Author's Note: Hey everyone! This is a REALLY long chapter. Just cause I couldn't decide if I should make it two or not. Anyway, school's out and life is good so enjoy. Please review. Would make me very happy. :) And thank you to all my reviewers. You're the best.
Chapter 11: Unanimous
The morning light twinkled on Bankotsu's sleepy eyes as he opened them to the world. The morning dew laid on his face like the sleep that had entranced him. He wiped his face with his damp arm and sat up in the grass. Kikyo was still asleep on her side. He stood up and left to relieve himself. When he came back she was still lying in the grass. He smiled and stepped over to her.
At his presence, she opened her eyes. They slowly drifted up to brave the morning sun and make out his figure in its blinding radiance. She swayed to sit up and finally stood. He just grinned and they began their long march. It was another lovely morning. No one would be able to guess the carnage to await them at the temple.
"Surreal, isn't it?" Bankotsu marveled.
"Yes," she smiled.
Bankotsu felt a vibration from his sword and he pulled the hilt. He held it before him as they paused to observe the large red almond eye open again.
"Hey," Bankotsu cheered, "it's been awhile."
"You have made it to the outer ring of the barriers." The eye moved about, looking at the scenery. "This is the first barrier you must pass." He announced their first challenge. "To get to the temple you must pass four distinguished barriers and then the wall of judgement in order to reach the temple. The one that stands before you, the barrier of determination, tests your will. The second barrier, the barrier of ability, tests your capacity. The third barrier, the barrier of faith, tests your confidence. And finally, the fourth barrier, the barrier of strength, will prove the most challenging. It tests your individual power. There is no set limit that determines how suited everyone who attempts to pass is. It tests the specific strength of the individual, their limits, weakness, and susceptibility to the former. To step foot in Jankai Temple you must pass these tests, and to pass these tests you must have no doubts, in yourselves or each other."
"I'm so glad we went over this last night," Bankotsu leaned over to Kikyo and teased.
"There can be no room for error. It must be perfectly clear that you both continue with full confidence."
Kikyo reached over and grasped Bankotsu's free hand and lifted it to the barrier. The forest beyond them was clear until a glossy wave quivered over it like the iridescent soap of a bubble. Its surface felt slick. They stepped forward and entered the first barrier.
"You have stepped inside the barrier of determination," a low voice with no source spoke, "In order to continue you must answer one question. Will you finish what you start?"
"Yes," Bankotsu answered.
"I will," Kikyo seconded.
"Then you may pass."
"Well that was easy," he grinned at her. She smiled back and gently released his hand. He sheathed his sword and they proceeded.
"Know that if you fail to finish your task, you may not leave these premises alive."
"Oh, that's some nice fine print," Bankotsu sneered. "Whatever," he waved his hand dismissively.
"Good," the sword approved from his waistline. "I will leave you now. Know that what you seek is not far. Should you need me, I shall respond."
The demons got tougher inside the barrier. Bankotsu let off excess energy by dicing them up as they lunged down upon him and Kikyo. Kikyo did her best to ignore the demons, but if they dared to come too close she always took care of it. Eventually it became quiet, either because there were no more demons, or they just didn't want to fight them.
Bankotsu laced his fingers together behind his head and gazed at the sky. Kikyo stared at nothing particular on the ground as they trotted side by side.
"What are you going to do when it's over, Kikyo?"
"I don't know."
"Gonna go after Naraku like Inuyasha?"
"It's possible."
"Suppose you should go after him..." Bankotsu rubbed his chin and pondered.
"Will you also pursue Naraku?" She innocently wondered.
"Suppose I should..." his eyes fell to the ground.
"You don't have to."
"I owe it to my brothers," he commented solemnly. His eyes perked as he looked quickly over into her eyes. "If we both do go after Naraku," his spunk picked up, "will you come with me?"
She smiled. He grinned back in return.
"I think that would make for quite a good time, don't you?" he raised a brow mischievously. She just grinned at his jest and continued to gaze dreamily into the scenery. Bankotsu smirked. "Hey, did you feel that?" They brushed through something cold.
"Hmm," she pondered.
"That," the sword informed them, "was the barrier of ability."
"Oh well," Bankotsu shrugged.
"You're not done yet," the sword dictated.
A set of targets jumped up out of the bushes around them. Bankotsu just watched them, with no apparent interest.
"Hit all of the targets with one shot," a high pitched voice hissed into the air. Bankotsu frowned. Another bossy voice.
Kikyo pulled out an arrow and aimed at a strange mark. Twang. The arrow hit the marker and refracted at the center of the first target. It continued through and bounced against another marker to strike the next target, and the cycle went on until it lodged perfectly into the center of the final target.
Bankotsu stepped up, pulled his sword out, and swiped. A large fissure opened up in the ground as the energy passed through. The targets flew out of the ground and mixed together in the air before falling back down. And just as perfectly, the final target, with Kikyo's arrow still stuck in it, landed first and then all the others on top so that the arrow was actually protruding through all the pieces. Kikyo blinked and smiled at him.
"How long have you had that thing?" She indicated his sword.
"A week or so now?"
"Broken it in yet?"
"Ya, I still kinda miss my Banryu though," he reflected.
She watched him, but then motioned to continue their journey.
The forest moved with an uneasy hum. They were going in very deep. The canopy was thickening. Light from above only sprinkled the ground occasionally. The leafs quivered and the soil slithered. Every now and again a bird would cry from far off. It's echoing wail would not die for a minute after it screamed.
"Here it comes," the sword whispered.
"What?" Bankotsu looked expectantly.
"The barrier of faith."
"Oh," Bankotsu stretched out his hand into the air in front of him as though expecting to meet another invisible shield. Nothing happened.
"What are you doing?" The sword sounded annoyed.
"You said it was here."
"It is."
Bankotsu sighed heavily.
Kikyo stepped forward, but as she did a great whooshing sound swept up around them. A vast conflagration roared up and engulfed them without warning. Both of them threw their arms up to protect themselves. The fire was vicious and alive. It covered the entire forest like an ocean. Kikyo turned from side to side until she saw a small exit to the left of her. Bankotsu also swept the area over for an escape. One was on his right. A large burning tree fell between them. Each jumped backwards respectively. Kikyo turned to the exit, but then she heard his voice.
"Wait, Kikyo..."
His voice was almost indiscernible among the crackling blaze. She turned around. Fire started crawling up the trees by her. She lifted a sleeve to her face to protect herself. She waited.
"Kikyo!"
Her exit was being consumed.
"Where are you!" She tried to call back. This can't be... But it looks just like it... Hell...
"Kik...yo..." His voice was fading into the distance.
Kikyo glanced frantically back at her exit. Almost gone... Then she looked back into the mass of bright sweltering flame.
"Bankotsu!" She called to him. No reply. She called again. A tree snapped behind her and fell to the writhing earth. She could feel the flames finally starting to grab hold of her clothes. She walked forward into the wall of fire. This is it. This is the barrier. The test of faith. She pushed forward. A branch reached out and scorched her cheek. She darted forward.
"Bankotsu!" She tried again.
"Kikyo!" It was distant. Very distant. I can't lose him. If I can't find him, it is possible that we will both perish. Another flame nipped at her fingers and then her arms. She brushed forward.
"Where are you? Bankotsu!"
"Follow my voice..."
The bramble was bubbling with fire. It was slowly eating her clothing like rabid moths. The tide of fire stretched up as far as her waist. Smoke stung her eyes. Her hair danced in the wild flames.
"Kikyo!"
It was close. Her heart lifted.
"I'm here!" She caught a glimpse of him beyond some collapsing trees. They snapped and cracked. He turned around and saw her. He smiled. He really is always cheery.
"Some place for hide and seek. I was beginning to wonder if you left," he sounded relieved.
"I wouldn't miss this."
He laughed heartily. She smiled, but wondered why, then decided not to question it.
The trees barring them apart dropped with a burst of fiery wrath. Another obstacle. She recoiled at the tongue of fire that licked and smacked through the trees.
"Take my hand," he offered from behind the burning trees. She eyed him reluctantly, but then stretched out her hand and clasped his. A spark of flame wrapped around her wrist. She hissed and quickly withdrew her hand. The built up wall of flaming trees was so high it hid him behind them. But she could still see his eyes through a hole in the pile. He was waiting.
"Close your eyes," he said calmly. She was anxious for a moment, but seeing his confidence, she shut her eyes and shakily extended her hand. She felt his close over it and start pulling her forward. With her free hand she felt about to avoid branches.
She felt the heat claw her skin, but she did not yield to it. He gently coaxed her forward and she felt the larger gust of flame tangle over her. She grimaced and wanted to go back. A torrid blaze seared across her chest and she yelped. Bankotsu yanked her forward and she felt herself falling over the pile of fire. She wanted to open her eyes, but was afraid. It felt like an eternity of wondering. Would she hit the combusting floor and feel the clay of her body shatter?
Kikyo gasped as she met something in mid fall, something solid, but flexible. She opened her eyes finally and looked up. He was smiling down at her. She exhaled. He caught me.
"You ready to go?" Bankotsu seemed amused that she was so stunned by the event. She seemed so effected that she didn't even leave his embrace. He wondered if she even knew he was holding her.
"Yes," she breathed.
"You alright?"
"Yes, let's get out of here." His clothes were afire too.
He looked at her closer. Her eyes were fleeting like a scared rabbit. Then he recognized it, that look. She was reliving the fires of hell. She let go of his hand and made to leave, but he held her in place. She didn't seem to notice that he had stopped her and tried again. He squeezed her shoulders.
"Kikyo," he tried to call her out of shock. Her eyes focused and she looked up at him. "You're not alone." Her eyes knit with confusion. "I'm here, alright?"
"What are you waiting for? We have to go."
He ignored the flames eating away his toes and frothing up his pants.
"Just look at me," he looked into her eyes intensely, "look at me." Her body relaxed and she just looked up at him. Her voice calmed.
"What is it?"
"This is a test right?"
"Of faith."
"In what?"
"In ourselves."
"Then why is there fire all around us? Don't you think there's something more to it than getting out? In fact, I don't think it's possible to get out at this point."
She was quiet. She looked around cautiously.
"Do you have any water?"
"Huh?"
"Water," she looked at him seriously, "from your gourd." He fished it out. She uncorked it and threw some out onto a flaming branch. It didn't even effect it. Not even a hiss of water vapor.
"It's all been an illusion," she concluded. "None of it is real." She held out a hand as if to call attention. "Flames extinguish!" Nothing happened.
"Damn," Bankotsu stamped the fire off his feet, "the son of a bitch feels real!" He took out the Akagawa and sent a mass of energy flooding off into the forest, but it took no flames or trees with it.
"You had it right though," she turned to him, "it's not real. There's no way out so we have to make one together somehow," her eyes drifted off as she thought but then came back to his, "just look away. Don't pay attention to it."
A wild grin slithered across his face.
"Kikyo," he looked at her, "I think that's my favorite suggestion of how to escape fire that I've ever heard." She grinned up at him. His eyes softened as he just focused on her. Hers did the same.
A zephyr whipped in and Bankotsu instinctively grabbed Kikyo's shoulders so nothing would happen again. He blinked. The fire was gone... Completely gone.
The earth was charred and smoked with devastation.
Bankotsu whistled.
"Well I guess it wasn't an illusion." He scratched his head and inspected his clothes. They were blackened and crisply brittle. Kikyo checked her injuries as well.
"The fire is not an illusion," Tokunishitoru spoke up suddenly, "but it is also not real fire."
"Oh so now you speak up," Bankotsu growled at his own waist.
"It is created of an old magic that guards the temple."
"You said this barrier tested our faith in ourselves," Kikyo sounded incriminating.
"The barrier of faith is not specific in what it will test each time. It could be faith in the self or faith in a partner or partners, if they are present. In this case, your faith in each other had to be mutual and unconditional."
"Then why didn't it stop when I pulled Kikyo over the fire," Bankotsu wondered, "I mean, that's gotta count for something, right?"
"That's because it was she who had faith in you then. Your faith in her was not proven equal until you let go of your fear of the fire to listen to her. That's when it disappeared."
"Don't you think there's a better way to test this?"
"I didn't create the barrier. Don't blame me."
"Huh," Bankotsu huffed. "My feet are gonna ache for weeks. Thanks a lot."
"There is a small pond nearby. If you can reach it," the sword stated diplomatically, " your burns will be healed."
"That's convenient," Bankotsu grinned. "Take us there."
The pond was small. When Bankotsu and Kikyo arrived it looked like the sun might dry it within a few hours, and there wasn't much sun to be seen. Kikyo sat by the edge and pulled up her sleeves to cleanse her arms. The water felt icy at first on her vicious burns, but as it trickled down her arms, it felt nice. The burns washed away as though they had only been smudges of dirt.
Bankotsu pulled off the top of his kimono and looked at the angry red scorched flesh. He scooped up some water and slapped it on. The burn rinsed off almost instantly. He sat down and flopped off his shoes. His toes were searing white and red. He dipped them into the water and pulled them back out. He grinned. They were completely healed. He dipped his hands into the water and brought some up to drink. It was cold and cleared out his throat and mouth.
A pain surged up his hip and he grimaced and grabbed his side. He slipped off the silky red cloth around his waist and slid his kimono down over the side of his hip to inspect it. It was deep red and burnt. The fire had done a number on his leg and his kimono. He slapped some water on it and started rubbing it down his leg.
Kikyo was also busy mending wounds in delicate places. She washed off her chest without removing her kimono and slipped her bare feet into the water. It was glacial water, but she liked it. She poured some down her head and felt it soak in her hair and sink into her clothes. Her wet bangs stuck to her skin and soothed her.
After cleansing themselves, Bankotsu and Kikyo continued on.
"So is there anything else you should tell us before the next barrier?" Bankotsu looked at his sword critically.
"The barrier of strength will only be a challenge if you are not prepared. At this point, I wouldn't worry about preparing anymore."
"No problems then," he kept walking.
The forest around them grew still. Kikyo kept a normal pace and Bankotsu swaggered beside her.
"The barrier isn't far ahead," the sword spoke.
"You said previously that it was the most difficult to pass," Kikyo stated.
"It depends on the individual, but the greatest warriors of their respective times have wasted away before it."
Kikyo looked determined.
"I'm going to go take a leak," Bankotsu said lazily, "you keep going and I'll catch up."
Kikyo nodded and kept going. The forest got denser. She could feel the thick and crushing power of the barrier before she got to it. She stopped directly before it and looked in. She bowed her head and then looked back up with a determined countenance. She raised both hands and placed her palms on the thick wall. It crackled and snapped at her touch. Her hands seemed to disappear into nothing as they pushed through the barrier wall. Then her elbows sunk into it. She grimaced and let out a burst of purifying energy. A small bubble formed in the barrier. She could see through to the other side.
Kikyo collapsed on the ground. She bowed her head and exhaled. Her arms fell limp at her sides. She breathed heavily.
A menacing aura hit her with full force and she looked up. A tall levitating form loomed over her. Naraku. He grinned viciously.
"Hello, Kikyo," he lifted an arm and formed it into the lacerating thorny appendage that had banished her to the river of miasma just recently. She said nothing, but looked up at him groggily. A scowl formed on her bitter lips.
Just behind Naraku, Bankotsu stepped out of the brush. He was completely silent in his approach. Naraku continued to grin malignantly down at her, malevolence metastasizing with every passing second. Bankotsu held his sword over his shoulder, like he used to hold Banryu, but this sword was much more grizzly. He tapped it up and down on his shoulder as an ill-intending grin swept across his lips.
Naraku's eye slid to the side as he acknowledged Bankotsu's presence. He turned sideways to him and held his arrogance. Bankotsu moved in and Naraku set up his barrier. The self assured grin on Naraku's face declared his victory. Suddenly his barrier disappeared. Naraku sent a fleeting glance behind him to see Kikyo standing next to him, dispelling his barrier with no sign of fatigue at all. His eyes, wide with shock, flew back to Bankotsu in time to see a fist launching at him.
Direct hit. Naraku went hurling back into the brush. He sat up and rallied a hand to his jaw. Bankotsu had slugged him right in the face. He sat in total shock and looked at them.
"Stop following us!" Bankotsu yelled at him. He was too aghast to reply. Bankotsu nodded to Kikyo and they walked through the hole she made in the barrier.
Naraku sat and rubbed his jaw. He couldn't believe it. They had tricked him. My mistake. I never would have guessed that Kikyo and Bankotsu would work so well together. They have the potential to be a considerable force. Combining Kikyo's unpredictability with Bankotsu's brawn arouses some interesting prospects. But how could they be so coordinated? I sent Kagome to them in the hope that Inuyasha would come and crumble their little alliance, but it appears that it has been strengthened instead. I wonder just how deep this pact goes. Perhaps they are better acquainted than I imagined. I think I will find out.
Apparently Naraku took Bankotsu's right hook to heart because he didn't follow them any further. Bankotsu's feet shuffled along as he kicked rocks and sticks out of his way in the dense bushes.
"That was a lame barrier of strength," Bankotsu suddenly commented.
"That's because it wasn't the barrier," Kikyo returned.
"Oh, really?" A grin spread across his face. "Then where is it?"
"It's coming," the Akagawa spoke up.
"Then what was that?"
"That is just to ensure that you have enough strength for the barrier," the sword commented, "and to fence you inside once you enter."
"That's thoughtful," Bankotsu snickered.
A shuffling in the bushes to the left of them called their attention. They did not pause, but watched expectantly. A man emerged out of the shrubbery and trees. He wore a lavender kimono and carried a large curved sword.
"Hey Bankotsu!" The feminine voice cried out joyously.
"Jakotsu!" he returned.
"You'll never guess what!"
"What," Bankotsu seemed amused.
"I'm here to kill you!" The man smiled happily and kept approaching.
"Why's that?"
A pause.
"I have no idea!"
Kikyo looked at Bankotsu and he returned the glance with a shrug. Just then on their right, another man emerged from the brush. His long white hair fell like a blanket down his head and shoulders. His saffron eyes were set with focus. Inuyasha...
"Kikyo," his eyes were sad and lonely. She just looked at him. "If you keep leaving me, we can never be together. You told me once that you wanted to be with me forever. Is that true?" He looked over at Bankotsu and then back to Kikyo. "Why are you doing this?"
"Inuyasha?" Jakotsu's eyes were wide. "Awh, no way! She can't have him! How is it that I always get cheated out of fighting him?"
"Alright!" Bankotsu smiled widely, "looks like things are finally heating up. Kikyo," Bankotsu looked into her eyes, "remind me to thank the orb dude." She raised a brow. He smiled and looked back at the encroaching clones. "Alright bring it!"
Jakotsu flung his snake-like sword at them. Inuyasha withdrew his sword and lunged.
Kikyo and Bakotsu simultaneously split to dodge Jakotsu's sword and ducked Inuyasha's swipe. Bankotsu pulled out the Akagawa and slashed at Inuyasha who leapt away. Bankotsu gave chase and followed a surprised Inuyasha up a tree. Jakotsu growled and glared at Kikyo.
"How is it that I always get left with the women? I really hate being stuck fighting the weaker sex. It's degrading." He rolled his eyes and stepped forward. Kikyo didn't react to the insult, but drew an arrow slowly and cocked it right at him. "Just hurry it up," he sighed and sent a twisting blade around her middle. She let the arrow fly and hit the sword. It flashed and recurved so the blade reeled back at him. He tilted his head as it swung by him and let it come full circle back at her.
Inuyasha fell out of the tree down between Kikyo and Jakotsu right as the sword flew over him. Kikyo batted the projectile away with her bow. The bow glowed with her power. Jakotsu sneered as his sword slid back into its original shape. Inuyasha tumbled forward on the ground to avoid a descending Bankotsu. He landed on his feet and chased the crawling half demon. Inuyasha unexpectedly lashed around and hit Bankotsu across the face. He went flying backwards, cutting across Kikyo and Jakotsu's space again.
Inuyasha sprang after him with his mighty sword drawn. In midair he sent a thundering windscar down at Bankotsu. Kikyo shot an arrow at the fissures of power to deflect them. Inuyasha growled in annoyance and sent more her way. Jakotsu capitalized on her too and sent his sword at her from behind.
Kikyo gasped and rolled out of the way as an explosion blasted where she stood a second ago. She gasped again as Bankotsu suddenly appeared beside her.
"Oh," she breathed.
"Laying it on thick, aren't they?" Kikyo looked at him as he spoke. He sent her a look. She nodded. They both stood up. Bankotsu felt the power in the Akagawa and let it build. Inuyasha sent another windscar hurdling at him. Jakotsu also sent his sword zigging at them. Kikyo pulled back an arrow. Bankotsu nodded to her. He let go of a massive wave of the Akagawa's power. It consumed Inuyasha's windscar and flung back Jakotsu's sword. Jakotsu growled and jumped out of the way. Inuyasha gasped but pulled his sword out again to strike back. Kikyo let her arrow fly. It glided through the Akagawa's energy like through water. Inuyasha braced for the coming energy. He lifted his sword. Suddenly Kikyo's arrow shot through the Akagawa's energy and hit the hilt of his sword. Inuyasha yelped in pain and released the Tetsaiga. It flew high into the air. Inuyasha looked in dread as he saw the rest of the energy rush to meet him.
"AAAAAHHH!" His scream died out as the energy subsided.
"Now I've got you!" A cry from the side called their attention. Jakotsu sent his sword in a vicious circle about them and was about to slice them both to pieces. Kikyo gasped and backed into Bankotsu.
"Shit," he breathed as he watched the blades flash dangerously closer. Kikyo turned around to face him. He held the Akagawa in both hands. Kikyo felt the blades meet her skin. She grabbed onto Bankotsu's hands around the sword hilt. She bit down on her lip and expelled her spiritual power through her hands. Bankotsu felt the immense heat zap and scorch his hands as Kikyo squeezed down. He thought quickly and released the power in an exploding bubble around them.
Boom!
Kikyo opened her eyes and looked around. Jakotsu's blade had broken into separate pieces that lodged in the trees and ground around them due to the explosion.
"Awh big brother!" Jakotsu whined, "that was my favorite weapon. And you destroyed
it!"
"I'm sorry Jakotsu," Bankotsu lied.
"Look Bankotsu," Kikyo warned as Inuyasha stepped into view. His eyes were red and his fangs long and hungry. He flexed a claw ostentatiously for them.
"Hmm. Hmm," he laughed, "seem familiar Kikyo? You're nothing to me. You never were. Think about that while I kill him and then send you to hell for the last time." He swept forward with incredible speed. Bankotsu blocked his rapid attacks with his sword. He could hear the needle sharp talons scraping across his toothy sword with no fear at all. Bankotsu kept stepping back as Inuyasha's violent attacks hammered down upon him. Kikyo drew another arrow to hit Inuyasha. He's nothing but a beast in his demon form...
She almost let it go when someone stepped from behind her and hit the arrow out of her grasp. It twanged as it flopped in the air and lodged into the ground. She gasped and glanced behind her. Jakotsu smiled. His face was right next to hers. With his other hand he pulled her other arm up and behind her. She cried out and dropped the bow. He turned her around and started pulling her away. She grabbed a hold of him with her other arm and sent a scorching shock of purifying energy into him. He howled pain and released her. The scent of burnt flesh polluted the air.
Bankotsu grunted as Inuyasha punched his sword so hard he was thrown into the ground. The fiend jumped on him and started ripping at him. His armor chipped and cracked under the pressure of his ravenous claws until his chest piece shattered completely. Bankotsu growled and sent a fist into the demon's nose. Inuyasha roared as black blood sprinted out of his inflamed nostrils. Bankotsu kicked him off and tried to get up, but Inuyasha sent a set of back claws stamping right down on his chest. Bankotsu tried to breath, but he was winded and almost blacked out.
Kikyo searched the ground for her bow. She rushed for it and snatched an arrow. She pulled back on it. Jakotsu slammed down on her right arm as she pulled back. The arrow skewed through the air, but still grazed its mark. Inuyasha's voice rumbled as he grasped his gushing shoulder. He turned around and glowered at her, fire in his crimson eyes. He started walking menacingly towards her.
Something strong as iron clamped down on her arm and swung her around. Jakotsu met her. She glared up into his eyes. He swatted her bow out of her hands as she tried to withdraw. Then his fist hurtled into her cheek.
"Ahhh..." she screamed as she catapulted into the hard earth. She shakily tried to sit up. Her arms were quaking as she drew a hand to her cheek.
"Awh, did that hurt? I suppose that wasn't very gentlemanly of me. Here, let me help you, woman," Jakotsu snatched her arm and hauled her to her feet. He held her below the shoulder and lifted her off her feet. She kicked him, but he didn't react.
A grunt from behind her made the hair on the back of her neck rise. Her eyes slowly
drifted to the side. Red eyes sparkled malevolently at her.
"Your turn," Inuyasha smiled. His knuckles cracked. He rested his claws on her shoulder. She shivered and grimaced. He grinned wickedly and raised them to strike.
"Errraahhh!" Bankotsu swept his sword up from behind Inuyasha. Inuyasha's hair rose and he darted out of the way, but Bankotsu didn't stop. Jakotsu's eyes widened at the danger he didn't see coming. The sword skirted the top of Kikyo's head and met Jakotsu's neck.
Plop.
Jakotsu's head rolled on the ground. Kikyo dropped from his grasp as his corpse fell forward. Bankotsu sent another wave at the crouched Inuyasha and he dodged it and fell into the bushes.
"Kikyo," Bankotsu immediately turned to her. He inspected the scuff on her cheek. He rubbed it with his thumb. "Damn it. Jakotsu can be a pain in the ass sometimes."
"Don't worry about it," she pushed his hand away. She picked up her bow and arrows.
"Where do you think the little bastard went?" Bankotsu began scanning the bushes.
"Right here," he called. They turned around and there he stood, sword in hand. He had transformed back.
"I liked you better as a demon, Inuyasha, at least you had some variety in your battle moves."
"Shut up you greedy little prick. I'll cut you into mince meat."
"Show me what you got," he dangerously offered.
Inuyasha lifted his sword and thrust it down at them. The windscar that formed was monstrous. Bankotsu picked up his sword and countered it with his own energy. It swept up to the half demon and he smiled.
"I told you not to mess around with demonic swords; I see you haven't learned your lesson!" He reeled his sword back and sliced it down at the incoming energy. "Backlash wave!" The energy spewed out in the shape of a vortex. It swirled and sucked up Bankotsu's energy and thundered down towards them.
"Not this time," Bankotsu said calmly. Bankotsu nodded to her and she pulled out an arrow. She stretched it back as far as she could, focused, and released it. The arrow slipped through the energy and shot out the other side. Inuyasha saw it too late as it rocketed toward him.
"Ah!" The arrow lodged in his heart and dragged him back through the trees.
Snap.
Crash.
Thunk.
He was pinned to a tree. He hissed as he tried to pry at the arrow, but its holy light repelled his every attempt.
Kikyo nodded to Bankotsu and he pulled out the Akagawa. The roaring energy swept down on him and Bankotsu swung his sword through it like a batter. A tidal wave sized mass of energy wiped out Inuyasha's backlash wave completely and thundered toward the captured clone. Inuyasha's eyes flashed with the light of the oncoming flood. He breathed. The energy plowed over him and he was smeared out of existence.
A huge crater remained at the edge of where Kikyo and Bankotsu stood. The energy subsided far off in the distance. The carved out earth below them settled with dust. Layers of rock, for thousands of years buried, returned to the light of day as Bankotsu had cleared a gargantuan stretch of forest.
Bankotsu sheathed his sword. Maybe you were right last time, Inuyasha. I was greedy for power, but it's not about that now...
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The sun was high in the heavens as Inuyasha carried Kagome on his back through the thick woods. Miroku had informed them all that they had passed three barriers now. According to some wisdom that Myoga had apparently shared with Miroku before his departure, the temple is guarded by four ominous barriers and the infallible wall of judgement. One more barrier to go. Still, the barrier of ability had taken a serious toll on Shippo. The poor little guy had almost been left behind. Sango and Miroku had both passed it easily, using the wind tunnel and the Hiriakotsu. The barrier of faith hadn't effected anyone but Koga, who ran around until Kagome stopped him. Apparently he had been hallucinating about something. He wouldn't say.
A girl was standing in the path before them. Inuyasha stopped before her. He sniffed the air. She was a half demon. Kagome got off his back and gasped at the sight of her.
"What is it Kagome?"
"It's that girl from earlier."
"Yes, you're right," Sango concurred.
"Hello again!" She waved gleefully."Oh, Inuyasha," she smiled, "you made it. I'm so glad."
"Huh?"
"So how has everything been going for you so far? I saw a horrible patch of burnt earth a way from here. I hope you didn't encounter it."
"No..." Miroku tried to recall such a place.
"Oh good," she sounded earnestly relieved, "sometimes the barriers are worse than one would think."
"Why exactly are you here?" Shippo chimed.
"Just to check on your progress. Would you like any refreshments? I set up camp so you can rest yourselves."
"Refreshments?"
"Camp?" The whole group seemed excited by the sudden generosity of their peculiar host.
"Oh, I'd love some fresh water," Kagome sighed, "I'm so thirsty."
"Great," the girl smiled, "just follow me."
"Hey, Kagome," Inuyasha whispered to her, "why do we trust her?"
"She hasn't given us any reason not to yet."
"She works for the bad guy," Shippo informed him.
"Ya, something smelled off about her," Inuyasha confirmed his suspicion.
The girl brought them to a neatly set up campsite with a fire going, fish roasting, and mats laid out. She picked up a small dish of water and gave it to Kagome.
"Thanks," she grinned.
"Wait," Inuyasha grabbed the small offering and sniffed it. Then he handed it back to her. "Ok."
Kagome took a drink. It was cold and refreshing.
"Oh, that's good. Thanks so much.." She searched for her name.
"Shina," she replied. "Sorry, I forgot to introduce myself earlier. Our time is always too short. On that same note, I must beg your forgiveness and leave you yet again. I so do wish we had more time..."
A wind sifted in and her attention left them. A man in black emerged from the woods. He removed his face mask and gazed on her with love in his eyes. She blinked.
"Oh, I'm so glad you're back sweetie," she threw her arms around him. "I missed you dearly. How was your trip? Good?" He smiled widely. "Goood!" She kissed him quickly and then looked down into his arms. A small bundle wrapped in black cloth was tucked in his arms. He pulled the cloth back gently and she peered eagerly in. She squealed with delight. "Oh, he's adorable! What a cutie-pie!"
Inuyasha's face dropped. It was the ninja from earlier! And there, in his arms, was Naraku's baby! The half demon girl seemed enamored with the satanic creation and swirled her finger over his nose and made funny faces at him. The baby glared at her.
"Aren't you just the sweetest thing!" She picked him up and held him in her arms. She started rocking him gently.
"What the hell," Inuyasha exploded. "How the hell!..." He was at a loss of words. Everyone else seemed very interested too.
"Come now, Inuyasha," Shina scolded, "that's no way to talk in front of the baby."
"Shina," Kagome sounded anxious, "do you know what that is?"
"Hand it over right now," Sango warned, "it's dangerous!"
"What is the matter? He's just a baby. Don't scare him."
"Shina, he's evil!" Shippo cried, "he is an incarnation of Naraku!"
"Here," Inuyasha called as he drew his sword, "give him to me."
"Barbarians! Just who are you people? I thought you were out to 'save the world,'" she cried and held the boy close as if to protect him. "Nobody in their right mind would kill a baby! It's sick and wrong. He's a defenseless innocent!"
"Shina," Kagome cooed, "He's a demon created of Naraku. He put me under his spell to look into my heart. He's pure evil, believe me!"
"Don't speak such nonsense, Kagome. I don't think I can take it from you. And I don't care if he is Naraku's child. He can't help it. Oh, I can't take it anymore. Come dear," she summoned the ninja, "Good day." She swerved on her toes and disappeared with her lover and Naraku's heart.
"That was bizarre," Koga commented.
"Damn it," Inuyasha seethed, "she got away."
"Hey look," Shippo squeaked, " food!" The child began cramming his head with the box of delights that Shina had left for them. "You know," he swallowed, " for being our enemy, her cooking is not bad." He shoveled more food in.
"Don't fill yourself too much, Shippo," Kagome sat down beside him.
"Should we stop to rest?" Sango looked for approval.
"Yeah, might as well," Inuyasha relented, "she got away clean."
"It would be wise to stop at least for awhile. It's too warm to push ourselves too far." Miroku sat down beside Sango and Kagome and ate. Sango and Kagome chatted quietly and Inuyasha glared at Koga.
"What are you looking at mutt face?"
"What are you still doing here anyway, flea bag?"
"Ah get over it," he sounded exhausted, "don't you ever grow up?"
"What's that suppose to mean?" Inuyasha growled and raised a fist to Koga.
"You're just going to have to accept that Kagome is engaged to me and forget whatever nonexistent relationship you may think you have with her."
"Oh you want to talk about nonexistent relationships?" Inuyasha sent him a nasty glare.
"Just drop it you two," Kagome scolded from the side.
"Kagome doesn't even like you," Inuyasha pointed at him.
"Sit boy." Crash. "You need to cool it, mister," she sent a sidelong glance at Inuyasha.
Inuyasha sat up straight and took a long whiff from the air. Koga looked at him suspiciously and then imitated. Inuyasha stood up straight. He was alert.
"What is it Inuyasha?"
"I'd know that scent anywhere," he sounded hurried, "it's Naraku. Come on let's go!"
In a flash they were off. Kagome was surprised at how fast Inuyasha went. His feet padded the ground in a constant buzzing rhythm. Shippo held on to her especially tight so as not to fall off.
"Inuyasha," Miroku called from behind, "there's another barrier up ahead!"
"Gotchya," he confirmed.
Just as he reached the spot where Naraku's scent was strongest, there was a strange light coming through a hole in the barrier. Inuyasha stopped to let the others catch up. Koga whizzed by saying something about getting Naraku. Inuyasha ignored him and followed through the hole in the barrier.
On the other side the trees were denser than before. Inuyasha sniffed for Naraku, but had no luck. He kept moving in the hopes of picking it up again.
Then another scent drifted around him. It was so familiar, but seemed somehow different. He stopped and let Kagome off his back.
"What gives, Inuyasha?" She looked at him. "He's not here."
"I thought..." he drifted off.
"What is it Inuyasha," Sango sat on Kiara with Miroku. They were standing behind him.
Some of the trees started to shake as something decided to emerge on their right. A
woman pushed through the woods, leaning heavily on a bow, and limply badly on one leg. She wore priestess robes and her hair was pulled back with a hair band. One leg of her clothes was ripped, but her injuries were not visible.
"Kikyo," Inuyasha breathed. Her head picked up slowly and her eyes drifted off the ground to gaze on him. They perked with recognition.
"Inu...yasha," she tried to stand up, but grabbed her leg and cringed. Her bow clattered to the ground and she started to fall.
"Kikyo!" He rushed over and grabbed hold of her before she hit the earth. She set her hands on his shoulders. "What happened? Who did this? Kikyo," his eyes widened a bit more, "are you alright?"
"I am now," she smiled weakly at him and he seemed doubly surprised, "I found you." She breathed heavily out of severe exhaust. "Inuyasha," she looked deeply into his eyes, "do you remember when I asked you to come with me to the netherworld?" Inuyasha's eyes widened yet again.
"Of course," he said quickly, "Kikyo, what are you trying to say?"
"After all that I've done to you," she caressed his cheek with a soft hand, "will you still come with me?" He blinked. He was stunned at the immediacy that hung about her. His mouth was agape. He didn't know how to respond. Her hand rubbed his face gently. "Oh my love," she exhaled, "can you ever forgive me for what I have done to you? I have no right to even ask you to do this."
Kagome stood in shock watching them. How can this even be happening? Is Kikyo going to die right now? Inuyasha. What will you do? Kagome watched Kikyo in Inuyasha's arms. She was weak and pitiful. Her eyes stung with tears as they plead with Inuyasha.
Inuyasha's mind was racing. Kikyo was hurt, badly enough that she wanted to go with him into hell. She had searched him out for comfort, help, safety... Inuyasha's mind flashed back to Naraku's castle when he had confronted her. You can't save me!
Kikyo's arms slipped around Inuyasha in an embrace. Silent tears started flowing down her face. Suddenly a giant crack split through the ground beside them. The sore in the earth spewed heat like a vent and fire crackled out of it. The crack widened. The air was thick with the radiating red heat.
"Don't do it, Inuyasha!" Shippo cried from Kagome's shoulder.
"Inuyasha," Kikyo looked up into his eyes. She was actually crying and he could see it now. "I have always loved you. I guess," she sniffed, "I just haven't been too good at showing it." She tempted him with her eyes again. "I waited fifty years for you, Inuyasha. Please save me from waiting fifty more." Kikyo's embrace tightened. You can't save me!
Inuyasha pushed her away and stepped back. She fell to her knees and looked up at him, tears streaming down her face.
"Inuyasha," Kagome breathed. Miroku and Sango both gasped too.
A sinister chuckle penetrated the tense moment. A dark form emerged from behind the opening to hell and stood in the rich light that exuded from the crack. Naraku.
"Inuyasha," he grimly smiled, "you have forsaken her then?"
Inuyasha's eyes raced back and forth from the woman kneeling on the ground to Naraku. This is a trick. She isn't Kikyo. She can't be. She is not.
"Are you sure?" Naraku smiled at him. Kikyo's head was bowed and her bangs hung over her face. A tear fell from her eyes and stained the earth beneath her. Inuyasha hated the doubt creeping in on him. It was eating him alive. Naraku laughed again. "How disappointing. There's nothing that I can do to her now, Inuyasha. You've stolen all the glory. But as long as I'm here..." Naraku suddenly shot out a thorny hand and lashed Kikyo across the chest, then recoiled the limb, sending her twisting into the air. Her body spiraled in the air before plummeting back down right toward the hole in the ground. Inuyasha watched in horror. She's not real. She's not Kikyo. I won't be fooled!
Her body kept falling, agonizingly slow. Her eyes were closed and her tears wet on her pale face. Right before she met a fiery end, Naraku snatched her out of the air with another tentacle. He smiled. "Fool, I wouldn't let her go that easily."
Kikyo's body was limp in Naraku's grasp. He held her up and then shot millions of thorns out from all sides, spearing her. She cried as the vines wrapped around her legs and popped out through her stomach.
"Stop it!" Inuyasha lunged at Naraku and slashed him with his sword. Naraku released his captive and shoved her forward on shaky legs. She staggered forward before the pit. Her eyes were closed. Her legs gave out and she started to fall. Inuyasha grabbed her and held her in his arms.
"Oh, Kikyo, I'm–"
Kikyo's hands clutched his arms fiercely as a swift foot swept under his. He was being tripped. His eyes widened. NOOO! He felt her pushing him down into the hot crack. She's taking me into hell!
"You're what, Inuyasha?" Her eyes were wild and full of hate. Scratches and dirt marked her face and arms. "You're sorry? No, Inuyasha, I'm sorry!" She shoved him into the fire.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome screamed. Shippo held onto Kagome tightly.
"Wind tunnel!" Miroku aimed at his falling friend.
Inuyasha saw various crooked-nosed demons crawling up the cavern to grab him. Kikyo's face was getting smaller as he fell. I can't believe I...
Suddenly he felt himself rising. He was swept out of the pit by the wind. His hand caught the edge of the pit as a hand wrapped around his foot from behind. He dared a look. A demon had its claws wrapped around his ankle. He scratched his way up the side of the pit and tried to kick it off.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome grabbed him and started pulling him out. Shippo tried to help.
"Hiraikotsu!" Sango aimed for Naraku. He snickered and dodged it. The wasps zoomed down at Miroku and he covered his wind tunnel. Naraku started to make his escape. Sango growled and followed him. Miroku seemed equally frustrated and ran after her.
"Kagome," Inuyasha gasped as he managed to stand up. "Go hide in safety. It's too dangerous here." He withdrew his sword and turned around to face his foe.
Suddenly something shot through the air. Inuyasha's eyes widened as he saw Kikyo standing with her bow in hand and her other hand in the air behind her as though she had just shot... An arrow hit him directly in the chest. He shuddered as his body fell backward into the tainted soil.
"Oh, no!" Shippo cried.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome landed beside him. His eyes were shut. "Don't you dare!" She grabbed the arrow and pulled. It disappeared in her hand just as the one which sealed him to the sacred tree had. His eyes shot open. "Inuyasha get up!" Kagome's eyes were watery. Kagome stood up and drew an arrow. "Take this, you imposter." She fired at Kikyo who grinned maliciously.
"An imposter?" she chuckled, "Could an imposter do this?" She caught the arrow in midair. The purifying energy died at her touch and she put it in her own bow to fire it back at her. "I'm sorry to tell you girl," she smiled wickedly, "but you are the imposter." She let the arrow fly. Kagome gasped. It's pink light was real. Impossible...
"Kagome!" Inuyasha yelled and grabbed her. They jumped out of the way.
"How can that be?" Kagome looked at Inuyasha. "She can't be Kikyo."
"She's not," Inuyasha was determined. "Naraku probably did weaken her though." Inuyasha pulled out Tetsaiga and hurled a windscar at Kikyo. She hurried out of the way. "Yeah, see," he seemed proud at his correct judgement.
"Don't think I'm so easy, Inuyasha!" An arrow flew through the trees at them and caught Kagome's school uniform in the arm. She gasped. "You can't hide her from me." Inuyasha grabbed the arrow and pulled it out of Kagome's shirt.
"Kagome!" Shippo's worried eyes inspected her. "Are you ok?"
Kagome gasped. She can't sense the sacred jewel shard can she? Impossible! She fished the small fragment out of her uniform and slowly moved it away from her. Kagome withdrew her hand. An arrow struck directly where the shard was. Whatever magic made this cloned Kikyo was incredibly powerful. She has Kikyo's abilities and memory. But the one thing she can't have is her soul. That alone proves she's fake. I must purify her soul somehow. Kagome let out a scream. Inuyasha looked at her anxiously, but saw nothing wrong with her. Shippo's innocent eyes asked for an answer too.
"Play along," she whispered. He blinked, but then understanding dawned on him.
"Oh no, Kagome! Kagome!" He yelled as though she were dying.
Kikyo stepped through the trees and looked down only to find Kagome crouched down with an arrow ready. She felt the arrow rip through her as she staggered back.
"Windscar!"
Kikyo's ashes ascended and wisped away. Kagome breathed relief. It worked. Shippo hopped on to her arm as Kagome picked up the jewel shard and got on Inuyasha's back.
"Let's go find Sango and Miroku. Do you think it's possible that Naraku was merely a clone too?" Kagome asked.
"It's likely," Inuyasha considered, "He did smell a bit unusual, just like Kikyo."
Inuyasha stopped as the large barrier from before was in their way.
"I lose Sango and Miroku's scents here."
"The barrier must be preventing us from going back," Kagome concluded. "What should we do?"
"Well if this is the barrier of strength, I don't think we're allowed to help them. They have to do it on their own to prove their worthiness."
"Good point."
"Let's go," he decided and jumped off into the distance.
Up ahead of them was an open field. A cloud of dust was being kicked up as someone charged through. Koga left a dusty trail to follow and soon enough they caught up.
"Wow, I'm impressed dog boy," Koga marveled sarcastically as Inuyasha reached him.
"Cram it," Inuyasha bit back with little ferocity.
Inuyasha's steps slowed. Before them were two figures with their backs to the party. It was clear who they were though: Bankotsu and Kikyo. They looked pretty shabby in singed or burnt clothes.
"It's Bankotsu and Kikyo," Shippo sounded surprised.
Bankotsu turned a head to peer behind him. He seemed mildly interested and whispered something to Kikyo who did not react.
They caught up with little effort. Koga initiated conversation.
"Have you two seen a blond half demon girl running around with Naraku's baby anywhere near here? Or Naraku himself for that matter?"
"Not really," Bankotsu sounded bored. His eyes wandered over the sky.
"Damn," Koga growled. He pondered where Naraku could have went, but resolved the best course of action was still to reach the temple. "So you guys are traveling together?" They both just looked at him. "Never would have guessed..." His eyes rolled over to Inuyasha. "Looks like you've got some competition," he grinned.
"Keh," he snorted, "as if–fffff!"
Suddenly the ground let out from under them. Inuyasha barely had time to think as he grabbed Kagome with Shippo and leapt as high as he could. Koga parried off the collapsing earth. Bankotsu and Kikyo started falling.
Bankotsu caught Kikyo's outstretched arm and plunged the Akagawa into the wall of the pit. Their grasp held as they swung above the bottomless gorge. Bankotsu growled as the remaining rocks and soil dusted their heads and rained down into the cavern.
Kikyo looked down into the void. A flickering pink light flashed ominously. A purifying barrier. She just held onto Bankotsu's hand, but showed no fear of the end below her. It was as though she'd lost all urge to be afraid today.
"What I want to know is how we always land in situations like this," Bankotsu voiced nonchalantly.
"Just lucky I guess," she wryly suggested.
Bankotsu laughed.
"That's what I like about you, Kikyo," he grinned at her.
"I don't imagine our lives as much different than how we are right now..." she said somberly.
"With a gaping bottomless pit and a purifying barrier ready to smite us from below?" He laughed again. "That's pretty fucked up, Kikyo," he smirked, "I like it."
"What the hell is wrong with you people?" A harsh voice criticized them from above. It was Koga. He was leaning over and watching them from the edge of the cliff. He couldn't believe as they held on for their lives that they could possibly be laughing. It was totally mad. "Aren't you ready to get out yet?"
"Piss off!" Bankotsu yelled up at him. "We're not done yet!" He looked back at Kikyo. "Can you believe this guy?" He asked as though Koga were impertinently intruding on them.
"Here," she called his attention and started climbing up his arm. She managed to pull herself up and put a hand on the sword hilt too. "Ready?" She looked him in the eye.
He slipped his arm around her waist and held on tight.
"Yep," he sounded like it was the count down to launch.
Since he had his hand on the sword, Kikyo decided to siphon her power through him to the sword. Here we go...
She squeezed down on his hand and let her power surge into the sword. Bankotsu focused and released the energy in immense waves. The cavern rumbled as a flood of water-like energy gushed out from the Akagawa like a dam that had broken loose. Bankotsu and Kikyo rocketed up through the pit on top of the sword as power cascaded out like a waterfall. They road up the side in bursting waves and thunderous noise. They flew up and out and drifted down to land safely on the meadow.
Bankotsu let go of Kikyo and sheathed his sword. Kikyo surveyed the rest of the group but seemed content so she turned to go.
"Well," Koga scratched his chin and looked on analytically, "I didn't see that coming." He walked casually over to Inuyasha. "Looks like somebody's outdone you on the silencing-sword front, Inuyasha."
"I'll say," Shippo pondered.
"Stop agreeing with him!" Inuyasha reprimanded him.
"Come on Inuyasha," Kagome was the only reasonable one, "we'll lose them if we don't go." Inuyasha still seemed disgruntled, but acknowledged Kagome's insight. However, he was moody and quiet as he walked along. Kagome looked up at Kikyo. It was strange seeing her normally. The run in with the fake Kikyo was scary. Kagome shook her head to discharge the memory. Kikyo isn't really like that. She wouldn't attack us like that.
It occurred to Kagome that Inuyasha was introverted so she didn't bother him. She wondered if he was questioning his relationship with Kikyo. It is probably the first time that they have ever had this kind of problem. Kikyo seems quite taken by Bankotsu and he looks just as content. Inuyasha has to at least sense it. It must be hard with the recent incident at the barrier, but still. His heart can live in denial for only so long. If Kikyo does break up with him, maybe he'll finally be able to heal and move on, despite certain setbacks. Kagome thought about the tears that had flowed so freely from the fake Kikyo's eyes. Kagome watched Inuyasha sadly. He seemed to be hiding his feelings, but it was clear he was upset. Maybe she already has... Maybe that's why he's acting so rejected and testy. The poor guy. And he feels he has to face it all on his own. But you're not alone Inuyasha, if you'll only look around and see...
Author's Note: I was right no? It was long. I think its about the size of two normal chapters. Anyway thanks for reading! Please review!