The hunters were once again on the move. Sesshomaru was concerned about the lost time spent chasing the wolves. His pace proved to be a little faster that everyone else felt comfortable with, especially Jaken. The little toad grumbled occasionally, but quickly clamped his mouth shut by a sharp look from his lord.
As nightfall approached they were happy to have passed a group of humans who reported they were once youkai. At first sight, it looked as though they were going to turn and flee from the approaching group, but as they got closer a woman from the back stepped forward and kneeled at Sesshomaru's feet.
"My Lord, if it pleases you?" the woman asked.
"Speak your piece wench," was Sesshomaru's reply.
"My Lord, I used to be in your service some time ago. I was a youkai named Misaki who only left your great lordships employ to be wed to my husband from the North," She looked to Sesshomaru, who nodded for her to proceed. "My lord we need your help. Something is attacking the youkai. Just yesterday my husband and I revived from a two day sleep. The creature's bite has turned us into humans! As we ventured out we found that our kinsman here, she pointed to the others, suffered the same fate. As youkai, we were capable of protecting ourselves, but now we are at the mercy of any who might see fit to do us harm."
Sesshomaru considered the woman's words and felt an obligation to assist her and her companions since she once was a member of his staff. He remembered the girl, she was a loyal hard worker, who cried when she told him she would be leaving. He reached in his pouch and pulled a few gold pieces. "Stay on this path. Use the coin to purchase suitable swords for your men. Go to Inuyasha's forest. There is an old priestess called Kaede. Inform her that I have sent you. There you will await my return." He turned and joined Kagome as she searched for an adequate place for the humans in their group to rest for the evening.
"Miko, this concerns me. I feel the beast is near. I am almost sure that I smell Nuraku on occasion," Sesshomaru voiced his concern to his mate.
Feeling his anxiousness, Kagome placed her hand on his in an attempt to calm him, "Don't worry. Everything will work out."
Her cheery demeanor failed to lay his fears to rest. How could he explain what he felt? If the beast sought them out, Kagome could be bitten once more. Would she turn back into a human? Could that happen? The same thought kept creeping into his mind. What if this thing attacked her again?
Somehow this little vixen stole his heart before he knew what happened. His casual interest in her as a female youkai became so much more so quickly. The feisty attitude, loyalty, honor and fearless strength combined with a heart of pure gold was a rarity he knew he would never find again. He actually felt the stirrings of something unknown to him. 'Is it fear?'
Sesshomaru understood all to well that the traits with which he regarded his mate were from the inside of his little miko. Her power as a youkai really had no bearing on the love he developed for her. If she were made human once more he would still love her. What he was afraid of... was losing her.
A human's lifetime is but the blink of an eye for a youkai. How could he face a life of eternity after his beautiful miko was taken from him after only just finding her? He began to understand a little of what had possessed his father when he took Inuyasha's mother as a mate. He also began to see a little the torment he went through because of it.
Kagome could see that Sesshomaru was in deep thought. She too, felt Nuraku's evil presence. The hair on her neck had been standing out for the past two kilometers. Nuraku was up to something... but what?
The human's were tired from the day's travels and everyone settled down for a rest. Sesshomaru, once again, placed Jaken in charge of standing close guard. This task always made him feel trusted and useful to his lordship, even though he thought it boring.
The tall demon lord led his new mate away from the sleeping group. They strolled hand in hand underneath the full moonlight until they found a small clearing covered in little yellow flowers. Kagome made a note to bring Rin here in the morning to pick some flowers. She followed her mate to the center, where he motioned for her to lie down.
She followed his direction and was pleased when he gracefully lowered himself beside her. Lovingly he nuzzled her neck while he playfully nipped at his mark. She stared up at him as he gazed deep into her eyes. He seemed to be trying to memorize her every feature. Slowly he ran his finger down her neck to trace her skin along the edge of her top. She pulled up her hand to pull his lips to her own.
The kiss was magical, and both relished the passion that threatened to break free. Suddenly Sesshomaru froze. He picked his head up slightly and placed his finger over Kagome's lips. Something made a sound. He tried to determine if it were to merit his attention. He closed his eyes and focused once more. He heard it again... very close.
Kagome never seen him move. Before she knew what happened he struck the ground about 5 meters to the right with his whip. The ground tore apart and a strange shriek could be heard. In only a second she stood by his side looking down on what appeared to be a huge spider, of sorts. Of course it was hard to tell since Sesshomaru had just mutilated it. Several pieces lay scattered about, but she was sure the legs looked like those of an overly large hairy spider. She watched as he knelt down and sniffed at the thing.
"It carries no scent," he announced.
Kagome bent to look closer at the pile of flesh. "Yuck. That's just gross," she barked.
Sesshomaru gave her his usual look of puzzlement, "You say the strangest things woman."
She gave a half-hearted laugh and replied, "Wait till you meet my folks."
Together they determined that this must have been the creature that held every youkai in fear. Sesshomaru was relieved that the beast had been easy prey. He stood and escorted his mate back towards camp. The others will be glad to know the creature had met its end tonight.
Kagome was happy that the beast was no more than a bad memory. If only they had been able to catch up with it sooner. They could have saved the other youkai, who were not quite so lucky. She leaned over to give her hero a kiss. From the corner of her eye she thought she saw movement. Not wanting to alarm him needlessly... or scare off whatever she thought she saw, she pretended nothing was wrong.
Sesshomaru leaned in to accept the kiss offered him, but was completely taken by surprise when she suddenly used his shoulder to spring her self over his back.
Kagome was very sure, now of what she seen, and there was no time to waste. Once her hand left her mates shoulder she hurled herself gracefully into an airborne flip. As she headed to the ground she flicked her out her razor sharp claws. With a horizontal swipe she sliced the spiderling into shreds.
Sesshomaru stood in awe of his mate's agility and precision. Her talents blossomed with each passing day. The arachnid lay at his feet, proof of her warrior spirit. He raised his head to praise her, but instead he had to laugh. She stood there gagging and trying to wipe the guts of her prey from her claws.
"Oh this is so gross!" Kagome said as she grabbed some leaves from the tree to wipe over her claws. "There's no way I'm retracting them with all this gunk still stuck on 'em!" She looked at Sesshomaru briefly, in wonder that he was actually laughing, and then in mock anger since he seemed to be amused at her distress.
After giving up Kagome turned her attention back to the creature. "Could there have been two?"
Sesshomaru leaned close and poked at the things flesh. That's when he noticed it bubble. Then another. They both stepped back in shock as the thing began to fuse back together.
"Oh Kami, said Kagome, it's just like Muso." She looked to her spouse who asked her, "Who is Muso?" Kagome quickly told him of the offspring of Nuraku known as Muso. "He could regenerate his body!" she said with a touch of fear in her voice.
"I shall slay it until it ceases to regenerate," the demon lord said. Kagome made a 'humph' noise which prompted him to glance at her curiously.
"That's exactly what Inuyasha said," she began. The flash of anger on his face spoke louder than words. Of course he wouldn't let it lie at that.
"Do not make the mistake of comparing me to Inuyasha again," his voice carried the warning with an undertone of disgust.
"I'm only telling the truth. Inuyasha attacked Muso over and over again. Each time he was destroyed he came back to life. Finally he mastered his regenerative abilities to almost succeed in killing Inuyasha," she explained urgently.
"Humph. I should have been so lucky. How then was this Muso defeated," Sesshomaru asked.
"He wasn't," Came a voice, which seeped loathing and evil.
Sesshomaru and Kagome swung around to face Nuraku. Once in their sights he relinquished the spell, which he used to hide his scent. Kagome almost choked as the sickening stench of the hanyou pierced her nose. "Jeez, no wonder Inuyasha hates you so much... you reek!" she spat at him.
Nuraku only laughed in reply to the foolish Miko. His attention was averted by the fast approaching taijiya and houshi. "Ah, it is once again a pleasure to see you all. Where is Inuyasha? Is he enjoying his mortality?"
Kagome stepped forward in anger at the half breeds remark, but Sesshomaru quickly pushed her back. He'd been keeping his eye on the filthy spiderling. Its moment of regeneration was coming close to completion. Slowly he pressed her toward the monk who had his gaze locked on Nuraku.
Miroku's heart was beating frantically. He never expected Nuraku to come to them. His foul aura woke him from a nice dream. One with these two lovely.... Not now! He switched quickly back to focus on the source of his life's torment. "What brings you here Nuraku?"
"Hello Monk. I see you have yet to follow your father into the void," the half demon jibed. "I simply came to retrieve something that belongs to me," his gaze fell on the spiderling, but it no longer lay there. Quickly he searched the ground. 'Damn the thing has escaped me once more.'
Nuraku may not have noticed the creature as it became whole. He apparently missed it as well, when it slithered away, but Sesshomaru did. He had it in his sights and watched as it did the most unusual thing. It had circled around behind Nuraku.
"Sango you are looking lovely, as well. I will give your regards to your brother, he is currently guarding a traitor," his words sent fire through the demon slayer. He could absolutely smell it. "Careful Sango, your temper is getting the best of you. Besides, only I save your brother from his nightmares."
Sango could barely contain herself at his arrogance, "How dare you, you filthy trash. You are my brothers nightmare!" She made to attack, but a quick glance to Kagome brought her to Sesshomaru's eyes. Something in them said to hold. She stood down and waited ready to get on with it.
Just as Nuraku began laughing at her, the evil noise ceased. He swiftly turned to reach around to his leg.
Sesshomaru witnessed the entire thing. He watched as the Kyoufu Akuma stalked it's prey. The look on Nuraku's face was enough to laugh at, which he did. "It seems, Nuraku, that you have been bested by your own offspring."
Kagome and the others could not believe what just happened. They were so focused on Nuraku, that they paid little attention to his offspring. Sesshomaru's words clarified why the hanyou had an angry and confused look on his face. They could hardly contain their amusement at his sudden distress.
All hell broke lose as the realization hit him full force. His own offspring had bitten him! "You dare to think you can best this Nuraku!" With a blink of an eye eight tentacles lashed out from the bottom of the white baboon pelt. As he lifted himself up eight more thrust their way free. His disgusting true form grew to enormous proportions.
The group of onlookers were quick to react. They leapt free of the thrashing legs and prepared for the battle. Sesshomaru drew Tokijin. Miroku began to unleash his kazanna when the sound of Nuraku's damnable insects began to ring in his ears. Sango immediately latched on to his arm and silently begged him to hold his wind tunnel. After she was assured he wouldn't place himself in undue harm she stepped back and released her weapon. Nuraku lost two huge extensions, but miraculously they began to reconnect.
Kagome couldn't believe their bad luck. She should have guessed Nuraku possessed reconstructive abilities as well. 'How are we going to kill him?" Her mind raced frantically. As she prepared to send her own attack she was stopped as Nuraku faltered. He almost collapsed, then rose again as if nothing happened.
Sesshomaru took Nuraku's momentary weakness as the perfect opportunity to land his own attack. With a mighty blast from the demon sword, Tokijin, he crippled the monstrous form. To his distress he looked down to see the fallen pieces of Nuraku beginning to cling to his legs. "I will have your life Nuraku," the demon lord warned with slightly controlled fury. His strong words held little comfort to himself, as he had once before found himself in this mess. The last fight with the filthy hanyou almost proved to be his last, for every time he injured the beast the pieces of it's flesh clung to him until he was completely covered. He was loath to admit it, but if it were not for Inuyasha's interference, he may have been absorbed by the writhing scum.
Lord Sesshomaru glanced quickly to his mate. She was currently free of the parasitic flesh. He understood, and had to stop her before she landed a blow. "Kagome no!" She looked at him in confusion, but backed her energy back down. The exterminator was wailing on Nuraku as the monk fought the mass of tentacles by her side. He looked back at Kagome and pointed to his legs.
"Each time you strike his filth covers the youkai until he absorbs it," he wanted to tear the bastard apart when the look of terror settled on his miko's face. There had to be a way...
Nuraku was somewhat surprised that the priestess had not begun to attack. He eagerly went after her and the demon lord. Each strike of the demon's sword brought him closer to absorbing his power. If he could attain the power held in both the miko youkai and the taiyoukai he would be above all things. He began to thrust another wave toward the couple, when once again he felt a strange dizziness overtake him.
Nuraku knew at that moment that he was soon to lose consciousness. The only course of action is to absorb the Kyoufu Akuma back into his body. 'Once it is a part of me, I will again be resistant to its venom.'
Kagome seen the hanyou falter for the second time. Afterwards he seemed distracted from the fight. She gasped as he ripped through the cover of his precious baboon pelt. Underneath was his darkly handsome human body... from the waist up, anyway. His long ebony hair leapt about his trashing form. Sango got off a good blow and relieved him of two more writhing tentacles, which were already beginning to come together again.
Even the great wounds inflicted by the demon slayer's weapon did little to bring back Nuraku's attention. He was definitely distracted. Suddenly he announced, "There you are my pet!" A long narrow tentacle shot up into a tree a few dozen meters behind him. Nuraku had apparently caught the rebellious offspring and swiftly carted it back to him.
Sesshomaru had an uneasy feeling when Nuraku lost interest in the fight. He could not believe the hanyou would be so foolish as to take him for granted. When he realized Nuraku had his offspring he briefly wondered what he meant to do.
Kagome knew exactly what he meant to do! "Sesshomaru! Once he re-absorbs the spiderling he will be immune to its venom!"
Sesshomaru knew his disinterest meant something of importance. His complete understanding of the situation brought about an idea. He quickly pulled Kagome to him. "When Nuraku begins to absorb the beast, hit him with all you have, but do not fail to hit the mark!"
"What mark," she cried.
"The spider on his back. I believe it is the key," said the demon lord as he sliced through a group of tentacles headed straight at him.
Kagome leapt back as Sesshomaru thwarted the hanyou's renewed attack. She trusted him to protect her in order for her to focus. 'Hit him with all I have...' Kagome chanted the words of her lover as she watched the offspring began to melt into Nuraku's back. She saw her chance and drew on every cell in her body.
Sesshomaru watched from the corner of his eye as his mate pulled forth her power. Never before had he seen her exhibit this sort of charge. Her long silken tresses danced wildly about her as the air literally sparked and ignited. Her form glowed blindingly with the white light. When the huge cylinder of light came down from the heavens, his heart almost burst from his chest. He thought for sure she would be overwhelmed with the awesome force of it, but she was not. It circled her small form in a tornado of raw energy, which she suddenly released from her hands.
Kagome fought with everything she had to control the power. Her body felt as if it would explode with the slightest mistake on her part. When she was sure she could control it no more, she pushed with all her might. The sonic blast left her and met the scar on the middle of the evil hanyou's back. It hurled him backwards tearing through the forest. Every living thing in the trail of destruction was reduced to ash. Nuraku himself screamed out in pain cursing the miko until he drew his last breath before being reduced to dust.
Kagome collapsed, but was caught by her lover. He held her close as he praised her for her bravery and power. Slowly, using him for the strength that her legs lacked at the moment, Kagome made her way to the spot where the evil bastard fell. She looked around until she saw it... the Shikon No Tama. Even the energy of the heavens did not destroy the jewel. She bent and scooped it up, almost afraid that it would no longer purify since she was youkai.
Miroku watched in wonder as Kagome slew Nuraku, and as always she further amazed him when the jewel was purified with her touch. His friend is truly special. The monk looked down at his occurred hand, almost afraid to pull the prayer beads away. Sango hobbled up, with an injury to her thigh, and placed her arms around his waist in encouragement. He took a deep breath and pulled the beads free for the last time. The curse was lifted. His hand was free of the void. Their faces lit up with happiness and Miroku used his hand to pull her into an embrace. He placed a kiss on the demon slayer that she would not soon forget.
Kagome was weak, but managed a small laugh at the couple sharing the kiss. She then found herself swept up by a long powerful arm. He mate carried her over to her friends and they turned to depart the battleground. They were met by a shouting toad oni, and two extremely excited children.