Sesshomaru's nostrils flared in agitation. He had suspected Naraku's manipulation,— the spider relied on it to coax his prey to their end — but Inuyasha had assured him the dead miko was not within Naraku's grasp.
He should have known better. This was not the first time Inuyasha's oversight had placed him and those around him at a disadvantage. It had been the same when Sesshomaru had first encountered his brother with the miko. Inuyasha had been so concerned about acquiring Tetsusaiga that he had left her open to attack. Apparently, he had yet to learn his lesson.
Their group had grown weary from attempting to weaken Naraku. The numerous attacks had had little effect on the spider hanyou. He remained smug and in control, waiting for them to give him an opening to deliver this blow. Sesshomaru was convinced his brother would have continued charging if it had not been for the presence of his dead lover.
Naraku's reveal was strategic. Not only was he taunting Inuyasha, but he was also weakening Kagome's resolve. Naraku knew the quickest way to get to her was through those she loved. Despite Sesshomaru's warning, he knew the ploy was working.
His mate's stance went from defensive to stiff. Her eyes were wide and her mouth was parted in surprise. Even before Kagome moved, Sesshomaru recognized her intentions.
"No," he said, stretching out his arm in front of her.
"Sesshomaru—."
"You cannot save someone who is already gone."
"She didn't deserve to die," Kagome argued.
"Perhaps not, but you cannot change what has come to pass," he returned. "Her life is over. The longer she lingers in that form, the farther removed from her true self she becomes. She no longer resembles the holy woman she once was. She's an abomination."
Kagome chewed on her lower lip.
Sesshomaru placed his hand on her arm. "Naraku is playing on your compassion. Do not allow yourself to fall into his trap."
"Even if it is a trap, you can't just expect me to let her die!"
"Mate, she is already dead."
Sesshomaru held her gaze for a tense moment. When he caught the quiver of her chin, he wondered if his tone had been too harsh. He did not wish to upset her. However, he would gladly suffer his mate's wrath if it meant keeping her alive. He would grovel for the remainder of his days as long as she stayed by his side.
When Kagome finally spoke, her voice was soft. "I know."
His eyes widened. If it had not been for his heightened senses, Sesshomaru would have missed her response.
"I know I can't save her," she repeated, slightly louder, "but Inuyasha loves her and I love him. He's my best friend. I don't want him to suffer."
Sesshomaru sighed. He gathered her against his chest. "Mate, no one— least of all my brother —could ever accuse you of such a thing. Your compassion extends further than anyone I have ever known."
He felt the shudder of her shoulders as she attempted to reign in her emotions.
Kagome was not like him. She had not been raised to conceal her feelings behind a mask of indifference. Reading her was as simple as the lettering on her grandfather's talismans. Initially, her transparency irritated him. Sesshomaru thought she was weak, incapable of obtaining the upper hand in battle, and, therefore, unworthy of his attention.
He had been wrong.
In the time that they had lived together, Kagome had taught him more than simply how to care for his ward. She made him rethink everything he knew about humans. Her acceptance of his temperament had stunned him. Sesshomaru had always considered himself patient but his resolve was nothing compared to his mate's will. She had maneuvered her way into his life, steadily embedding herself into his daily routine until he could not envision a life without her. Kagome had shown him that home was not a specific place but where one's heart resided.
She had changed his outlook on many things, including himself. Kagome demonstrated that an heir's purpose was not solely to carry on the family name. Their true value was how their presence made others wish to secure a better future. It was for that reason that Sesshomaru vowed to return his mate to the palace.
Their pups needed them. He would not permit them to endure the same childhood he had— one of abandonment and loss. Sesshomaru would be present to hear Rin's first word, watch Shippo achieve his ranks, and hold Kagome's hand when she gave birth to their next pup. He would be beside her for all of life's milestones. They would share triumphs and losses, victories and defeats. Whatever happened in the future, they would weather it together as a family. Together with Rin and Shippo, they were a pack— his pack.
He would not be parted from them.
"Kagome!"
Over the top of his mate's head, Sesshomaru glared at his brother.
Inuyasha ignored him. "What now?" he asked.
With a sigh, Kagome pried herself away from Sesshomaru. His ire with Inuyasha grew. "This changes nothing," Sesshomaru insisted.
"It changes everything!" Inuyasha snapped. "He has Kikyo!"
"Killing her would be a mercy," Sesshomaru returned.
"If she dies, Naraku wins," Inuyasha retorted.
"Inuyasha." Kagome's hand settled over his half-brother's wrist. "Kikyo died fifty years ago. I know that's hard to hear but it's true. The real her— the woman you fell in love with —passed on. She devoted herself to protecting the jewel. She was willing to sacrifice everything— even her love for you to keep this world safe. Whatever part of her that's still in there wants the same thing. If you ever loved her, you'll honor her wishes and let her find peace."
Sesshomaru stared at his mate. An odd sense of pride, awe, and devotion filled his chest. He had never seen her speak to his brother in such a manner. Her compassion remained but the bond they had shared— a connection he had once envied —was no more. Inuyasha no longer held Kagome's heart.
While Sesshomaru had known this sentiment to be true for some time, seeing the evidence of the change in his mate's expression felt different. It was validation in its most satisfying form. Briefly, he wondered if this was how his father had felt when he chose Izayoi over Arisu. Had he felt gratitude, satisfaction, or had he simply been at peace? Was that what it meant to find one's true mate? To start and end each day with them? To know you would turn the world to ash if only to see them smile at you?
Sesshomaru finally understood why Touga had left. If his father had felt even a fraction of what he did for Kagome, Sesshomaru could not fault him. What he shared with her defied reason. Their bond could not be ignored. It was unbreakable and boundless, as were the breadth of his feelings.
Reluctantly, he admitted it was probably the same for his younger brother but Sesshomaru's goodwill could only extend so far. Today, he would acknowledge his father's choices. Perhaps, in the future, he could do the same for Inuyasha but, for the time being, his concerns outweighed his compassion. He did not believe his brother would follow Kagome's instructions.
Neither did Naraku.
"It appears that we are at an impasse. You have the remaining fragments and I have this woman. Make your choice," he demanded.
His attention was fixed on Kagome, a detail that didn't escape Sesshomaru's notice. He reached for Bakusaiga. The sword thrummed with energy as if it could sense his desire to end the hanyou's life.
Kagome clutched the jewel shards tightly, her gaze unwavering as she started at Naraku.
Sesshomaru felt a pang in his chest. His hackles raised and his inner beast snarled. Knowing what had to happen and accepting it were two different things. Though he had agreed to support his mate, watching her place herself in imminent danger went against his every instinct. Sesshomaru had promised to support her but he had also vowed to protect her. In this situation, it was impossible to do both.
He was not aware of how her friends inched closer to Naraku— of how the slayer's grip on her boomerang tightened, of the determined clench of the monk's jaw, or Inuyasha's nervous fidgeting. Sesshomaru only saw her.
That was why when Kagome turned to him, he could see the power rising behind her blue eyes.
"Sesshomaru, you said that I could end this mess with the jewel on my own. Was that true?" she asked quietly.
His jaw tightened. "Yes."
"Then let me go."
"Kagome." He closed his eyes and pressed his forehead to hers.
"It'll be alright," she promised, reaching up to cup his face between her hands. "Trust me."
It was not a matter of trust. Sesshomaru was well aware of his mate's abilities. His hesitation stemmed from his fear of losing her, a fear that was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. As his physical form leaned away, his inner beast growled. He could not behave rationally when there was a risk she could be harmed.
This was not the first time he and his other side had quarreled. Originally, they had warred over whether or not Kagome was an acceptable mate. That time had long since passed yet they were at odds again over the miko. Sesshomaru doubted there would ever be a day when he did not yearn for her.
But he would not stand in her way.
A rush of wind passed them, an invisible divider between their group and Naraku with his hostage. It whipped around the hanyou, tossing his hair in front of his face. Sesshomaru considered it Kagura's final goodbye.
The moment was brief yet in the absence of the breeze the clearing became unnaturally quiet. It was as if the land was waiting on bated breath for the battle's outcome. The heavy tension surrounding them began to feel like a miasma. Its weight choked out all thought, leaving behind only the base impulse for survival.
Sesshomaru's long fingers curled around the hilt of Bakusaiga. Once the jewel was no more, Naraku would be the last hurdle between them and their future together. Sesshomaru was anxious to eliminate him. All he required was a single opening— no matter how small —to strike Naraku down. If Kagome could give him that, he would make quick work of their enemy.
"Go," he relented.
Kagome's mouth turned upward in a half-smile.
Then she was turning away from him —for what he hoped would be the last time.
It was like a moment from the movies. Kagome listened for climactic music but all she heard was the pounding rhythm of her pulse. The adrenaline rush had begun with her first step toward facing Naraku. It had been building steadily throughout their battle until it reached its peak, making her feel invincible.
Except Kagome knew that was a mirage.
She'd experienced enough fights to recognize the heady feeling. Some called it retribution or revenge, others referred to it as justice. Kagome preferred to think of this battle as the finale. Like the movies, everything she had done had led up to this moment. This was her last opportunity to end Naraku's reign and save her family.
Kagome bit the inside of her cheek as she worked to hold her hands steady. Countless times she had pictured standing this way, arrow nocked and aimed at Naraku. She never thought she'd feel conflicted about her choice. If she released her arrow, the villain of her story would be vanquished.
But so would Kikyo.
Even in death, Naraku would win. He would drag Kikyo to the grave purely out of spite, forever tainting their victory. The plan was despicable. Just like the mastermind behind it.
Kagome refused to give him the satisfaction.
There was an opening— hardly larger than her single arrow —between Kikyo's arm and her torso. With her hands lifted in an attempt to pry Naraku's grip free of her throat, she had inadvertently provided Kagome with an opportunity to strike the fatal blow.
"Lower your weapon and hand over the jewel shards," Naraku demanded.
"Not a chance."
He chuckled. "I hadn't expected you to be so cold, though you are descended from this woman." He jerked Kikyo roughly. "And we are all aware of the lengths she'll go to— even shooting her lover." His dark eyes flickered to Inuyasha then settled back on Kagome. "Guess you two aren't so different after all."
"Shows what you know," Kagome said.
She fired a shot at his hand. Naraku twisted around, angling away from the strike as he held Kikyo out like a shield. The transition created space between him and the miko— an unintentional opening that Kagome hoped to leverage.
Her next arrow headed for the hanyou's midsection. It was a clean shot. Kagome held her breath waiting for it to make an impact. That was when Tetsusaiga cut through the air, slicing her arrow in half.
Kagome barely avoided the swipe of Naraku's tentacles as he whipped around. She staggered back and almost collided with Inuyasha.
"Get back," Sesshomaru snarled, diving between them to pull Kagome out of the way.
"I'm sorry, Kagome, but this bastard has it coming!"
"Inuyasha!" Kagome's cries fell on deaf ears. Where Kikyo was concerned, her friend had tunnel vision. He couldn't deny his instincts any more than Sesshomaru could deny his.
Kagome could feel the frustration radiating off Sesshomaru. His arm was firmly around her waist and he had positioned himself in front of her. "We will never succeed if he continues this way."
"You have to get him out of here," Kagome insisted.
Sesshomaru stared at her.
"You're the only one who can," she explained. "If you can keep Inuyasha away from the fight long enough for me to steal Naraku's half of the jewel, we have a shot of winning."
"I will not abandon you."
"You're not; you're giving me the chance to finish this."
Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed as he glanced over at his half-brother and Naraku. "Go."
Kagome nodded. Adjusting her bow over her shoulder, she rushed at Naraku. Sesshomaru darted forward in a blur of white and red. A second later, she heard Inuyasha swear. She readied herself for the hardest shot of her life.
"You had your chance, girl. You failed to take it," Naraku sneered.
She ignored him. Kagome took her stance and pulled out her last arrow. Though there was no heart beneath the patchwork of hides he had collected, instinct told her to strike that point.
"It's over. Give the jewel to me," he hissed, yanking Kikyo in front of his chest and blocking Kagome's shot. The woman winced but made no sound.
When Kikyo raised her brown eyes to meet Kagome's gaze, she felt something pass between them.
Shoot me.
Kagome's eyes widened in surprise. Kikyo's lips hadn't moved but she heard her voice.
Shoot me, Kikyo repeated, more firmly this time. You know how to defeat him. Do it.
There was no outburst from Inuyasha. Naraku didn't seem to have heard either. Kagome realized she was the only one who could hear Kikyo.
What are you waiting for?
You'll die, Kagome reminded her.
My time on this earth has come to an end. There is nothing left for me to do but pass on.
What about Inuyasha?
Our paths crossed in this life. If we are meant to meet again, I will see him on the other side.
Tears pooled in Kagome's eyes. She had never been convinced of Kikyo's feelings for Inuyasha, but at that moment, she understood the woman he had known fifty years ago— the real Kikyo —would always love him. She was choosing Inuyasha over her own existence. Had their roles been reversed, Kagome would make the same choice. Sesshomaru and their family came first.
Watch over him, Kikyo requested.
I will, Kagome promised.
You hold the power of all of us inside you, Kagome. Never forget that. You will change the world— starting today.
Kagome swallowed thickly. With an imperceptible nod of her head, she drew her arrow. The haze of tears cleared as she accepted her role with renewed clarity. It was as Kikyo had said. Kagome knew who she was— student, daughter, sister, granddaughter, friend, miko, jewel-hunter, mother, mate. She was all of those things, yet, none of them defined her. It was her love for those around her that kept her grounded. They gave her purpose and fortified her resolve.
She released the arrow, knowing it would hit the mark.
As her arms lowered, Naraku's lips curled in a cruel smile. "I was wrong. You're nothing like this woman. She wouldn't have been foolish enough to waste a shot— no! No, what have you done?"
Her arrow had lodged itself in Kikyo's chest. It cast a blinding white light around itself. Kagome ducked her head down, holding one arm up to shield her eyes. The ringing in her ears drowned out Inuyasha's anguished cries.
Slowly, the light dulled to reveal that her projectile had gone all the way through Kikyo's body. The tip had managed to pierce Naraku.
"You," he seethed, glaring at Kagome. Naraku tossed Kikyo's decaying form aside and approached her.
Kagome reached over her shoulder, only to remember that she was out of arrows. Her eyes went wide. He laughed. Naraku stood over her, eyes full of malicious intent. He was so close that the feathered end of Kagome's arrow brushed against her collarbone.
"Clever, woman. You may have struck me, but one arrow isn't enough to kill me."
"Wanna bet?" Kagome latched onto the arrow with both hands and shoved it deeper into his chest.
Naraku howled in pain. His limbs writhed and curled in on themselves like the legs of a spider once it has been squashed. He thrashed and attempted to pry her hands free but Kagome held firm.
She envisioned a barrier of pure energy shining outward from the tip of the arrow. Kagome extended her reiki. Naraku frantically clawed at her arms. Her hands shook with the effort it took to keep the arrow in place.
Somewhere behind her, she was aware of her friends screaming but Kagome knew she couldn't stop now.
Almost there…
One of Naraku's tentacles began to quiver. The flesh started to melt, oozing miasma as it rotted away. His other limbs soon followed. A few dropped to the earth, disintegrating into ash while the others were consumed by the malevolent energy he had called upon to absorb them.
With each body part that fell away, Naraku weakened. He stopped attacking Kagome. Instead, he huddled in the purple silk of his kimono, as if trying to escape.
A pulse of power alerted Kagome to the jewel's location. She adjusted her grip on the arrow, then reached into the folds of Naraku's robe. As expected, the jewel was early complete but tainted by dark energy. Kagome gave one final thrust, lodging the arrow in between Naraku's ribs, before hastily backing away.
She collected Kouga's shards from her pocket. When she held them next to Naraku's piece, the difference was even more apparent. Kouga's shards were a light pink while Naraku's portion was closer to purple. Carefully, Kagome slotted the pieces together, flooding the jewel with reiki until the entire sphere was as clear as a glass marble.
Naraku grabbed her arm, drawing her close enough to whisper, "You may have restored the jewel but this battle is far from over. After all, you never asked what I wished for."
Kagome felt a strange tug at her navel and reeled back. She glanced down and saw nothing there. Naraku began to laugh again. Kagome looked up to see a vortex opening behind the spider hanyou.
"Enjoy your victory, Inuyasha. I will enjoy my consolation prize." With a sneer, Naraku dropped back through the portal.
Sesshomaru appeared beside Kagome. "Did he hurt you?"
She shook her head "No, but he said something weird."
"Weird how?"
"He mentioned his wish," Kagome answered. "It was almost like he— ah!" Pain rippled through her and she doubled over, clutching her stomach.
"Mate." Sesshomaru knelt next to her, searching for the source of her agony.
The pull that had started in her abdomen was suddenly undeniable. Her entire form felt as though it was being dragged toward the portal. Kagome grabbed onto Sesshomaru. "It's pulling me in."
"No."
Fear gripped her heart as she realized what Naraku had wished for. "Sesshomaru— ."
"No, I won't let him have you."
"What's happening?" Inuyasha demanded.
He landed next to them, his gaze flickering between Kagome and the vortex. Sango, Miroku, and Kirara were not far behind.
The sensation grew stronger. Kagome's grip was slipping. Desperately, she tried to hold onto Sesshomaru. But it was no use. Kagome's fingers slipped free, sending her tumbling backward through the portal.
"Sesshomaru!"
"Mate!" He didn't hesitate to jump in after her.
Her friends screamed for her. Just as Sesshomaru reached her, Kagome saw them crowding around the opening. Their worried faces were the last thing she saw before the vortex closed.
Then they were lost in total darkness.