must stop this from happening."
'Stop what,' Kagome thought.
The misty like barrier surrounding Yashi slowly began to fade as the white mist made its last decent into Yashi's body. A solid flash of white light shot out from his body as the two souls combined inside of him, blinding Sesshoumaru and Kagome. The last thing Kagome saw as she fell to her knees was a pallid wall of energy expanding quickly over the field towards her.
Kagome kneeled on the ground, her eyes in a blur. The impact from the energy blast had been too much for her. Finding her strength Kagome staggered up onto her legs. Wobbling a little she found herself looking up into the alarmed face of Sesshoumaru. His skin had gone starch white and small beads of sweat had begun to form. His eyes were wide as he looked beyond Kagome but his hand was outstretched to pull her to his side.
"Don't touch her," a rough voice said.
Kagome's eyes widened, 'That voice.'
Slowly Kagome turned to look at who had just spoken. Her eyes widened with shock as she looked at him.
'Yashi . . . no it can't be . . . Inuyasha?' Kagome questioned.
There in front of her knelt what was once Yashi. His once black hair was now silver and his human ears were replaced by the two dog ones Inuyasha had once had. His eyes were still closed and his fingers were lined with claws. The cuts on Yashi's stomach were now gone, looking like they had never been there and his skin had a golden glow to it. A slight growl pushed past Sesshoumaru's lips as he stared at him.
"Go back to your grave," Sesshoumaru yelled as he charged him.
Yashi's eyes flickered open, the gold color making shivers run down Kagome's spine. "Inuyasha . . . is it really you" Kagome gasped as she fell to her knees. A smile dashed across Inuyasha's lips as he watched Sesshoumaru come nearer. Slowly Inuyasha's hand rose to his chest. Slightly dried blood dripped from his fingers as he flexed them.
"BLADES OF BLOOD," Yashi shouted as he slashed at Sesshoumaru.
Kagome watched as the blades hit Sesshoumaru in the chest making him fall back onto the ground. Quickly jumping to his feet Sesshoumaru stared down at his chest, his armor shattered leaving his clothed chest without protection.
"I see now what game you were playing Inuyasha, before you died," Sesshoumaru said looking up to stare at nothing.
Sesshoumaru's eyes looked quickly around the field, searching for Inuyasha.
Inuyasha gripped the unsheathed Tetsaigua in his hands. The cool hilt felt good in his hands again. His hold tightened as Sesshoumaru walked towards him, calm and slow.
"Just because you look like my brother and can do a useless technique doesn't mean you can transform Tetsaigua," Sesshoumaru said glaring.
"We'll see about that," Inuyasha said.
Inuyasha pulled Tetsaigua from its sheath. The cold worn metal of the sword remained the same.
"You see," Sesshoumaru said smiling.
Inuyasha stared down at the sword. He could feel the sword grow hot as a strong pulse shook his hands. The sword was beginning to awaken from its years of rest. Slowly the tip began to grow into a fang like shape. The blade shown like it was new and the hilt grew to fit Inuyasha's hands.
Kagome watched silently from the middle of the field. Had Inuyasha come back? Or was it just Yashi pretending the best he could? All of a sudden a soft glow caught the corner of her eye.
Slowly Kagome reached and picked up the jewel that had opened the door. The cavity inside quickly pulsed a luminous yellow. As Kagome stared at the jewel the last memory she had of Inuyasha came back to her.
-------------"I have something for you," Inuyasha said pulling something out of his Kimono.
Kagome looked at the object that hung from Inuyasha's hand. Her eyes followed the chain down to a dark gold crystal. Light could be seen from inside that went off and on, equivalent to Inuyasha's heartbeat.
"As long as the light is inside, I will be alive," Inuyasha said.
Kagome took it from Inuyasha's hand and stared at it. -------------
Kagome's hands began to shake as she watch the light inside go off and on. Just like it had done so long ago. 'Inuyasha's heart beat! So Yashi must be Inuyasha,' kagome thought looking up at the struggling demons.
Inuyasha lay on the ground with Sesshoumaru pushing hard against him. The only thing keeping Inuyasha from Sesshoumaru's claws was the Tetsaigua. Kagome could see the slight shake of Inuyasha's wrists as his strength started to give. With one great surge of energy Inuyasha pushed Tetsaigua, throwing Sesshoumaru backwards.
"Still the weak half breed you always were," Sesshoumaru hissed.
"Still the asshole YOU always were," Inuyasha hissed back, pointing Tetsaigua at Sesshoumaru as he spoke.
Sesshoumaru only glared as he charged again. Quickly Inuyasha dodged.
"I don't want to kill you," Inuyasha said.
"That's a pity because one of us has to leave here dead," Sesshoumaru said wittingly.
Sesshoumaru remembered how slow and weak his brother had been. Looking at him now he wondered where this newfound speed and strength was coming from. Slowly he reached for the hilt of his sword, Toukijin, the one whose blade was forged from the head that had once broke the strong blade of Tetsaigua. Inuyasha readied himself.
Sesshoumaru ran at Inuyasha full force with Toukijin's point aimed for his midsection. Inuyasha smiled as he remembered the time he had almost killed Sesshoumaru with Tetsaigua. Smiling Inuyasha pulled his sword from its sheath. Quickly he moved into the same position he had used long ago. Inuyasha's eyes searched the area to where the two powers crossed. 'There it is' Inuyasha thought.
Raising his sword Inuyasha yelled, "Kaze no Kizu!"
Tetsaigua's power enveloped Sesshoumaru completely, ripping at his clothes. Just as Inuyasha had planned, Tensaigua awakened once again to safe its master. A black light then encased Sesshoumaru and he was gone from Tetsaigua's power. The wind around them died down as Sesshoumaru disappeared into the black light. Inuyasha loosened his grip on Tetsaigua and rested it on his shoulder. He could still feel Sesshoumaru's presence around him.
The wind began to turn again. Inuyasha sniffed the air lightly and turned. The black light formed at the end of the field plopping Sesshoumaru down into the grass.
"Even the power of Tensaigua couldn't even get him out of this place . . ." Inuyasha said looking.
Sesshoumaru lay at the far end of the field unconscious. Slowly Inuyasha walked up to Kagome and pulled her up to her feet. The glow around him was slowly beginning to fade.
"Inuyasha . . ." Kagome gasped, tears forming in her eyes as she looked at him.
"I don't have much time left," Inuyasha said softly.
Kagome didn't say anything but fell into Inuyasha's arms. Tears were streaming down her face and into his shirt.
"I finally get you back and now you have to leave me again," Kagome cried.
"Kagome, I will always be here. You see, Yashi is me and I am Yashi," Inuyasha said stroking the back of Kagome's head lightly and smiling.
"What," Kagome questioned between sobs.
"As Yashi laid there, dying, his soul called to mine. With our souls combined we were both able to live as one," Inuyasha said.
"You mean you knew this was going to happen all along!" Kagome said.
"Yes," Inuyasha said.
"But how will I know your there and its just not Yashi," Kagome asked.
"Trust me you'll know," Inuyasha said stepping out of Kagome's embrace, "I have to go now."
As if it was never there the milky white glow slowly faded into his skin. As the last light disappeared Yashi feel to his knees, his breathing deep. Swaying a little Yashi managed to stand. His skin was pale and small droplets of sweat had formed.
Yashi looked down at his claws, flexing them. He could feel the demon blood flowing through him. Looking up he smiled at Kagome. He knew what he had become. Inuyasha's soul had awoken the demon blood that had remained dormant within him throughout his life.
"Are you alright kagome," Yashi asked.
Kagome's eyes widened. Yashi's voice was no longer his own but Inuyasha's. Neither was his appearance. Yashi looked like an exact mirror image of Inuyasha. Kagome looked down at the jewel that was still tightly held in her hand. The light inside still pulsed.
"I'll be alright," Kagome said softly.
As if on cue the black portal formed once again at the far end of the field.
"We should be leaving," Yashi said tying Tetsaigua onto his waste and turning to leave.
Kagome nodded her head in agreement and followed.
"Wait," Kagome said before Yashi jumped into the portal.
"We just can't leave your brother . . . err . . . Sesshoumaru," Kagome said a little confused, "Think about Rin."
"Rin?" Yashi questioned trying to remember where he heard that name before, "oh you mean that little girl that follows him around."
"Yes, well she's not so little anymore," Kagome said a little surprised, "how did you know?"
"Inuyasha," Yashi said as he walked over to Sesshoumaru.
Yashi could only remember bits and pieces of the fight. It was like watching a movie in his head. The thing the stuck out the most in his memory, though, was the sensation. It was like being a prisoner of your own body, watching as someone else commanded it without you having any say in what you did.
Everything seemed to be a lot easier as a demon. Even Sesshoumaru, who would have been heavy to a human, was light as Yashi picked him up and draped him over his shoulder. Sesshoumaru's open wounds were starting to clot and close and color was returning to his face. Soon he would be awake. Walking over Yashi hugged Kagome's hip against his.
Carrying Sesshoumaru with one hand and Kagome with the other Yashi leapt into the wide portal.
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On the other side, Yashi placed Sesshoumaru down next to the rock where he had been, with what seemed months ago. The sun was just beginning to sink against the rock wall surrounding the forest. The glowing dog on the tree began to fade into the bark. Yashi watched as it disappeared, just like it had never been there. It was no longer needed, no longer needed to protect what was beyond it. That is not until next time. Kagome held her hand over heart as she thought about Kouga. How would they ever be able to find him in the dark? What if he was dead?
"He should be waking up soon and I don't think we want to be here when he does," Yashi said turning to Kagome.
Something rustled in the bushes ahead. Kagome's heart skipped a beat from what emerged. Yashi readied himself, his claws flexed.
Kouga limped out from the bushes. Blood flowed freely from the side of his mouth. His left eye was already bruising and cuts and scratches had formed all over his body.
"Kouga," Kagome gasped as she ran to support him, "Are you ok?"
Kouga slightly fell into Kagome's opened arms as she ran up to him.
"A couple of broken ribs and few scratches, not enough to keep this wolf down," Kouga said smiling as he slid from Kagome's arms to the ground.
"Feh, admit it you hurt all over," Yashi said.
No answer came as Kouga fell into unconsciousness. Inuyasha picked him up and draped him over his shoulder like he had carried Sesshoumaru.
"Lets go home," Yashi said as he and Kagome walked into the final rays of the setting sun.
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Kagome ran into Kaede's village at top speed with a smile on her face. She was happy to see her friends again and to see that Sango was all right. Sango sat outside in the sun, her body stiff with bandages. Miroku sat besides her feeding her with Shippo at his side.
"Miroku . . . Sango!!" Kagome yelled with her arms open.
Miroku stood to give Kagome a hug.
Yashi walked slowly into the village. Children hid behind their parents as he walked by. The old men and women only looked in awe as a hanyou back from the dead walked into their village once again.
Yashi smelled the air. The smell of fresh and old fish filled the air. It was more intense now.
Kouga let out a small whine-he was starting to wake up. Yashi placed him down against the wall of the hut to be propped up and so the sun could warm him. Yashi then looked over to Miroku. His mouth was open and the bowl that he was holding in his hands was slightly tipped, pouring its contents onto Sango's lap. Her eyes began to get their irritated look to them.
WHAP
"LOOK WHERE YOU POURING THAT!!" Sango yelled smacking Miroku the highest she could.
Yashi laughed. True he had seen this all before but it was Inuyasha's memories that gave him his amusement.
Miroku hesitated before he spoke. "How did you . . ."
Yashi just smiled. Not even he knew the answer to that. Perhaps Inuyasha had foreseen it or perhaps it was just fate.
"So what are you going to do now? Will you go home?" Kouga asked. He had been awake the whole time-enjoying making Yashi work harder to get them all back.
"Home?" Yashi thought deeply of it. The place where he felt he didn't belong, "No there is nothing for me there. I suppose I will stay here . . .
. . . . . . . . .Just like I always have."
-------------------------------------------------------- OK people it is done...hehe not to well either. But anyways what's done is done and I think this fic came out all right in the end, right? Well it's off to writing my other fics-like I should have done like half a year ago or more sweat drop
BYEZ!!!!!! Look out for more fics by me or the ones I am currently writing!! HH
Yashi watched from a distance as Kagome gently traced the figure of the dog with the tips of her fingers. The shape was different from what he remembered. In his vision it had looked new and overpowering. Now, as he stood there, it looked old and worn. The eyes looked dark and weak while in his vision they had been glowing. Yashi's eyes traveled to the side of the tree. A huge rock stood in the exact same place where Inuyasha had been. Slowly Yashi walked over and rubbed the rough surface of the rock. He could still see, as plain as day, Inuyasha sitting there staring at him.
"Great. Now that we're here what are we suppose to do," Kouga asked out loud to anyone who was listening.
Yashi could only remember bits and pieces of his vision but what Inuyasha had told him had stuck with him the whole time. 'Just remember, Behind the eyes lies the door,' Yashi remembered, ' what had he meant by that?'
"There's a door," Yashi said turning around to look at Kouga.
"What," Kouga asked confused.
"There's a door, behind the eyes," Yashi said.
Kouga and Kagome gave each other confused glances.
"Yashi, I've looked, and there are no signs of a door ever being here," Kagome said turning.
"There has to be," Yashi said walking towards the tree running his fingernails through the small cracks of the tree trying frantically to find some kind of hint that a door was there.
"There is a door but how it be opened lies in the knowledge of the one who lies beneath us," Sesshoumaru said walking out from the bushes. He had long since been there and had been watching from the trees.
"Sesshoumaru," Kouga hissed.
Sesshoumaru's gaze was strong and deadly with a hint of humor. Yashi could hear a growl push past Kouga's lips before he shot off into Sesshoumaru's direction full force.
Sesshoumaru only smiled as he watched Kouga charge him. Quickly the fluffy boa around his shoulder slid foreword and twisted like a snake around Kouga's midsection and chest, capturing his arms. Kouga's breaths were starting to become short and raspy as the boa surrounding him contracted it self. The smile on Sesshoumaru's face soon grew into a malicious laugh as he watched pain sweep over Kouga's face. With every moment that past the boa constricted itself further, crushing Kouga within it's powerful grip.
"KOUGA . . . " Kagome screamed.
Yashi watched as Kouga's eyes slowly began to close and his head begin to fall to his chest. Sesshoumaru's laughter had stopped and was replaced by a scowl. The fun had stopped the moment Kouga had stopped struggling and had slipped into the final fazes of death. As soon as Kouga's body laid weak in his grasp Sesshoumaru flung him deep into the woods. Kagome stood crying into Yashi's chest whose eyes were narrowed with loathing at Sesshoumaru.
Sesshoumaru starred back with the same hate and disgust. Slowly he turned and began to walk towards them. His step was light yet determined.
"Show me the way in and I will spare your life," Sesshoumaru said stopping in front of him.
"Even if I knew the way in I wouldn't show you," Yashi said pushing Kagome to the side.
Sesshoumaru's brow sank.
"You had your chance," Sesshoumaru said as he sprung foreword and dug his claws deep into Yashi's stomach making him fall hard to the ground.
"SESSHOUMARU . . . NO," Kagome screamed as she grabbed Sesshoumaru's arm with both her hands and pulled.
Sesshoumaru's grip loosened as he awaited the painful sting of Kagome's touch to wash over him. It never came. Quickly he grabbed her wrists with his free hand and brought her to her knees. Kagome let out a painful scream.
With her scream still echoing through out the forest the gem around Yashi's neck slowly levitated out of his shirt, hanging in the air. An eerie yellow glow from deep in its core began to show. Bit by bit the tie around Yashi's neck became undone and the jewel slowly drifted to the tree. As soon as it looked like it was going to hit the tree it stopped and hung in front of the dog, its glow growing stronger.
The eyes on the dog began to glow a brilliant gold making the world around them seem like night. The edges of where the dog was carved glowed with the same intensity as its eyes. Soon the dog figure slowly began to fade and was replaced by a spinning vortex of black and yellow. The wind around Yashi and the others began to be sucked in bringing branches and tiny rocks with it along with the jewel.
"What's happening," Kagome yelled to Yashi over the strength of the wind.
"The door has opened," Sesshoumaru yelled as he pushed away from Yashi, bringing Kagome with him.
"YASHI," Kagome screamed as Sesshoumaru grabbed her around the waist and stepped into the portal.
Yashi lied on the ground clenching his bleeding stomach; he could see from the corner of his eyes the portal beginning to close as the last traces of Kagome disappeared. A voice rung in his head as he closed his eyes, 'don't give up . . . to close . . . must protect Kagome.' It was weak and almost sounded of Inuyasha's voice but Yashi could have sworn it was his own.
"Get up, must get up," Yashi said to himself as he hosted himself up on to his feet.
The portal was a little smaller than himself but Yashi managed to contort himself to fit through. As he fell the black wind whipped through his hair and stung his eyes. It was as if he was flying through space. In front of him he could see a white light. As he moved towards it grew bigger and Kagome's screams got louder.
Yashi landed with a thump. Standing up he looked around. Trees surrounded him, but behind them there was only blackness. The ground was grassy with little leaves. It looked like a poor reproduction of the forest he was just in. Sesshoumaru stood a little ways in front of him with Kagome held tightly at his side. Behind them stood a stone shrine. In the middle, an old and battered sword stood stuck in a man made crack. The only odd thing that Yashi saw was the thing surrounding. A white mass floated two and fro around the sword. Once looking at it Yashi's heart almost stopped and he had to scare him self to get it beating again.
"You should have stayed behind, now you'll only die," Sesshoumaru said staring at Yashi.
Yashi's stomach was still bleeding heavily but the pain was gone. With one quick glance at the pleased face of Sesshoumaru and to the pain struck face of Kagome a strange new hate filled him. Without thinking Yashi darted at Sesshoumaru, his fists held high and ready.
"LET HER GO," Yashi growled as he ran.
"YASHI . . .NO," Kagome screamed.
Sesshoumaru pushed Kagome to the ground and in one swift movement he caught Yashi by the neck and pushed him back up against the nearest tree.
"Back in the same position I see," Sesshoumaru said.
Yashi tried to push Sesshoumaru away but was too weak to do so.
"It's seems the blood loss is getting the better of you," Sesshoumaru said, "Lets see if I can help you with that."
Sesshoumaru swiftly pulled his hand back into a cocked position. Slowly a green glow formed around it. Using his pointer finger instead of his whole hand he gently drew a line across Yashi's blood soaked stomach. As he moved the clothing melted bringing Yashi's flesh along with it. Blood fell heavily from Yashi's abdomen leaving him dangling under Sesshoumaru's grasp.
"Yashi," Kagome gasped as she ran to aid him
Yashi feel to the ground, his body seeming like there were no bones to support him. His breaths were slow and shallow and he could feel the last bit of life slipping from him.
"What a waste," Sesshoumaru said looking down at the dying Yashi, "Come kagome soon you and the Tetsaigua will be mine for good."
Sesshoumaru caught Kagome by the wrist before she had the chance to reach Yashi. Spinning her he pulled her along to the sword that awaited him. Kagome tilted her head as she walked up the steps to look back at Yashi. His skin was porcelain white and the blood had finally stopped flowing. Even from the distance Kagome could tell that he was dead.
As she watched, Yashi's body began to form a milky white glow. First starting at his feet then working its way up. The glow steadily grew, making what seemed as a protective barrier to the outside world.
"Wait! Look," Kagome said to Sesshoumaru.
Sesshoumaru surprised that she had stopped struggling and was talking to him stopped and looked back as well.
"What is it," Kagome asked.
"I'm surprised that his soul hasn't left this world already. Humans are never strong enough to hold on to it," Sesshoumaru said gazing.
"But why is it still there," Kagome asked.
"It's calling to something," Sesshoumaru said.
"Calling to what," Kagome asked.
As soon as Kagome's words were spoken the floating white mass behind them flashed a luminous white in the pulsing motion of a heartbeat. Like a flash of lightning it zoomed across the open field to hover above Yashi. Its oval like shape slowly began to lengthen into an elongated mist that only seemed to cover half of Yashi's body. Slowly the mist began to sink into Yashi's body, mixing with the barrier like glow around Yashi's body.
"No it can't be," Sesshoumaru, said, his eyes wide as he ran towards Yashi, "I must stop this from happening."
'Stop what,' Kagome thought.
The misty like barrier surrounding Yashi slowly began to fade as the white mist made its last decent into Yashi's body. A solid flash of white light shot out from his body as the two souls combined inside of him, blinding Sesshoumaru and Kagome. The last thing Kagome saw as she fell to her knees was a pallid wall of energy expanding quickly over the field towards her.
Kagome kneeled on the ground, her eyes in a blur. The impact from the energy blast had been too much for her. Finding her strength Kagome staggered up onto her legs. Wobbling a little she found herself looking up into the alarmed face of Sesshoumaru. His skin had gone starch white and small beads of sweat had begun to form. His eyes were wide as he looked beyond Kagome but his hand was outstretched to pull her to his side.
"Don't touch her," a rough voice said.
Kagome's eyes widened, 'That voice.'
Slowly Kagome turned to look at who had just spoken. Her eyes widened with shock as she looked at him.
'Yashi . . . no it can't be . . . Inuyasha?' Kagome questioned.
There in front of her knelt what was once Yashi. His once black hair was now silver and his human ears were replaced by the two dog ones Inuyasha had once had. His eyes were still closed and his fingers were lined with claws. The cuts on Yashi's stomach were now gone, looking like they had never been there and his skin had a golden glow to it. A slight growl pushed past Sesshoumaru's lips as he stared at him.
"Go back to your grave," Sesshoumaru yelled as he charged him.
Yashi's eyes flickered open, the gold color making shivers run down Kagome's spine. "Inuyasha . . . is it really you" Kagome gasped as she fell to her knees. A smile dashed across Inuyasha's lips as he watched Sesshoumaru come nearer. Slowly Inuyasha's hand rose to his chest. Slightly dried blood dripped from his fingers as he flexed them.
"BLADES OF BLOOD," Yashi shouted as he slashed at Sesshoumaru.
Kagome watched as the blades hit Sesshoumaru in the chest making him fall back onto the ground. Quickly jumping to his feet Sesshoumaru stared down at his chest, his armor shattered leaving his clothed chest without protection.
"I see now what game you were playing Inuyasha, before you died," Sesshoumaru said looking up to stare at nothing.
Sesshoumaru's eyes looked quickly around the field, searching for Inuyasha.
Inuyasha gripped the unsheathed Tetsaigua in his hands. The cool hilt felt good in his hands again. His hold tightened as Sesshoumaru walked towards him, calm and slow.
"Just because you look like my brother and can do a useless technique doesn't mean you can transform Tetsaigua," Sesshoumaru said glaring.
"We'll see about that," Inuyasha said.
Inuyasha pulled Tetsaigua from its sheath. The cold worn metal of the sword remained the same.
"You see," Sesshoumaru said smiling.
Inuyasha stared down at the sword. He could feel the sword grow hot as a strong pulse shook his hands. The sword was beginning to awaken from its years of rest. Slowly the tip began to grow into a fang like shape. The blade shown like it was new and the hilt grew to fit Inuyasha's hands.
Kagome watched silently from the middle of the field. Had Inuyasha come back? Or was it just Yashi pretending the best he could? All of a sudden a soft glow caught the corner of her eye.
Slowly Kagome reached and picked up the jewel that had opened the door. The cavity inside quickly pulsed a luminous yellow. As Kagome stared at the jewel the last memory she had of Inuyasha came back to her.
-------------"I have something for you," Inuyasha said pulling something out of his Kimono.
Kagome looked at the object that hung from Inuyasha's hand. Her eyes followed the chain down to a dark gold crystal. Light could be seen from inside that went off and on, equivalent to Inuyasha's heartbeat.
"As long as the light is inside, I will be alive," Inuyasha said.
Kagome took it from Inuyasha's hand and stared at it. -------------
Kagome's hands began to shake as she watch the light inside go off and on. Just like it had done so long ago. 'Inuyasha's heart beat! So Yashi must be Inuyasha,' kagome thought looking up at the struggling demons.
Inuyasha lay on the ground with Sesshoumaru pushing hard against him. The only thing keeping Inuyasha from Sesshoumaru's claws was the Tetsaigua. Kagome could see the slight shake of Inuyasha's wrists as his strength started to give. With one great surge of energy Inuyasha pushed Tetsaigua, throwing Sesshoumaru backwards.
"Still the weak half breed you always were," Sesshoumaru hissed.
"Still the asshole YOU always were," Inuyasha hissed back, pointing Tetsaigua at Sesshoumaru as he spoke.
Sesshoumaru only glared as he charged again. Quickly Inuyasha dodged.
"I don't want to kill you," Inuyasha said.
"That's a pity because one of us has to leave here dead," Sesshoumaru said wittingly.
Sesshoumaru remembered how slow and weak his brother had been. Looking at him now he wondered where this newfound speed and strength was coming from. Slowly he reached for the hilt of his sword, Toukijin, the one whose blade was forged from the head that had once broke the strong blade of Tetsaigua. Inuyasha readied himself.
Sesshoumaru ran at Inuyasha full force with Toukijin's point aimed for his midsection. Inuyasha smiled as he remembered the time he had almost killed Sesshoumaru with Tetsaigua. Smiling Inuyasha pulled his sword from its sheath. Quickly he moved into the same position he had used long ago. Inuyasha's eyes searched the area to where the two powers crossed. 'There it is' Inuyasha thought.
Raising his sword Inuyasha yelled, "Kaze no Kizu!"
Tetsaigua's power enveloped Sesshoumaru completely, ripping at his clothes. Just as Inuyasha had planned, Tensaigua awakened once again to safe its master. A black light then encased Sesshoumaru and he was gone from Tetsaigua's power. The wind around them died down as Sesshoumaru disappeared into the black light. Inuyasha loosened his grip on Tetsaigua and rested it on his shoulder. He could still feel Sesshoumaru's presence around him.
The wind began to turn again. Inuyasha sniffed the air lightly and turned. The black light formed at the end of the field plopping Sesshoumaru down into the grass.
"Even the power of Tensaigua couldn't even get him out of this place . . ." Inuyasha said looking.
Sesshoumaru lay at the far end of the field unconscious. Slowly Inuyasha walked up to Kagome and pulled her up to her feet. The glow around him was slowly beginning to fade.
"Inuyasha . . ." Kagome gasped, tears forming in her eyes as she looked at him.
"I don't have much time left," Inuyasha said softly.
Kagome didn't say anything but fell into Inuyasha's arms. Tears were streaming down her face and into his shirt.
"I finally get you back and now you have to leave me again," Kagome cried.
"Kagome, I will always be here. You see, Yashi is me and I am Yashi," Inuyasha said stroking the back of Kagome's head lightly and smiling.
"What," Kagome questioned between sobs.
"As Yashi laid there, dying, his soul called to mine. With our souls combined we were both able to live as one," Inuyasha said.
"You mean you knew this was going to happen all along!" Kagome said.
"Yes," Inuyasha said.
"But how will I know your there and its just not Yashi," Kagome asked.
"Trust me you'll know," Inuyasha said stepping out of Kagome's embrace, "I have to go now."
As if it was never there the milky white glow slowly faded into his skin. As the last light disappeared Yashi feel to his knees, his breathing deep. Swaying a little Yashi managed to stand. His skin was pale and small droplets of sweat had formed.
Yashi looked down at his claws, flexing them. He could feel the demon blood flowing through him. Looking up he smiled at Kagome. He knew what he had become. Inuyasha's soul had awoken the demon blood that had remained dormant within him throughout his life.
"Are you alright kagome," Yashi asked.
Kagome's eyes widened. Yashi's voice was no longer his own but Inuyasha's. Neither was his appearance. Yashi looked like an exact mirror image of Inuyasha. Kagome looked down at the jewel that was still tightly held in her hand. The light inside still pulsed.
"I'll be alright," Kagome said softly.
As if on cue the black portal formed once again at the far end of the field.
"We should be leaving," Yashi said tying Tetsaigua onto his waste and turning to leave.
Kagome nodded her head in agreement and followed.
"Wait," Kagome said before Yashi jumped into the portal.
"We just can't leave your brother . . . err . . . Sesshoumaru," Kagome said a little confused, "Think about Rin."
"Rin?" Yashi questioned trying to remember where he heard that name before, "oh you mean that little girl that follows him around."
"Yes, well she's not so little anymore," Kagome said a little surprised, "how did you know?"
"Inuyasha," Yashi said as he walked over to Sesshoumaru.
Yashi could only remember bits and pieces of the fight. It was like watching a movie in his head. The thing the stuck out the most in his memory, though, was the sensation. It was like being a prisoner of your own body, watching as someone else commanded it without you having any say in what you did.
Everything seemed to be a lot easier as a demon. Even Sesshoumaru, who would have been heavy to a human, was light as Yashi picked him up and draped him over his shoulder. Sesshoumaru's open wounds were starting to clot and close and color was returning to his face. Soon he would be awake. Walking over Yashi hugged Kagome's hip against his.
Carrying Sesshoumaru with one hand and Kagome with the other Yashi leapt into the wide portal.
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On the other side, Yashi placed Sesshoumaru down next to the rock where he had been, with what seemed months ago. The sun was just beginning to sink against the rock wall surrounding the forest. The glowing dog on the tree began to fade into the bark. Yashi watched as it disappeared, just like it had never been there. It was no longer needed, no longer needed to protect what was beyond it. That is not until next time. Kagome held her hand over heart as she thought about Kouga. How would they ever be able to find him in the dark? What if he was dead?
"He should be waking up soon and I don't think we want to be here when he does," Yashi said turning to Kagome.
Something rustled in the bushes ahead. Kagome's heart skipped a beat from what emerged. Yashi readied himself, his claws flexed.
Kouga limped out from the bushes. Blood flowed freely from the side of his mouth. His left eye was already bruising and cuts and scratches had formed all over his body.
"Kouga," Kagome gasped as she ran to support him, "Are you ok?"
Kouga slightly fell into Kagome's opened arms as she ran up to him.
"A couple of broken ribs and few scratches, not enough to keep this wolf down," Kouga said smiling as he slid from Kagome's arms to the ground.
"Feh, admit it you hurt all over," Yashi said.
No answer came as Kouga fell into unconsciousness. Inuyasha picked him up and draped him over his shoulder like he had carried Sesshoumaru.
"Lets go home," Yashi said as he and Kagome walked into the final rays of the setting sun.
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Kagome ran into Kaede's village at top speed with a smile on her face. She was happy to see her friends again and to see that Sango was all right. Sango sat outside in the sun, her body stiff with bandages. Miroku sat besides her feeding her with Shippo at his side.
"Miroku . . . Sango!!" Kagome yelled with her arms open.
Miroku stood to give Kagome a hug.
Yashi walked slowly into the village. Children hid behind their parents as he walked by. The old men and women only looked in awe as a hanyou back from the dead walked into their village once again.
Yashi smelled the air. The smell of fresh and old fish filled the air. It was more intense now.
Kouga let out a small whine-he was starting to wake up. Yashi placed him down against the wall of the hut to be propped up and so the sun could warm him. Yashi then looked over to Miroku. His mouth was open and the bowl that he was holding in his hands was slightly tipped, pouring its contents onto Sango's lap. Her eyes began to get their irritated look to them.
WHAP
"LOOK WHERE YOU POURING THAT!!" Sango yelled smacking Miroku the highest she could.
Yashi laughed. True he had seen this all before but it was Inuyasha's memories that gave him his amusement.
Miroku hesitated before he spoke. "How did you . . ."
Yashi just smiled. Not even he knew the answer to that. Perhaps Inuyasha had foreseen it or perhaps it was just fate.
"So what are you going to do now? Will you go home?" Kouga asked. He had been awake the whole time-enjoying making Yashi work harder to get them all back.
"Home?" Yashi thought deeply of it. The place where he felt he didn't belong, "No there is nothing for me there. I suppose I will stay here . . .
. . . . . . . . .Just like I always have."
-------------------------------------------------------- OK people it is done...hehe not to well either. But anyways what's done is done and I think this fic came out all right in the end, right? Well it's off to writing my other fics-like I should have done like half a year ago or more sweat drop
BYEZ!!!!!! Look out for more fics by me or the ones I am currently writing!! HH