A/N: I do not own Inuyasha OR Rurouni Kenshin. I do however own a big DVD collection of each and horrendous amounts of merchandise, so please don't sue I'm a loyal customer.
Chapter 5. New Friends and Old EnemiesThe dark mist swirled around the clearing. It would coalesce for a moment only to dissipate and reappear elsewhere. Tsubaki silently waited to be noticed. "You are even more useless than that sword demon I sent after her first Tsubaki." The mist growled. "Now that she has enlisted the Battousi, she will be nearly impossible to defeat."
"But the Battousi is no longer…" Tsubaki began to plead.
"SILENCE!" The darkness bellowed. "First you fail to kill Kagome and then you fail to kidnap her new apprentice that the jewel has bonded itself to. I am wondering why I am continuing to let you live, since your latest incarnation is looking like a most delicious snack right about now."
"I promise my lord, if you will be patient I will bring you the jewel!" Tsubaki cried reminding herself to dress down for her next trip to visit her new master. Memories of her vanity in previous lives had taught her that sometimes it was possible to be TOO attractive.
"THE JEWEL IS NOTHING FOOL!" The darkness again bellowed. "It matters only in that by taking it you reduce Kagome's power. Her apprentice only matters that in bringing her to me Kagome must follow. She is our only concern."
"Please master. I can be subtle. A poison in the right cup, and…" Tsubaki again ventured.
"NO! She must die, but not before it is time. She must be brought here to me alive. Only then will I be satisfied." The mist seethed. "Go now and do not return without Kagome. I don't care how you do it, but make certain that she comes here and without the jewel."
"What about the three that went to the mainland?" Tsubaki asked.
A long silence settled over the clearing. "Well now. You did say you could be subtle, Tsubaki. These three, being separated from Kagome gives me an idea. This is what I want you to do."
Kenshin sneezed. Great, he must be coming down with a cold now to top it all off. One of these days all this travelling around was going to kill him.
Kenshin looked out over the bow of the ship that he, Kaoru, and Sanosuke had bought passage on. He had managed to avoid disaster by convincing Kaoru that if they slept in the hold with the crew they would be able to save enough money to make it for the entire trip and maybe have a little left over afterwards. This was true, but the real reason was that Kenshin didn't want to have any private quarters for Kaoru to retire to considering her current 'condition'.
Of course if being in heat like a rabid mongoose could be put as lightly as a 'condition'. Battousi was definitely loose inside of Kaoru and there wasn't much he could do to control him from out here. Kaoru tended to be a handful even when she WAS herself.
Fortunately, it would soon all be over. Tsubaki hadn't reared her head anywhere during the journey, and aside from some bandits Kaoru had made short work of, they trip had been uneventful. They had found the herbs and returned to the ship within a week and gotten back before the ship had even finished taking on a new cargo.
Kenshin sighed and recollected the events that had started their journey. They had just bought passage and were getting settled when some of the sailors had taken notice of Kaoru and had made some rather impolite suggestions. Kaoru had decked the guy responsible, no real change in her 'normal' behavior there. What had NOT been normal was the fact that when the rest of the crew jumped them it had been Kaoru that had beaten them all to a bloody pulp. It would have been all right if Sanosuke had taken care of them, but it just HAD to be Kaoru, and thirty large men to boot.
Kenshin sighed again and looked out over the ocean as Japan came into view. He had nearly fainted while the fighting was going on. He hated to admit it, but he had grown to enjoy constantly saving Kaoru. It had made him feel important and it had made him feel needed. Right now, all he felt was wanted. SERIOUSLY WANTED.
The captain had apologized to Kenshin for his men and had assumed that it had been he and Sanosuke who had done the fighting. One look at his cross-shaped scar had pretty much settled the issue. It seemed Kenshin's now undeserved reputation had worked to his advantage… for once.
Fortunately, Sanosuke hadn't said a word. He was probably as embarrassed about Kaoru doing all the fighting as the crew had been getting their collective butts kicked by a girl.
Kenshin looked up as some of the crew scattered. By this he knew Kaoru was coming. He couldn't sense her anymore as all his chi reading abilities were currently running around in HER soul.
Kaoru wandered up to Kenshin and laid her head against his shoulder and put her hand on his back. "What are you thinking about Kenshin?"
"I was just longing to be back at the dojo. I want things to be back the way they were before all this happened." Kenshin said sadly. "I never thought I would miss having the Battousi inside of me. It's as if I'm hollow inside without him in there. All my emotions, my passion, even my feelings for…"
"You can still say it, Kenshin." Kaoru said blushing. For a moment it was almost like things had been before.
"Kaoru, how do you know that the way you feel about me isn't a product of having the Battousi inside you?" Kenshin said desperately.
"Because I loved you even before this happened. I never had the courage or the audacity to say it, but now I do. Some things about the Battousi being in my soul will never be the same, and some things I don't want to be the same. Kenshin, do you think how you feel about will change once the Battousi is back within your soul?" Kaoru asked looking down.
"I don't know Kaoru. This is a new experience for me. Even during the Bakumatsu I was never this 'detached'. I'm totally out of touch with what my heart feels right now." Kenshin said honestly.
"What does your mind tell you?" Kaoru asked.
"That you would be safer without me, that you might be happier without me. The passionate side of me is too dangerous to be let out. If I ever give it free reign again…" Kenshin said.
"We'll deal with the consequences together." Kaoru said for him. She pulled his face to meet hers before putting her arm back around him. "Part of me WANTS the Battousi in you. I want to see you passionate."
"That's just Battousi making you say that." Kenshin said. His face felt hot. He might actually be blushing.
"Maybe, but then you have to admit, my own emotional side was the predominant one before this happened. True?" Kaoru said smiling.
Kenshin had to grant her that one. Hopefully, he'd understand his own self better once he was again complete. Kenshin smiled looking into Kaoru's eyes. "Maybe, my emotions will bring us closer together."
Kaoru's eyes grew mischievous as Kenshin's own eyes shot open wide and he jumped as Kaoru's hand slid down his back to seize a handful of his backside and squeeze. "They better."
Kenshin spent the next couple of hours being pawed by Kaoru and trying desperately to find some reason to jump overboard. Sanosuke didn't help much either. After the initial shock of seeing the 'little missy' practically trying to rape Kenshin he had settled into their journey to watch the sparks and have fun. Sano was enjoying himself, and Kenshin wondered if he'd ever be able to live this down. Not likely, as long as Sano remembers it.
Of course, Sano had his own problems. Kenshin smiled thinking of the thrashing he'd gotten for his usual light-hearted way of annoying Kaoru. After comparing her to a raccoon he'd been stripped and hung from the mast of the ship at daybreak so he could crow like a proper rooster. Sano wasn't living that one down either as long as Kenshin could remember it.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the ship put into dock and the three disembarked much to the relief of the crew. Kaoru had thought to send word of their success ahead, so it wasn't a very big surprise to find Yahiko, Tsubame, and Kagome waiting for them at the docks.
"I trust the journey went well?" Kagome said smiling.
"Yeah, just like I told you in our letter. We found the herbs you need for the ritual. Have you seen or heard anything from Tsubaki?" Kaoru said pleased with herself.
"No, no sign of her yet." Kagome said worriedly looking around the dock. "Speaking of which, we'd better hurry. I have everything prepared. I have a place set up to perform the ritual, and I've gotten us a carriage to get us there. Yahiko, you and Tsubame ride on top of the carriage. There won't be enough room for everyone inside."
Yahiko nodded mutely and walked away with Tsubame to the waiting carriage.
"I see you've managed to beat some manners into Yahiko." Kaoru said appreciatively.
"He's a good boy when he wants to be." Kagome said smiling.
"I can ride on top of the carriage with the two of them." Sano said politely. "I can annoy the two of them on the way."
Kagome smiled and slipped an arm around Sano's. "Why Sano, I was hoping you would ride in the coach with us and tell me all about your adventure."
Kenshin looked at the two of them. Sano was blushing and stammering as he agreed to ride with the rest of them. Yeah, let's see Sano deal with an aggressive female for once. Kenshin thought darkly.
Kagome ushered them all quickly into the carriage. "We have to get going. I want to make it to Raimei Valley by sundown."
"Why are we going to Raimei Valley?" Kaoru asked looking out the window of the carriage.
"That's where I've set up the ritual. It can be a bit flashy so I set up the ritual in the old ruined castle up there." Kagome said smiling to the three of them.
Kenshin lay back and tried to get comfort able. It wasn't very easy since he'd gotten nominated as Kaoru's pillow. Kaoru propped her feet up and laid her head in Kenshin's lap. "Well, I guess all good things have to come to an end sooner or later."
The sooner the better, Kenshin thought to himself. He wanted his old Kaoru back, and he wanted the Battousi back. He hated to admit it but he really didn't feel complete without him inside. As soon as he got back to normal he was going to…
The thought occurred to Kenshin that he hadn't given much thought to what he would do. It was a bit foolish to think that he'd go back to having everything back the way it was before this all happened. He didn't see Kaoru accepting that kind of proposal.
Kenshin gulped. The word 'proposal' seemed to hang in his mind like an unwelcome specter. Kaoru might go back to being a woman… well, at least a little less violent and overtly sex-crazed, but he doubted that these events hadn't changed their relationship.
If he left her now she would probably track him down like she had in Kyoto, only this time he didn't think he'd have a good excuse and would probably get whacked for it. Staying at the dojo as a servant seemed to be equally impossible. The can of worms that had been unleashed by exposing Kaoru to the Battousi's rampant passion wasn't going to be cured by flowers and a kiss good night.
Kenshin thought about it logically. If he was going to stay, Kaoru was going to want commitment. It might place her in danger, but frankly his list of enemies had really started to dwindle of late. Since the encounter with his old brother-in-law, he had felt more and more at home and at peace with Kaoru. Maybe it was time to finally hang up the sword. He could deal with having the Battousi back if it meant he'd never need to kill again.
These thoughts echoed through his mind as he idly put a hand on Kaoru's head and stroked her silky hair. The glimmer he received from her told him it was appreciated, and he silently cursed the fact that Sano had come along on the journey. Having Kaoru to himself might have been alarming, but might have been amusing as well.
Kaoru tried to relax. She didn't know if it was the tension of finally getting everything settled, or the fact that she could sense the uneasiness from Kagome. Kagome had told them that the ritual might be somewhat risky, so Kaoru assumed that was what had her so on edge. This did little to soothe her own mood however.
Kagome felt a hand caressing her hair and she looked up to see Kenshin staring at her. He looked so beautiful. One thing about having the Battousi trapped within her mind, it had definitely made her dreams of Kenshin a great deal more 'vivid'. She hoped that she'd be able to live out all the things that she'd dreamed about once Kenshin was back to normal and was more like the passionate beast she dreamed of at night.
The carriage finally stopped and Kagome got out with the rest of them. Kaoru sighed and walked out into a clearing surrounded in mist. Raimei Valley was legendary for bad weather, so it looked like there was going to be more bad weather tonight. In the center of the clearing a large area had been cleared for working the ritual that would put the Battousi back where he belonged.
Kagome paid the driver and sent him on his way. "Now we haven't much time. Kaoru, I need you to sit here in the center of this circle. The ritual isn't going to be very pleasant, so I need you to sit still while I tie you down. The force of the Battousi escaping your spirit is going to be very strong.
Kaoru nodded as she allowed herself to be tied. Kenshin looked around nervously and Sanosuke looked ready to be sick. He didn't like magic and never would get used to the idea of Kagome being a sorceress. Kagome noticed Sanosuke and nodded to Yahiko and Tsubame. Each of them placed a comforting hand on Sano's arms.
"Now that we're done here, I think we can dispense with the pleasantries." Kagome said as her face began to melt and change. Suddenly the woman standing over Kaoru was laughing maniacally.
"Tsubaki!" Kaoru hissed.
Sano moved towards her, but suddenly he was held fast by Tsubame and Yahiko. Sano looked down astonished at the strength of the two youngsters as the pulled him back and forcefully made him to sit.
Kenshin looked around as if lost before finally pulling out his sword. "Let them go Tsubaki!" Kenshin stated flatly in what came close to being his old Battousi tone.
"Please little man, you're no threat to me now." Tsubaki said laughing. "Be good and maybe I'll use you as my own plaything later."
The ropes strained against Kaoru as she tried to go for the dark priestesses throat. "Mine!" ripped from Kaoru's throat. She wasn't sure if it had come from the Battousi or herself, but the sentiment was the same no matter what part of her brought it out.
Kenshin charged forward. He swung a Tsubaki clumsily, and she caught his blade in her hand. "I told you my little emasculated darling, I'll deal with you later."
Tsubaki's hand came up and suddenly Kenshin was hurled back against a tree. Vines curled around him holding him fast to the tree. Sano struggled in vain against the iron grip of Yahiko and Tsubame. "What have you done to these two you witch?" Sanosuke spat.
"Why nothing… yet." Tsubaki said smiling. "These are just my master's puppets. They're quite good, wouldn't you agree."
Tsubaki grinned as she turned back to Kaoru. "Master, I'm ready to conduct the ritual."
The dark mist around the clearing seemed to grow darker and denser as Kaoru felt a presence enter the clearing. "Excellent. Remove the Battousi from the girl so he won't be a threat. Then take the three of them up to the castle ruins and keep them there. We'll issue the challenge to Kagome once you do. She'll surrender the jewel to you for their safe release and then I will kill her."
Kaoru watched as Tsubaki mixed the herbs they'd brought back from China in a small amber vial. "Once you drink this, your spirit will become ready and I will draw out the Battousi and trap him in here." Tsubaki said cradling the vial. Then once I've found a suitable swordsman to make a slave to my will, I'll give it to him and the Battousi will live again, only this time he'll be working for me."
Kaoru struggled against the ropes, she only wished she could get her hands around Tsubaki's throat.
It was morning in the temple. Yahiko got up and wandered around until he found Soujiro. They were just about to start working around the temple when Kagome caught them. "Ah, there you are Yahiko."
Yahiko ducked his head in defeat. "Alright, I'll head for the Akabeko."
"Not today, Yahiko. Today I need your help for a lesson." Kagome said smiling.
"Sure!" Yahiko said excitedly. That meant time with Tsubame.
Kagome carted Yahiko off into a nice warm room that had a table in its center with a blanket thrown over it. Tsubame was already there, levitating. She'd been working on it ever since she'd managed to make that stupid black cube for Kagome a couple of days ago. When Yahiko came in he noticed Tsubame suddenly blush and nearly bounced off the ceiling.
"Now today's lesson is going to be on the healing arts." Kagome said grinning. "Yahiko, please get undressed and get up on the table."
"What!" Yahiko almost screamed. "You want me to get naked!"
"No Yahiko, just down to your loincloth will do. I'm going to show Tsubame how to heal some injuries." Kagome said looking to Tsubame who had managed to let herself down gently.
"Why don't you get someone else?" Yahiko said shocked.
"Alright, if you wish I'll go get Soujiro and let Tsubame train using his body." Kagome said happily.
Grumbling, Yahiko started taking off his clothes. There was absolutely NO way he was letting that pretty boy anywhere near Tsubame without every last stitch of clothing he owned on. "What do you want me to do?"
"Just lie down while we examine your body. I'm going to be teaching Tsubame where to check for various injuries, starting with the kidneys so get on your stomach." Kagome ordered.
"Now Tsubame," Kagome said, "please form that black cube that I showed you and we'll begin."
Yahiko listened as the lesson began. Apparently, Tsubame was having a problem with the black cube. Finally, Kagome started the lesson.
"Tsubame this is where the kidneys are located, in the area of the lower back and slightly to the sides." Kagome said pressing on Yahiko's back.
"Hey! Your hands are cold!" Yahiko complained.
"Quiet, or I'll give you some real injuries for her to learn how to heal." Kagome snapped. "Black, girl, black. Learn to stay focused. If Yahiko were lying here dying you wouldn't be any use to him if you can't maintain your, uh… black frame of mind. Now touch his back here so you can feel the difference where his kidneys are."
Yahiko felt a pair of warm hands touching his back. "You know I do have an injury." Yahiko offered.
"Oh, and what would that be?" Kagome asked dryly.
"My back is kind of sore from working at the Akabeko. It hurts just a little bit higher, I mean lower than there." Yahiko said trying to keep his voice from sounding too eager.
"Why that's WONDERFUL Yahiko!" Kagome said excitedly. "Black, Tsubame! We can teach Tsubame how to mend that first. What an excellent suggestion!"
Yahiko tried to contain his excitement. The idea of getting a back rub from Tsubame set his senses reeling. He hadn't heard Kagome leave, but heard her as she came back into the room.
"We'll take care of the problem in no time… This Tsubame is what's called Accu-puncture."
The screams that echoed through the temple were quite disturbing. Soujiro just ducked his head and kept on doing the laundry and tried to find something to think about other than Tsubame's training. He'd overheard the lesson earlier. His own back was a little sore from chores and had thought that maybe he too might get a chance to be the practice patient, but then Yahiko had started screaming. Apparently, Tsubame wasn't very good at finding the right spots for the needles.
Soujiro looked up at the sky as a dark cloud passed overhead. It didn't look like rain so it was a little out of place. Soujiro watched as a bolt of lightning fell from the cloud and struck the yard of the temple. Soujiro jumped up to see the cloud race away towards the mountains.
Kagome was out of the temple in a flash, followed by Tsubame. Yahiko followed soon after as he was tenderly putting his gi back on. There, in the yard was an arrow sticking up with a note attached. Soujiro retrieved the arrow and brought it to Kagome.
Kagome unfolded the arrow and Soujiro looked over her shoulder at the letter…
I have your friends. Bring the jewel to Raimei Valley or they will die.
Tsubaki.
Soujiro looked at Kagome who looked ready to spit fire. "According to their letter they should have been back yesterday." Kagome said seriously.
"We need to go find them." Soujiro said darkly.
"This isn't your fight." Kagome said softly.
"It is now." Soujiro said smiling. "I still have questions for Kenshin. I can't ask them if he's dead."
"Yeah, we're not about to leave Kenshin in the clutches of some deranged woman. Except for Kaoru of course." Yahiko said thinking.
"I'll go too." Tsubame said resolutely taking hold of Yahiko's arm.
"I guess it's settled then. We're going. Tsubame, I'm going to give you the jewel. My powers will last for a little while on their own, and you might need it. If Tsubaki thinks I still have the jewel, I'll be able to distract her while you three get Kenshin and the others away from there." Kagome looked at each of them. Her gaze finally rested on Soujiro. "It's still not too late to back out."
"Where else could I go?" Soujiro said smiling to her.
Thanks to Kagome's power the trip to Raimei Valley had been short. Tsubame tried to keep from fainting as she walked arm in arm with Yahiko. The three of them were out of sight of Kagome and were trying to keep from being seen by Tsubaki. They crept through the woods keeping Kagome in their sights as they went. Finally when they reached the clearing, they could see the sorceress standing in the clearing waiting for them.
Kagome walked into the clearing resolutely. Tsubame watched her and hoped one day she might be that brave. "Where are they Tsubaki? I don't have time for games."
"They're here Kagome. They're awaiting my return in the castle. Once we finish our little duel, I'll kill them and then be done with his entire business. You brought the jewel?" Tsubaki said grinning.
"It's here." Kagome said nodding. That had been their signal. The three of them slowly crept around until they were behind Tsubaki. The mist was denser and darker here.
"Then let's get started then…" Tsubaki said icily. "Give me the jewel or they die."
"FOOL!" Came the bellow that echoed through the valley. "She doesn't have the jewel! The girl has it! Destroy her! Now!"
Tsubame looked around for the source of the voice as three loud crashes were heard through the forest as the mist disappeared from the clearing and the forest leaving them exposed to Tsubaki. Tsubame looked back to see Kagome staring up over the trees.
"NO!" Kagome cried. "Koryu!"
Tsubame looked back to see the dragon towering over the trees. "Yes, and I'm a great deal larger than the hatchling your husband Inuyasha once tormented. Now you and your pathetic little friends are all going to die!"
The dragon reared its head back and lashed out with lightning. Tsubame watched the lightning coming for them, but Soujiro was there first carrying her and Yahiko to safety.
Kagome tried to intervene, but Tsubaki blocked her path. "Your fight is with me, witch! SOUL BLASTER!"
Tsubame watched as the dragon chased Soujiro and Kagome fought the dark priestess. Finally, Soujiro lost the dragon for a moment long enough to set the two of them down. "I'm going back to help Kagome. You two have to find Kenshin and the others and get them free. Can you do that?"
"I'm on it," Yahiko said grabbing Tsubame's hand and taking off. "Good luck!"
Tsubame and Yahiko ran through the forest heading for the old ruined castle. Behind them they could hear the bellow and cries of battle. Tsubame tried to push the thoughts out of her mind and concentrated on keeping up with Yahiko. He was much faster than she was, even if she wasn't wearing a kimono.
The castle gates stood open from disrepair more than anything else and the two young kids scrambled inside. Yahiko turned to look at Tsubame. "Can you sense Kaoru and the others?" Yahiko said quietly.
Tsubame opened herself and let her senses move around her and finally nodded. "They're in the basement."
Yahiko and Tsubame scouted around until they found a dark stairway leading down. The two of them crept quietly until they came to a room that was lit from inside be an oil lamp. Tsubame and Yahiko peeked inside and could see Kenshin, Kaoru, and Sanosuke tied against the wall. The two of them looked around and then rushed into the room.
Lightning danced across the floor before they were able to reach the three of them, cutting them off. "So this is the half-pint swordsman and sorceress that Kagome has been keeping." Said a dark scratchy voice from the darkness.
Tsubame watched as a withered old woman stepped out of the dark on an old weathered cane. "Who are you?" Yahiko demanded stepping in front of Tsubame.
"I boy, am Lady Soten, the last of the Thunder Clan." The old woman said gravely.
Tsubame stepped around until she was in front of Yahiko. "Yahiko, she's a demon. This time, it's my fight."
"Insolent girl, my powers are fueled by four hundred years of hatred and rage!" Soten said as lightning arced from her hands towards Tsubame.
As before Tsubame threw up a shield around her and Yahiko. "The lightning danced across her shield, but it wasn't large enough to protect Kaoru, and the others. If Kagome didn't do something they might get hurt. "And my power is fueled by my love for my friends!" Tsubame shouted defiantly. Slowly her shield began to grow until it covered Kenshin, Kaoru, and Sanosuke. "Yahiko, I'll hold her off. Get the others."
Yahiko nodded. He ran over and began untying their friends. Tsubame grunted under the force of the old woman's lightning, but didn't let up. Finally, with ever last ounce of strength she had she pushed her shield forward suddenly showering the old woman in her own lightning and the energy from her shield.
Lady Soten fell back against the wall unconscious and Tsubame rushed to help Yahiko. Unfortunately, Sanosuke was the only on conscious. "I'm glad you two are who you're supposed to be this time. Sano said as he picked up Kenshin and Kaoru. Let's get out of here."
The three of them ran from the room and ran back out into the castle grounds. The sounds of the battle below were still raging. Yahiko turned to Sanosuke as they got out. "Is Kenshin OK?" Yahiko asked worriedly.
"No, he and Kaoru are in pretty bad shape. Tsubaki drained Kenshin's spirit out of Kaoru last night. She managed to trap it in a vial she's carrying on her somewhere. I wouldn't expect too much from either of them for this." Sano said laying the two on the ground.
Yahiko picked up Kenshin's reverse blade sword and looked at Sanosuke. "Sano, you've got to get Kenshin and Kaoru out of here. There's a dragon down there and Soujiro is having to fight it alone. Kagome's got her hands full with Tsubaki."
Sano looked at Yahiko and then shook his head. "I can handle myself. So Soujiro's on our side now? Will wonders never cease? You two stay here. I'll take care of the dragon." With that Sano ran of down the path to go help Soujiro.
Yahiko was ready to swear. "Why do they always have to treat me like a child? Tsubame stay here, I'll be back."
Yahiko stopped as Tsubame caught his hand. "Yahiko, they treat you that way because they care about you, just like I know you care about me when you want to leave me behind. Kenshin and Kaoru should be safe hidden here. If you go to fight, I'm going too. From now on, we fight together."
Yahiko looked into Tsubame's eyes and realized he wasn't going to win the fight. He silently nodded and then did something he always wanted to do. If things went badly he wouldn't get the chance later. Pulling Tsubame close, he kissed her full on the mouth. She didn't swoon or faint, but returned his kiss with just as much passion. When they finally broke for air, he looked down at the path. "OK, let's go."
As the two of them reached to overlook, Yahiko could see the battle below. It was not going well. Kagome was holding her own against Tsubaki, but Sano and Soujiro were doing little more than running from the dragon. It simply had to fly to keep out of the reach of the two fighters.
Yahiko's mind was racing. What could he do? Then suddenly, it occurred to him that for once he had combat experience in this kind of situation. He had fought one of the Juppon Gatana and he had also been able to fly. Yahiko had beaten him by getting above him and attacking from above, but he didn't have any explosives to help this time.
Yahiko looked around frantically for some way to get above the dragon, but there wasn't one. Then Tsubame who had been watching him put her arms around his chest from behind. She kissed his neck and then softly whispered. "You've always used your power to help me, Yahiko. Now let me use my power to help you."
The red aura that surrounded Yahiko made him feel light and he realized Tsubame was already floating off the ground. Yahiko grinned and pulled Kenshin's sword and with all his strength he jumped from the cliff.
There was no battle cry. There was no posturing. Yahiko was silent as he struck. He didn't want to give the dragon time to realize he and Tsubame were there, and he knew that he didn't have the strength to kill it, especially not with a reverse blade sword. Instead he aimed and tried the best he could to reach his target with the leap.
The crack that sounded through the forest was clearly audible, as all the sound seemed to hush before his impact. Yahiko had pulled back the sword and with all the strength he could muster had driven it down on to the base of the dragon's wing.
The dragon turned as it fell toward the earth and released a bolt of lightning straight towards the two of them striking Tsubame's shield. Despite the protection, Yahiko screamed as electricity arced across his body. Tsubame was screaming too and the two were quickly falling toward the trees and just when Yahiko was sure that his short sweet life was over a flash of blue struck him.
After a moment, Yahiko opened his eyes and realized Soujiro had caught them both before they hit the ground. The dragon crashed into the trees bellowing in pain and rage. Yahiko checked to make sure Tsubame was safe. She was unconscious, but wasn't hurt badly; so then he turned back to Soujiro. "Thanks."
"No, Thank you. Now we can kill it." Soujiro said with relief.
Soujiro turned to head off for where the dragon had crashed. Sano was there too, and turned to look at Yahiko. "We still have a dragon to slay. You coming?"
Yahiko grinned and kissed Tsubame on the check before getting up. "Right behind you."
Kagome watched the attack while she grappled with Tsubaki. The dragon bellowed as it fell to earth. Now the sounds of battle were rejoined and it didn't sound like it was going too well for Koryu. Kagome had seen Sano, so it meant reinforcements had arrived.
"If you think they're going to save you, you're wrong Kagome." Tsubaki said as she wrapped her hands around Kagome's throat trying to strangle her. "I stole the swordsman's essence. It will serve me well once I have a minion to use it on."
Kagome smiled as she knocked Tsubaki's hands away and scratched Tsubaki's face over her right eye. She had forgotten about the significance of Raimei Valley and Koryu. She wasn't about to forget again that even her enemies had weaknesses. Tsubaki fell back clutching her scarred face.
"Curse you witch! I'll kill you for that!" Tsubaki screamed.
"Not in this lifetime Tsubaki. FOX FIRE!" Kagome screamed thrusting her hands before her sending a gout of blue flame to strike Tsubaki in the chest. Tsubaki writhed trying to force back the flames, but finally her powers were spent and the flames tore through her chest and she fell to the ground gurgling.
Kagome quickly followed her, her own powers nearly exhausted only to be caught by someone. She looked up into the smiling face of Soujiro. "The dragon?"
"He's dead. I killed it." Soujiro said looking down at her.
"With a little help!" Sano and Sanosuke piped in, joining them in the clearing. Yahiko was carrying Kenshin's sword, and was helping Tsubame. Kagome smiled at the two of them before turning to Tsubaki's remains. "She said she had Kenshin's spirit. Get it. It should be in an amber bottle. We have to get it to Kenshin."
Sanosuke riffled through Tsubaki's robes until he found the potion. Kagome then got up with Soujiro's help. "Come on, this isn't over. We still have to find Soten."
"Tsubame already fought her in the castle." Yahiko said proudly.
"Still, I want some answers." Kagome said seriously. The five of them walked up the path to the castle where they found Kenshin and Kaoru. They were coming to and were looking around confused. "What happened?" Kenshin asked.
"We had to rescue you and kill a dragon." Yahiko said happily. He strode over to Kenshin and offered him his sword. "Sorry I took this Kenshin, I didn't have time to ask permission."
Kenshin smiled and mussed Yahiko's hair. "Why don't you carry it until we get back to the dojo?"
"Me?" Yahiko said surprised. "Naw, I'm just a kid. This belongs to you."
Kenshin smiled and took back the sword while Kaoru hugged Yahiko and for once he didn't protest. "Something tells me you're not much of a little kid anymore." She said proudly.
"Here you go Kenshin old buddy," Sano said tossing the amber potion to Kenshin. "This will have you back to your old self, Battousi and all."
Kagome looked at Kenshin and Kaoru as they looked at the Amber potion. She could see the turmoil surfacing. It was time she stopped meddling. "Why don't you four come with me? I want to see Soten, and Kenshin and Kaoru need some alone time."
Sano snickered a little, but he followed her as the five of them continued down into the basement of the castle where they found Soten breathing raggedly.
"So you've come to finish me Kagome? I felt Koryu die so I thought you'd be in here soon. Well, you needn't bother. Your apprentice managed to make my reservation for me in the afterlife." Soten said as she coughed.
"What I want Soten is to know why." Kagome said sternly.
"Why Tsubaki? I knew I had grown to weak to challenge you directly. Koryu was all I had left, that and knowing who else might want you dead." Soten sneered.
"No, Soten. Why did you attack me at all?" Kagome said sadly. "You've never made a move for the jewel before."
"It wasn't about the jewel." Soten hissed. "It was about Shippou. I waited for him all my life. I waited ever since the day he gave me these." Soten pulled a box of crayons out of her robes. Crayons Kagome had brought from the future and had given to a young Shippou hundreds of years ago. "I cherished them, and I cherished him. I wanted him for my own and you took him from me. I spent my life waiting for him to grow tired of you and then I might have him. Then as he grew older and you stayed young I waited for you to leave him, but you never did. Finally, I found that he had died and I could never be with him, all because of you."
Soten wheezed as she stared at Kagome in hatred. "All my life you had what I wanted, but it wasn't the jewel. I've searched for you ever since I heard of Shippou's death. Now that I lay dying I can only curse you with my last breath and have at least the happiness of knowing I'll get to see him again before you will." Soten said as she began to laugh. She winced once from the pain and then fell silent.
"I… I killed her?" Tsubame said ready to cry. Yahiko was trying to comfort her.
"No child. Soten's jealousy and hatred destroyed her long ago. All you've done is give her peace at last." Kagome said sadly. "So this is how my greatest enemy and rival dies. Not in battle, but with a cough and wheeze as her old age finally claims her."
Kagome looked down for a moment and offered a prayer for Soten. "I'm ready to leave this place now."
Minutes passed as Kaoru watched Kenshin holding the potion in his hand. "Do you have any idea how many times I've secretly wished for this? The chance to be free of him forever, the chance to live my life as a normal man. Nothing within my veins pressing me to kill, no more fire, no more anger, no more…"
"Passion." Kaoru finished. Kaoru looked down at the potion and then turned her back. "I know Kenshin. You've wanted it for a long time, and I want you to know I'll understand. If it means I'll never mean anything more to you than what I am right now then so be it if it means you'll finally be free. I want you to know I'll always love you, no matter what you decide, even if it means you'll leave me again."
Kaoru started to cry. She couldn't help it, and she couldn't blame Kenshin for wanting to be free of the Battousi, but it hurt too much to watch. She saw the others coming out of the castle as she heard the vial break against the rocks.
"Wow, Kenshin." Sanosuke said finally. "What did it taste like?"
Kaoru looked at Sanosuke astonished and then turned to Kenshin and the vial broken against the ground, the hard, dry, ground.
"It tasted like sake. The sweetest sake I've ever tasted." Kenshin said smiling as he pulled Kaoru into an embrace. "Where else could I go?"
Soujiro watched Sano lean back and laugh with the deep belly laugh of someone who was mighty glad to see the days work over and done with, and was pleased with the results. Sano started down the hill followed by Yahiko and Tsubame. Kenshin and Kaoru exchanged glances before they too walked away.
Soujiro watched as Kaoru put her hand behind Kenshin's back and then reached down to squeeze his bottom. Kenshin didn't jump. In fact, he returned the gesture.
"So, are you going to ask him what you came to ask him?" Kagome asked, stepping up next to Soujiro.
"Maybe later. Besides, I think I already know the answer." Soujiro said smiling as he watched the two lovers walk away. "What are you going to do?"
"Well, I think I'll spend the next twenty years or so around Tokyo. I still have a new apprentice to train, and I still don't know where you came from." Kagome said smiling at Soujiro. "Would you mind hanging around until I find out?"
"Sure." Soujiro said smiling back at her. He tentatively put his arm around her waist. When she didn't protest he pulled her a little closer and then looked down to smile at her. "Besides, where else could I go?"