Disclaimer: The characters of Inuyasha are owned by Rumiko Takahashi, but this story belongs to me.
Chapter Twenty-Six: Demon Unleashed
"No!" screamed Sango.
"I'm sorry," Miroku said as he put his arm around her shoulder, pulling her towards him to attempt to shelter her from the sight of their friend laying broken on the dirty floor.
"Kagome is… dead."
"Shut up, Koga!" the distraught woman she swung her fist wildly in his direction. "I won't believe it! I WON'T!"
Inuyasha was crouched near Kagome's body. His claws digging into the flooring as he fought the demon inside of him. A hazy red film seemed to be coating his vision. He couldn't put together any coherent thoughts. He wanted to mourn. He wanted to destroy. He wanted, more than anything, to rip apart the man who did this to his mate. But he couldn't bear to leave her side. It hurt too much to have her beyond his reach. Growling and snarling he kept all others away from her. Away from them.
"What an unexpected pleasure," smiled Naraku as he made a welcoming gesture. "I'm afraid I was not prepared for guests."
Shippo was the one who noticed that change in Inuyasha first. His eyes burned blood red and his fangs and claws grew longer and sharper. Stripes of purple slashed across his face, now contorted in rage. Luckily that rage was only directed towards one person, though the young man knew in his heart that if anyone should even attempt to approach Kagome they would likely be cut down.
With a wave of his arm, Naraku sent a legion of poisonous insects towards the group. Inuyasha destroyed them with his claws and the others used their makeshift weapons. As the enraged dog demon fought the insects, Naraku made his move towards the two women chained to the wall. But before he could get close to Kagome, Inuyasha was standing in front of him, slashing wildly.
When Naraku fell back Inuyasha turned towards Sango. "Get her to safety," he growled.
Sango looked at him sadly. "But Inuyasha… she's…"
"GET HER TO SAFETY!" He turned his attention back to Naraku. With a roar he launched himself at the demon in the skin of a man.
Choking back tears, Sango moved quickly towards Kagome. The closer she got, the more upset she became. One of the bones in her left arm had broken and pierced through her skin. It was too much. Her stomach threatened to expel all of its contents at the sight in front of her. She couldn't bear to see her friend like this. She couldn't bring herself to touch her body.
"She is not yet dead."
Sango's gaze snapped to the other woman in chains. She was struck by how much the woman resembled Kagome. Immediately she felt protective of her, likely because of the similarity between her and her friend. Finally the woman's words registered in her brain and Sango began searching for signs of life. She leaned down and put her cheek near Kagome's mouth.
"I can't feel her breathing."
"She lives," the woman insisted.
Sango took hold of Kagome's wrist. She placed two fingers over her friend's pulse and closed her eyes, trying to tune out the sounds of battle behind her. Yes! There it was. It was faint, but it was definitely a pulse.
"Young Kagome used all of her energy to open the doorway to bring you and your friends home. Though she is not yet dead, she is not far off." The woman looked towards the battle that was taking place. Naraku was deftly avoiding Inuyasha's fists and claws. "Besides, HE does not yet want her dead. He needs her alive a little while longer. She will of no use to him dead."
Naraku needs Kagome's soul. The thought seriously creeped Sango out.
"We'll find a way to get you out of these chains and get you both out of here. Where is the key?"
The woman shook her head sadly and gave the chains a slight shake. "There is no key, child. These shackles and chains are made of magic."
Sango slammed her fists against the floor. "How am I supposed to save you?"
"The death of Naraku will dissolve the evil magic he used to create these chains." The woman turned her gaze to a dark corner of the room. "Though the miko may be able to help us."
"Miko? But Kagome isn't even conscious. She can't help us."
The woman smiled gently and turned her head to the left. "The other miko."
Sango followed the woman's gaze across the room. There, standing in the shadows, was Kikyo. But the other priestess was not making a move towards them, merely kept her eyes on Kagome.
"Kikyo! Help us!" No matter how loud, or what she promised and threatened, the miko did not respond to any of Sango's pleas.
Again the young woman used her fists against the floor to vent some of her frustrations. There was nothing she could do to help Kagome escape. She could only wait while the others fought. Waiting was torture. I can't just SIT here! Even Shippo was out there helping. It wasn't fair. Sango knew she was a better fighter than most of the boys. Once upon a time she might have considered herself a better fighter than Inuyasha too… of course, not when he was in demon form…
"I should be helping fight. I feel useless."
The last thing Sango expected was to hear the woman laugh cheerfully. "Useless? Tell me, child, does that young man care for this young girl?"
The woman had motioned towards Inuyasha. Sango didn't have to pause for thought about her answer. "Yes."
"How much?"
"More than anything else on the planet."
"More than his own life?"
Sango thought about it for a moment, then nodded. Yeah, he probably did care for her more than his own life. His complete and utter devotion to her was astounding. Now that she thought about it, even before the quest, when they were just online friends playing games, Inuyasha was always watching out for Kagome. Every attack against her was a personal attack against him. At first they chalked it up to him wanting to win the game at all costs and felt he had to protect the weaker member. But now… now she knew that he just wanted to protect Kagome. The real world, the virtual world, the jewel world, in every world it seemed that he would put his life on the line for hers.
The woman smiled kindly. "And he has entrusted his most precious treasure for you to guard. I do not think that HE would find you useless. It is my belief that he would choose the strongest to protect her."
A smile found its way to Sango's lips. Well… when you thought about it THAT way… She brushed the hair away from Kagome's eyes. "Just who are you?"
"I am Midoriko. And it is time for you to earn that trust that Inuyasha has in you."
Sango looked up to see Kanna and Kagura in the doorway.
"I thought Kagura decided to stay in the other world."
Midoriko whispered, "Look into her eyes."
The other woman's eyes were red, like the demon counterpart in the other world. Blank. Souless. She even wore the same kimono that she wore as the wind demon.
"That is not the woman you once knew. It is merely a body. A husk. A puppet for Naraku to use. And she is strong, child. They both are. Do not make the mistake of thinking of them as human. While their souls are in the other world, Naraku has found a way to fill these bodies with the souls of demons."
Sango clenched her fists. "Does that mean I can't kill them?"
"The bodies may die, but the demon souls will not. However, if the bodies die, the souls of Kanna and Kagura will forever be trapped within the jewel."
The young woman cursed impressively. "So protect Kagome, but don't kill Kanna and Kagura. Great. Just great. Got any ideas on how to go about this?"
Midoriko shrugged delicately. "Do not get killed."
"Thanks."
"And do not let Kagome get killed."
"Right… Thanks for the help."
With a roar, Kirara transformed from a cute little kitten to a giant firecat demon. Sango felt a little bit better, though she wished she had her weapons from the game. They would have come in handy. Luckily she had just enough time to grab a table and overturn it to use it as a shield before the first wind attack came. The blades of wind cut through the cheap pressed wood of the table. It would survive maybe one or two more attacks. Maybe.
"There might be something in these boxes that might help."
"Maybe, Shippo. But I don't exactly have time to go browsing now do… hey… I thought you were fighting Naraku with Inuyasha and Miroku."
"And Kouga," Shippo said. He added his weight, slight though it was, to the table to keep it blocking the vicious wind. "But Inuyasha started going into this killing rampage, so Miroku told me to head back here and help you with Kagome." He shrugged. "Plus I ran out of supplies."
Sango smiled, glad to have a little backup. "Okay kiddo, you go sneak out of here and search those boxes. Don't let them see you."
"But I'm supposed to help you protect Kagome," he whined.
"Finding us some weapons will do a better job of protecting Kagome than anything else. I promise you." She turned her attention back to the wind demon and gasped. "NO! Don't kill them Kirara!"
The firecat demon was dismayed, but took her teeth out of Kanna, or rather the demon in Kanna's body. The pale woman lay unconscious on the floor. Being shook like a ragdoll must have knocked her out. Sango tried to feel sorry for her, but couldn't seem to manage to muster up any sympathy.
One more blast of wind shredded the table, cutting Sango's arms and face. Quickly she covered Kagome's body with her own. When she heard Kagura chant again Sango tensed, determined to protect Kagome. The wind cut through the air, tearing up everything in its path. It should have cut into Sango too. Oddly enough, she didn't get touched by it. When she looked up she was gazing into familiar violet eyes.
"Miroku!" She gasped. "What are you doing here?"
His smile was grim as he winced from the pain in his shoulder and back. For a moment he wondered how it was possible that wind could cut like knives. "Inuyasha seems to be in some sort of killing rage. Quite frankly, it is safer being cut up by the wind demon than the dog demon." This time his smile was warmer. "If I guard Kagome, can you take that witch out?"
Sango smiled, then nodded. Quickly she looked around the room. What were her options? She dug into her pockets in hopes of finding something else that may help too. Her smile nearly split her face when her fingers touched the cool glass in her pocket. Thank heavens for girly habits that she couldn't break. Quickly she dashed across the room towards her target.
Kagura seemed divided on who she should attack. She was to destroy all who would aid the mikos. Right now that meant the dark haired young man.
Using the end of the screwdriver, Sango smashed the top of her roll on perfume bottle. With a swing of her arm she flung the alcohol based contents at the wind demon's red eyes. It had the desired effect. Kagura was screaming in agony, clutching at her eyes. With a solid right punch, Sango knocked Kagura out.
"Sango!"
The girl turned towards Shippo's voice two seconds before a coiled rope hit her in the chest.
"I found a rope!"
"I noticed," she muttered.
Inuyasha spared Sango a glance as he dropped to his feet after finally managing to land a blow on Naraku. The female and they red headed kid were busy tying up the two women. Good. However, he wasn't so crazy about the male guarding his mate. He snarled a warning at the male. Hang on, he commanded her, just a little longer.
A chill ran through Miroku even as his back felt as if it were on fire. The look Inuyasha just gave him was crystal clear. Touch Kagome and die. Let any harm come to Kagome and die. Miroku had a feeling that if the girl had even a chipped nail that she didn't have when she was left in his care that he would be a dead man. He couldn't wait until Sango finished tying up the others so that she could relieve him of his duty. His nerves just weren't up to dealing with an enraged overly jealous demon. Besides, Inuyasha seemed to be dividing up his time keeping an eye on Kagome and trying to fight Naraku.
"Sango! Hurry up!" Miroku yelled.
When she looked back in consternation he looked pointedly towards the dog demon. Quickly she finished the last knot and ran back towards Kagome.
"Stay and guard these two," Sango told Shippo.
On her way back she ran into Kouga. Well, more specifically, Kouga was hurled into her, knocking them both to the ground.
"I'm enrolling that mutt into some anger management classes," Kouga muttered angrily. "Doesn't he know we're on the same side?"
"Did you happen to mention Kagome's name?" Sango asked as she attempted to untangle herself. She looked up to find Miroku glaring at them. Who knew that Miroku could be the jealous type? Quickly she looked away before he could see her smirk.
"So what if I did? We are here to rescue her aren't we?" He shrugged. "Man, you sure are bony. Watch those elbows!"
"Then get OFF me, you oaf!" She huffed, "And I'm NOT bony!"
He smiled and let himself go boneless on her. "Oh, I don't know. You're pretty comfortable, Sango."
Out of nowhere a table leg hit Kouga in the head, knocking him off of Sango. Looking over her shoulder, Sango only saw an innocent looking Miroku… and a three legged table. With a final kick to get the rest of Kouga off of her, Sango began making her way back to the others. Kouga rubbed his head, grumbled a bit about how unfairly they all treated him and followed.
When they were a couple of yards away from Kagome, a chair flew out of nowhere and hit Kouga. This time Miroku looked just as surprised as Sango. Together they turned and saw Inuyasha snarling at them. Sango took a step back. That's when she noticed that his eyes were not on her, but on Kouga.
"Um… maybe you should help Shippo guard Kagura and Kanna."
Kouga glared at her. "I'm going to go free Kagome. Get out of my way."
Sango put her hand on his chest, stopping his movements. "Really, I think it would be best to guard those women. They have the souls of demons in them. Just make sure not to kill them."
Kouga growled, or as close as he could in human form. "I am not afraid of Inuyasha. Move. Now."
"No."
"I don't want to fight you, Sango. Just let me help Kagome."
Sango sighed, but did not budge. "The chains are magical. The only way to get them free is to either kill Naraku or get Kikyo to help." Sango smiled. "Maybe you can get Kikyo to help. You DO have a way with women…"
Ah, it was that easy. With a smug smile, Kouga went off to sweet talk Kikyo into helping. Before Sango could hurry back to Miroku and Kagome, she felt a hand grasp her elbow. With a backwards jab with her elbow, a quick side step, and one strong yank, her attacker was flat on his back with her foot at his throat.
"Oops, sorry Shippo." She extended a hand and helped him to his feet.
The teen rubbed this throat gingerly. "See if I bring you presents again."
"Presents?"
Shippo smiled mischievously. "Yeah, for Miroku." He shoved a small box into her hands before dashing off. "Gotta get back to the ladies!"
Curious, Sango opened the box. She grinned at the contents. Ofudas. Magic scrolls like Miroku had used in the game. Will they work in the real world? She smiled again. Only one way to find out.
"Thanks Shippo!" Quickly she hurried to Miroku's side.
By the time she reached her friends, it was as if a hole opened up and all the demons were released from the pits of Hades.
"Quick! Make a barrier!"
Miroku grimaced. "Sango, that was a game. I can't make a barrier."
She shoved the box in his hands. "Make a barrier NOW, Miroku!" Turning from him, Sango punched a demon who looked suspiciously like one of the ox demons from the game. "Shippo! Kouga! Kikyo! Get over here!"
Immediately Kouga and Shippo ran towards them. Kikyo, however, melted into the shadows and disappeared. Miroku began to chant.
"Get that barrier up, monk!"
Miroku continued to chant. Once Kouga and Shippo were with them he opened his eyes. He could feel the power. He felt Sango slump down next to him and breathe a sigh of relief. He heard Kouga and Shippo gasp in amazement as the barrier shimmered. Closing his eyes again, he continued to chant.
"I knew you could do it," Sango whispered. "Good job finding those scrolls, Shippo. You're a hero."
"How is Miroku able to do that?" asked a disgruntled Kouga. "And how come Inuyasha got to keep being a demon?"
"Miroku learned those skills in the game," answered Midoriko. "Thus, he has the knowledge to continue using that magic. Everything you learned in the game is still within your memories."
"But why is Inuyasha still a demon?" Shippo asked.
"That, my dear child, is a very good question. Perhaps when Kagome wakes up we shall ask her."
That wasn't the answer Sango expected. So far it seemed as if Midoriko had known everything. As she was about to open her mouth to ask the woman if she even had a guess Sango froze. It was too quiet.
Looking around she saw a room filled with blood and dismembered body parts of demons. In the middle of the room stood Inuyasha, pulsing with angry power. He was poised to attack, but there were no enemies left. When he looked in their direction, Sango actually shivered in fear. There was an urge to take off running as he began to stalk over to them.
Miroku did not stop chanting his spell of protection.
Shippo was the first to speak. "Did you kill Naraku?"
"No," growled Inuyasha as he took a swipe at the barrier. "Let down the barrier."
"So, you couldn't defeat Naraku by yourself after all, could you mutt?" scoffed Kouga, who did not seem to have an ounce of self preservation.
"Get rid of the barrier."
Sango's heart began to race as she saw his eyes burn blood red. Suddenly it didn't seem like such a good idea to let the barrier drop. She could see that Miroku was glancing at her out of the corner of his eye, asking her what they should do.
"I need Kagome."
"Drop the barrier, Miroku." Inuyasha did need Kagome, she could hear it in his voice.
As soon as the words were out of her mouth, the barrier was dropped. Pushing aside anyone in his path, Inuyasha knelt beside Kagome. When he looked up, his eyes were gold. Everyone seemed to breathe a little easier.
"We have to get her out of here." Inuyasha put his hand under her head and his other arm under her legs.
"We can't move her," argued Kouga. "She has broken bones, probably a concussion! You can't move her, you idiot!"
"I can't let her wake up to THIS!"
Sango sighed, the anguish in his voice nearly moving her to tears. She didn't want Kagome to wake up to the blood and gore either. "We can't move her even if we wanted to, Inuyasha. The chains are magic. The only way to break them is to kill Naraku or get Kikyo's help. Both have disappeared, in case you haven't noticed."
"We can free her without them."
"No Inuyasha… we can't. I want to too, but we can't."
"I WILL."
Inuyasha roared as he grabbed the chains and pulled with all of his might. But the chains did not budge.
"Kagome!" he screamed as he continued to pull. "Wake UP!"
The dog demon was too busy fighting the change to notice the pink glow. It started at her fingertips and spread up her arms, slowly engulfing her body. Sango, Miroku, Kouga, Shippo, and even Midoriko watched in amazement as the glow seemed to spread from Kagome's body to Inuyasha's. It didn't surprise anyone when he was finally able to pull the chains from the wall. As soon as the chains were freed from the stone wall they began to disintegrate.
Inuyasha slumped to the ground. "Keh… told you…"
Then he promptly passed out.
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Author's Note: Bet you guys thought I was never going to get the next chapter up, huh? Thanks for the reviews, they really help keep me motivated. But don't worry, regardless of how late a chapter may come, I will definitely finish my story.
