To Protect the One I Love

Author's Notes:  This series seems to have a lot of people raving about it and I'm glad.  I know the defeat of Naraku seems the main plot, but it's not.  This chapter may be PG-13 for sexual suggestion, but I'll keep it clean, so no worries.

Chapter Two: Lust for Power

            Inuyasha groaned as he lifted himself off the stone floor.  Cracking his neck he felt as though he had just woken up from a long night's rest.  Then it all hit him.

            Onigumo…Kagome!

            His golden eyes flashed back and forth and much to his horror, there was no Kagome.  "Kuso!  That bastard won't get away with this!  I'm going to hang him by his god-damn guts!"  Inuyasha shot down the passageway, following Kagome's distinctive smell.  He was traveling faster than he could ever remember, but it didn't seem fast enough.

            She had been so nice to him, always been there for him, and now she was facing a danger no one should ever have to face.  If he didn't get there in time…

            No!  I can't think like that!  I have to make it!  I won't forgive myself if something happens to her!  He barreled around the corner, actually running along the wall as he did so instead of the floor.  Kagome…just wait for me!  I'm coming!

* * *

            Kagome was still unconscious when Onigumo used magical restraints to lock her up to one of the cave's walls.  He had found a large open area where he could enjoy his toy in private.  That little hanyou hadn't been any trouble and now Kagome was his.

            He walked up to her and gently ran his hand down her cheek, along her chin, down to her exposed neck…

            Leaning forward, he deeply inhaled her scent and buried his face in her hair.  The euphoric effects amplified and Onigumo had trouble holding himself back.  Part of him wanted her to be awake for it, so she could resist and in doing so make it more fun for him.

            As he pulled back from her luscious locks he flicked his tongue out and ran it across her skin, tasting the sweet flesh that covered every inch of her.  But he would get to it all in due time.  For now, her neck was most appetizing, so he brought her closer with one hand and continued his fantasy with his tongue, running it just behind her ear.

            Kagome closed her eyes tighter, trying to shield herself from the shivers that ran through her body.  She felt something wet snake across her neck and it made her feel sick.  Opening her eyes, she screamed when she saw Onigumo's face inches from hers, his hand securely behind her head, keeping her in place.

            His other hand came up and clamped her mouth shut, a perverted smile on his face.  Kagome tried to pull away, but she found she was restrained at the ankles and wrists.  There was no running away.  Oh no!  What did he do while I was out?  Oh my god I have to get out of here!

            "Kagome…sweet sweet Kagome.  Are you surprised?  I know its not much, but things will get much more interesting for us in a little bit."  He smelled her hair again and moved away, still covering her mouth.

            Kagome's body nearly shook with fear and tears fell down her eyes in streams.  In all of her encounters in feudal Japan, none of the demons ever wanted to do this to her.  They all wanted to kill her, which right now seemed a better alternative than being taken by something as disgusting as him.

            She tried to shake her mouth free, wanting nothing more than to scream out for Inuyasha, to have him vaporize Onigumo right before her eyes and get her the hell out of there.  Inuyasha…I know I'm always putting myself into danger and you always risk your life to save mine, but now I need you more than ever!  Don't let him do this to me!

            "Your fear is as intoxicating as your smell.  Fear me more.  I like it."  Onigumo purred.

            Anger flashed in Kagome's eyes and she opened her mouth, biting down as hard as she could.  Onigumo pulled back his hand in shock and pain and that was all she needed.

            "INUYASHA!!!" 

            Onigumo's eyes flashed red and he backhanded Kagome across the face, sending her reeling almost into unconsciousness again.  "I hope I don't have to remind you who your master is again.  Do not anger me, or the consequences will be far more severe."  He growled.

            Reaching forward, he pinched her windpipe in such a manner than the nerves were damaged and Kagome's voice came out as a painful croaking sound.  She winced in growing pain, the tears coming anew once more.

            He grabbed her chest and squeezed harshly, causing her to cry out, but the sound made her throat hurt worse, so she clenched her teeth against the fear and pain.

            "You are mine!  Understand?  I will do what I want with you, when I want.  You are the only thing I've been able to think about while Naraku kept me away in his dark core.  My inner most desires kept him from hurting you before, but now I have you."

            Onigumo moved another hand forward, this time down underneath Kagome's skirt.  Even though she was on the brink of being consumed by darkness and faded into unconsciousness again, Kagome summoned as much of her miko powers as she could and created a small barrier around her body.

            Onigumo's hand was electicuted and he had to pull it back hastily.  "What's this!?"  He said angrily.  Reaching forward again, Onigumo was surprised when he couldn't penetrate the barrier.  How can this girl produce such a powerful shield when she's barely awake!?

* * *

            Kagome's scream easily reached Inuyasha's sensitive ears and the sound made his stomach lurch to his feet and back again.  "Kagome!" 

            Growling, he was through trying to find his way to her.  The passageways seemed to send him in circles and because of the echoes, he wouldn't be able to find her with her scream.  He reached to his side and pulled Tetsusaiga from its sheath, the rusty sword instantly transforming into the demon fang.  He ran it into the floor, where it embedded itself a good foot or more and got down on one knee.

            I did this with Sesshoumaru one time, so I think I can do it again.  Although there wasn't enough room to swing Tetsusaiga, Inuyasha was sure he could call upon Kazu no Kizu and break through the rock.  He would rather take his chances surviving a cave-in than allowing Kagome to fall to the hands of Onigumo.

            He wrapped both hands around the hilt and closed his eyes.  Father, this sword was originally forged by your great fang and protected by a barrier so only I would be able to use it.  You had it made so when I was protecting humans, it would unleash a great power that no one, human or demon alike, would be able to stand up against.  It took me awhile, but now I know what you felt for Mother and I see that loving humans isn't a weakness its what makes me stronger.

            But now that isn't enough!  The one I love is in danger and I have to protect her!  Please, if you can hear me, grant me the power to find her!  Unleash it now, so that I can save Kagome!!!

            Tetsusaiga glowed a bright yellow and Kazu no Kizu began to form around the shimmering blade.   Inuyasha poured his own heart and soul into the weapon and kept one face fresh in his mind. 

            KAGOME!!!

            Immense power erupted from the demon fang and a straight wind scar erupted in front of him.  It flew right through the rock, making a large hole, and kept going, almost creating an entirely new tunnel.  It curved and went sideways, leading the hanyou right to where he wanted to go.

            Inuyasha leapt to his feet and was amazed when he saw the sight before him.  Not only had Tetsusaiga opened a path, it opened a large path- a good six-foot wide arch that disintegrated all the rock into nothing more than dust.

            He now had enough room to run with Tetsusaiga out of its sheath and that was exactly what he was going to do.  He dashed down the halls, following the jagged path set out by his father.  Never before had Kazu no Kizu reacted this way before.  It always shot forward in four or five lines, heading straight towards his enemy- whatever that may be.  But now, it flew as curved as a river and he knew what he would find at the end.

            Arigatou Father. 

* * *

            Sango held her hands in front of her and prayed as Miroku finished the protection spell over the grave.  No demon or human would harm Kohaku anytime soon.  When she had time later, she would come and bury him with the rest of her family.

            This is the best I can do for you now, Kohaku.  Watch over me as I fight Naraku.  For you, for everyone, this is something I have to do.  If I should die, I pray that you will welcome me into your arms and together we will live for all eternally.

            When Miroku had finished his spell, Sango thought they were done, but then the monk got down on his hands and knees and bent down even lower until his forehead met the soft forest earth.  "Kohaku, until the fates decide Sango's destiny, I promise to protect her with my life and I assure you no harm will come to her as long as I am by her side.  May you rest in peace and know she will be safe."

            Sango was shocked.  "Houshi-sama…"

            Miroku didn't answer her.  He simply got up and held out a hand to Sango.  "Shall we go?"  He smiled and Sango couldn't help but feel touched by his words.

            "H-hai." 

            Both adults got up and mounted Kirara, behind where Shippo was already sitting.  "Are we going to go find Kagome and Inuyasha now?"  He asked.

            Sango nodded seriously.  "They've been gone too long."

            "I think Kagura was just sent to stall us and keep us away from Naraku."  Miroku deduced.

            Sango nodded. "Let's go.  Kirara!"

            Kirara roared and took off into the sky.  Their friends could be in even more danger and they had to help them.

* * *

            The wall exploded where Inuyasha's Kazu no Kizu ripped through the wall right towards Kagome and Onigumo.  Onigumo was completely caught off guard by this and had to jump back from Kagome to avoid the hit. 

Miraculously, none of the attack even scratched Kagome.  She remained against the wall with her head slumped down loosely.  She had trouble staying awake but she knew she had to.

"Onigumo!!"  Inuyasha jumped through the newly opened hole, just as the yellow wind scar faded away.  His keen eyes immediately caught sight of Kagome and a new rage filled his veins when he saw the bluish mark forming on her cheek and the redness around her throat.  "Don't you dare touch her!!"  He growled.

"Inuyasha?"  Onigumo seemed surprised to see the half-breed.  "Have you come to take my Kagome back?"

Inuyasha held Tetsusaiga in front of him defiantly.  "She was never yours to being with!"  He corrected the demon-leech. 

Onigumo smirked, "Inuyasha, even if you are half human, I would think you smart enough to remember our last encounter."

Inuyasha's grip unconsciously tightened on Tetsusaiga's hilt.  He's right.  Since Onigumo is the connecting force of all the demons Naraku absorbs, he can take almost any one of those forms!  Plus he can regenerate at an alarming rate.  Damn it!  "Feh, I've learned a few new tricks since then."  Inuyasha replied, keeping up his stronger exterior.  Although that may be true, I can't use Bakuryuuha until he comes at me with an energy attack and last time, he did nothing but physical attacks!  I won't be able to hit him back with anything!

"Oh?  Well, so have I."  Onigumo's arms extended and became vine-like with three large spikes sticking out of each one.  "How about this?"  He lashed out with one arm, but Inuyasha easily jumped above it.  So, the demon countered with his other arm, swatting the hanyou out of the sky and drove him into the ground.

Kagome saw this and tried to call out to her protector.  "I…Inu…yasha…" No use.  Her throat was still damaged.

"Eat this!"  Inuyasha jumped back into the air.  "Kazu no Kizu!!"  Four slashes flew from Tetsusaiga and slammed across Onigumo's body, shedding it into pieces.  All of the parts that were Onigumo were unrecognizable, except for the pulsating red lump of flesh that seemed to call the rest towards it.

"Oh no you don't!"  Inuyasha rushed forward, Tetsusaiga ready at hand.  He and Miroku had long discovered that Onigumo's weakness was his heart.  He lunged forward but was a moment too late.  Half of Onigumo's torso had already reconstructed and his arm slapped Inuyasha into the cavern wall.

A deep impression was all that was left when Inuyasha slumped to the floor dazed.

Onigumo's body began to form four legs instead of two, but his arms and torso remained the same.  When he finished, a new-improved Onigumo rose to greet Inuyasha.  The bottom part of his form was that of a black horse with strong muscular legs and hooves.  His torso was humanoid and his head grew 2 large bull-like horns.

"Do you like me now, Inuyasha?"  He taunted.

Inuyasha held Tetsusaiga in front of him.  "Feh, you're just as ugly as before!"  He ran forward and used the whip that Onigumo sent his way as leverage, running along it to Onigumo's shoulder, then came down on his back from above.  "Now I've got you!"

Onigumo unexpectedly began bucking wildly and Inuyasha had trouble hanging on.  Onigumo got him far enough back that he bucked once last time and used his hind legs to kick Inuyasha all the way across the cavern.

Inuyasha's head hit a column of stone hanging from the ceiling and sent the hanyou into unconsciousness…

Inuyasha…

His dog-ears picked up the sound but he couldn't remember who it was…

Inuyasha…

            He opened his golden eyes and saw nothing but darkness all around him.  He shivered at the chills he got from the frozen void that seemed to go on forever.

            Then, a pale hand came down in front of his face.  He looked up in curiosity and saw a smiling girl with the scent of lavender and hair as dark as night.

            "Come on."  She said gently.

            He took her offered hand and stood up.  This girl's radiating pink aura was gentle and comforting to him.  It also resonated an undeniable warmth that soothed him further.  It seemed so familiar…

            "Who…who are you?"  He asked.

            She looked out into the darkness and glanced up, as if she were on a cliff admiring the sky's beauty.  "Inuyasha," she asked.  "Do you have something you want to protect more than anything?"

            "Protect?"  He blinked in confusion.

            She turned her head to him.  "Something you never want to go away?"

            He did, but right now he didn't know what that was.  But he knew it was something he would die for.  No, not something but someone.  Slowly, he nodded to the girl.

            She looked back into the darkness with a smile and wind seemed to come from nowhere, blowing her hair to the side and giving her an angelic look.  "Me too."  She finally turned to him and closed her eyes, smiling even more.  "So let's never say goodbye Inuyasha.  Don't ever leave me.  Promise?

            Suddenly it all came back to him.  All the memories and joys this girl, Kagome, had brought to him with her cheerful and loving personality.  All the changes she unknowingly brought out in him, just for always being there when he needed her.  "K-Kagome!"  He reached out, only to have his hand go through her.

            She turned to him, not noticing his reaction and held out her pinky.  "Promise?"

            When Inuyasha opened his eyes again, he was back in the cavern and Onigumo was on the far side.  Glancing over at Kagome, she looked almost unconscious but he could see her eyes were opened just a slit, but they were dull and seemed to stare out in space.  Inuyasha's head hurt, but he forced himself to his feet and faced Onigumo's new form once more.  I can't keep going on like this.  I have to take him out and the only sure way is by using Bakuryuuha.  I have to get him to use an energy attack but how?

            Then an idea came to him.  Every demon's weakness was their pride, even Inuyasha fell victim to it once in a while.  Okay okay, more than once in a while.  A lot.  But the point is if I can get Onigumo mad enough, he may fire an energy attack without thinking!  Yosh, time to test it out!

            "Oi, Onigumo, how do you like being Naraku's pet?"  He taunted.

            Onigumo frowned, "Nani?"

            "Yeah, I mean you're just one of hundreds of youkai he absorbed to become stronger.  I would think the weak demons were too much of a parasite to keep with him, so it spat you back out."  Come on, I know you can attack me with something.  Do it!

            Onigumo's eyes flashed red again and he growled with anger.  His entire form began to resonate with growing energy.  "I'll show you whose weak, hanyou!!"

            Inuyasha got ready and braced himself.  Here it comes…

* * *

            Naraku saw all this through Kanna's mirror and scoffed.  "That fool.  If he attacks Inuyasha, he'll easily be destroyed."  He turned his head away.  "Kanna, Kagura has not yet returned.  Go and find out where she is.  Kohaku has been lost, along with the jewel he possessed.  I demand to know why."

            "Yes, Naraku."  Kanna said slowly, walking down one of the passageways that lead out of the labyrinth. 

            Naraku narrowed his eyes.  That woman had better not think of betraying me again.  She has been more trouble than she's worth…Inuyasha…I will not be stopped by a hanyou and a mere miko.  I am Naraku!  The most powerful demon ever!  He chuckled maniacally until it broke into a hysterical laughter.  Yes, the final battle was at hand…

Author's notes:   Ha ha ha!!  Cliffhanger!!  Besides that, I am really proud with this chapter in the fact that I felt I kept true not only to the characters, but also to the essence of Inuyasha.  One could read this and actually imagine it as an episode, which is what I want to come out of this.  I want it to be believable.  I know a lot of author's aren't good at writing battles, but I feel this one is cooking up.  Can't wait to see how it ends!  Oh wait…I already know!  Ha ha ha!!!