just a few left
Kikyou was sneaking down the halls, in one of the empty rooms she found a bow and a few arrows. She felt a lot better with her chosen weapon in hand, but she still had to maneuver her way around in this maze of a manor. She didn't want to leave Kagome the way that she did, but her mind was in another zone. They knew something and she wanted to know the truth.
Hearing movement she raised her weapon and turned the corner, " Don't move!"
Kagura blinked, surprised at the sudden ambush, she raised a brow, " How did you get back here?"
Kikyou shook her head, pulling the arrow back, " Move and you die."
Kagura just smirked, " You couldn't kill me before little brat, I doubt you can do it now."
Kikyou frowned, that sinking feeling from before settling in her stomach, " How do you know me?"
Kagura smirked, closing the door to the room she just exited, " Are you for real?"
Kikyou stepped closer, her powers shimmering around her, " How do you know me!"
Kagura just crossed her arms, the powers she felt from the miko not strong enough to actually do any real damage, " You really don't remember?"
That sinking feeling started to freeze her insides, " Remember what!"
Kagura shook her head, " Look I really don't have time for this, Naraku wants me in the back for the show."
Kikyou stepped closer, " Tell me!" she screamed, shaking her head at the lump in her throat, " Tell me. Please."
Kagura blinked at the desperation in the girl's voice, " That night, when you were a kid..."
Someone suddenly called her name, " Kikyou!"
The miko turned, seeing her little brother, " Souta? What are you doing..." she suddenly flinched, " Ouch!"
Souta ran over to her, seeing Kagura took the distraction to escape, he looked to his sister, " Are you okay?"
She touched her neck, " Something bit me." she mumbled, looking at her hand, but there wasn't any blood and she couldn't feel any marks on her neck.
Souta turned, seeing a shadow down the hall, Sesshomaru came closer, Souta glanced at him then pointed a finger, " Demon!"
Sesshomaru launched forward, sword tearing the thing to shreds, he blinked, eye brow raising, it was paper. Kikyou suddenly collapsed to the floor, Souta immediately went to her side, bending, touching her shoulder, " Kikyou." blue eyes narrowed, there was something black glowing in her neck.
Gruff walked over to the paper that was on the floor, getting a better look at it, " Shit." he knew a curse when he seen one, " The curse of the Shikigami." he turned, seeing Kikyou starting to sweat, her face scrunched up in pain, " It must be part of the fang from the serpent."
Souta scooped up his sister bridal style, " Its the dark priestess, it gotta be."
Gruff nodded, not watching as Sesshomaru took off down the hall, he walked over to and picked up the bow and arrow the miko dropped. " Let's go."
Naraku stood with Tsubaki in the back of the manor, the rescue team was earlier than expected but he was not surprised. He found the tracker on Kagura just a little while ago and smashed it, he was upset she let herself be tagged but then again it was his miko they were dealing with, she was pretty clever. He glanced to the dark priestess, " How much longer?"
She smirked, " Soon, I can feel the sword's power from here. They are coming this way."
He nodded, " My pet's friends are here."
Tsubaki smile, " Let them come, I have plans for them."
Naraku smirked under his baboon pelt, " Then this should be interesting."
Sesshomaru burst through the back door, seeing Naraku standing next to Tsubaki, he stopped. The others meet him in the middle of the yard, the enemies standing on the far end near the start of a garden.
Tsubaki turned from the podium she was standing on, she smirked, rubbing the head of her snake, " So she has succumbed to my curse already, so pathetic."
Souta frowned, laying his sister on the grass, " You cursed her?!" anger made him react, he launched forward, wanting to tear the dark priestess to shreds for hurting his blood. He ran face first into a blue barrier, making him crash heavily to the grass.
Gruff frowned, they turned, looking at the seemed to be sleeping miko, her face was grimaced in pain. He bent, setting her bow and quiver down, touching her forehead. " The curse will kill her if not broken soon."
Sesshomaru frowned, turning towards the dark priestess, rising his sword, " Where's Kagome?"
Tsubaki grinned, " Give me So'unga and I'll tell you."
Gruff frowned, " Why do you want the sword?"
Naraku smirked, feeling the power around the supposed human, " You must be the master of magic I've been sensing. Nice to meet you." he smiled, waving his hand.
The team was suddenly surrounded by demon guards, holding them still, Souta frowned at the mind games the hanyou was trying to play, " Where's my sister!"
Crimson eyes landed on the teen and a brow raised, his aura was much like Kagome's, almost identical actually. He knew his miko had a brother but he was not expecting a duplicate. His miko and her twin didn't even share an aura this similar. " Who are you boy?"
Gruff stepped forward, blocking Souta from speaking, shoving at the demons trying to hold him, " Why do you want the sword?"
Sesshomaru raised a brow, should he not be more worried about his daughter? Something was up, the red flag was clear, this man knew more than he was letting on, " What are you playing at?" he hissed to him.
Gruff just shook his head, ignoring the demon lord, he needed information, " You don't need So'unga to start a war."
Naraku smirked, " Oh the sword is not for the war dear friend, it has a much greater purpose."
He pulled off his baboon pelt so they all can see the excitement on his face, " About 16 years ago, I stumbled upon a prophecy written in stone that was supposed to lead me to the legendary shikon jewel." He tossed the pelt to the ground, " What I found instead was much more appetizing however."
He clapped his hands once, loud and demanding. A door opened at the end of the manor opened and Kagura walked out, holding a body.
Souta eyes went wide. " Kagome."
Her eyes were closed, arms limp, body just dead weight, She was wearing a loose, princess-cut robe that hung perfectly to her rounded, full breasts. The rest of it flared around her unmoving body.
Souta turned head butting the demon to his left, it dropped like a rock. His free elbow jabbed the other in the ribs making it loosen its grip on his arm. Souta then turned raising his hand quick, the bottom of his palm hitting it under its chin. It stumbled back biting its lip, Souta balled both his fists, running towards his sister but other demons grabbed him. He struggled " You better not hurt her! You better not!"
Naraku grinned, " Now that I have your attention." He turned, signaling his incarnation that was holding the unconscious woman over to the stone table on the other side of the garden, " It's time we finish what we started 16 years ago."
Gruff suddenly gasped, making Sesshomaru and Souta look at him, not once have then seen an actual emotion play on the man's face before. It was alarming to say the least, Sesshomaru raised a brow, " What is it?"
He shook his head, " He knows..."
Souta blinked, " Know what?"
But Gruff wasn't listening, it was impossible, no one should know, " How do you know?!"
Naraku grinned, seeing the supposed human was genuinely confused and scared, " Oh I know exactly what she is, as I said I stumbled upon a prophecy that told me everything."
Souta shook his head, " What the hell is he talking about?! Someone explain what the fuck is going on?!"
Naraku just turned, walking over to Kagome as she was laid on the table, dress spilling over the side. Gruff frowned, fighting against the demons holding him, " No, you're making a mistake, you can't control it, you're gonna kill us all!"
Sesshomaru frowned, the immortal was truly worried, truly scared, there was something the keeper of fate and hanyou knew," What is going on?"
Gruff shook his head, " What you know about Kagome is not the full truth."
Sesshomaru raised a brow, " What are you not telling us?"
Gruff frowned, " Just get her away from that spider." he growled, attacking the closest demon to him.
She was in la la land, someone was calling her, trying to wake her, she didn't want to listen, she wanted to sleep, she was so tired.
The voice seemed to laugh, amused by her resistance, " You must wake young one, it is time you know the truth."
She suddenly blinked, realizing what was just said, she sat up instantly. Her head spun with the fast movement, but she just shook it clearing the fog she felt. She looked around, surprise and confusion was on her face, she was in her old bedroom.
She frowned, standing slowly, what in the world was going on, a shadow fell over her. She turned, someone was standing in the doorway, Kikyou stared at the woman for a moment, she wore the garbs of a miko and the armor of a samurai, her long black hair hung down her back, there was a strange sort of cross marking in the middle of her forehead.
" Who are you?"
She smiled as she stepped forward, " I am Midoriko, keeper of the Shikon Jewel."
Kikyou shook her head, " The jewel was just a legend."
" The story holds more truth than you know."
The young miko shook her head, " What's going on? Where am I?"
Midoriko gently touched her shoulder, " It is time you remembered what happened that night."
Kikyou blinked, "What..." she turned as the room suddenly flashed blue, she saw a smaller version of herself materialize out of thin air. She stepped back, surprised.
The little her went over to her sister's bed and started shaking her sleeping twin. The small Kagome groaned, rolling over, " Kikyou it's late, leave me alone."
" Oh come on Kagome, it's our birthday."
She rolled over, " Our birthday is over, go back to sleep."
" Don't you want some more cake?"
She blinked and sat up with a grin, " I love cake."
Kikyou giggled softly, " Come on, let's go."
Kagome grinned, sliding out of bed, taking her twin sister's hand and sneaked out of their bedroom. Kikyou blinked and followed them, she saw how Kagome blue eyes shifted back and forth in the hall, " We're gonna get caught." she whispered.
Kikyou grinned, " Relax dad's asleep."
They made their way to the kitchen, the cake was still on the table in its plastic container. They glanced at each other and grinned, " You get the plates, I'll get the knife."
Kagome nodded, " Okay." She was reaching for the plastic plate when Kikyou saw her sister suddenly shiver. She turned to her sister, " Got'em, did you cut the slices? I want a big piece."
Blue eyes blinked, seeing her sister standing completely still, " Kikyou what's wrong, you forget how to use the knife?"
Kikyou stepped forward, looking to her younger self, she didn't remember this. The smaller Kagome walked over and set the plates on the table, " Kikyou what's wrong?" Blue eyes followed the staring brown ones and she gasped. There was someone standing outside the sliding kitchen door, trying to jimmy the lock open.
Kagome grabbed her sister's hand and pulled her down, making her drop to her knees. They both crawled under the kitchen table as the door finally gave with the softest pop. It slid back and footsteps were heard as someone walked in. Kikyou shook her small head, " Its a burglar."
Kagome hushed her sister with a finger to her lips, holding her hand tight. The footsteps got louder and Kikyou started to cry, Kagome just squeezed her hand in reassurance. The foot steps were light, a woman she figured, a hand suddenly reached under the table and grabbed Kikyou by her hair. The small girl tried to scream but a hand was already around her month, keeping the sound from escaping.
Kagome crawled from under the table, " Let her go." she hissed.
The woman just smirked, her crimson eyes amused, " Aren't you the brave one." She lifted Kikyou off the floor, " Sorry Kid, this one is coming with me."
Kagome shook her head, " Take me instead. If your looking for ransom I'm the best bet, take me and leave my sister here."
The woman smiled, " I like your spunk, but my boss is waiting for me and he wants this kid." stepping back towards the sliding door.
Kagome reached out her hand, " Wait. I'm stronger than her, whatever you need to use her for, use me instead but leave my little sister here."
Kagura raised a brow, " Little sister?" she glanced down to the girl in her arms, " You're not the first born?"
Softly Kikyou sniffled, shaking her head, Kagome stepped forward, " Take me instead. Put her down. Take me."
Kagura frowned, " You should run, you should get away from here while you still have a chance."
Kagome just shook her head, " Not without my sister."
Slowly Kagura lowered the crying Kikyou to the ground, Kagome suddenly smirked, " Besides, you're pissing Man off."
Kagura blinked but didn't have time to react, she was suddenly hit from the side by an unseen force, knocking her hard against the wall. Kagome dived forward, grabbing Kikyou's hand and made a dash for the living room that led to the steps. Kagura leaped at them, " Come here you little fucker!"
She turned again, this time heading for the kitchen door, socks slipping on the wooden floor, she dropped backwards, using her fall to slide under the kitchen table. Rolling onto her hands and knees, she kicked at the legs, flipping the table over, hearing Kagura crash into the hard mahogany.
Kikyou screamed, her caramel eyes looked to the hallway, where were her parents, they should have heard the noise by now and came running. She was pulled as Kagome grabbed her hand and forced her towards the back door.
" Come on Kikyou!"
The small girl suddenly stopped, her face set in stone. She sensed something. Her head turned towards the left, crimson eyes gleamed at her, she had enough since to fall back away from the closeness of the demon.
On the floor Kagome watched a lean but built body step into view. She looked up farther, long black hair flowed around his shoulders. She continued until she stared into fiery crimson eyes. He was smiling. " I was not expecting this."
Kagome stared at him, his voice reminded her of Dracula, " Who are you?" She mumbled.
" The better question is who are you?"
Kagome swallowed, something tickled the back of her neck, telling her to be wary of the man in front of her. " Get out of our house."
He grinned again, she thought of a shark, " Not until I retrieve my prize."
Cautiously Kikyou took a small step back, shaking her head, " We don't have a lot of money, we run a shrine."
He took a step forward, " I'm not after money." His tone hard and stern, allowing no argument. It was a threat through and through.
Kagome swallowed hard again, fear freezing her mind for the moment. He was like the boogie man, a dark tale purposely meant to frighten and terrorize. His red eyes gleamed, illuminated by the thin stream of luminescence casting through the window from the street lights. Her breathing had gone rapid, she wanted to get away from him, move far away but his aura was clouding her senses. It was so dark and malicious, it was making her physically sick.
She shook her small head, " Man!"
Shadows slithered across the wall, Naraku turned with a raised brow, what the hell was that. An arctic wind suddenly chilled the air, freezing everyone to their spot. Kagura looked around, " What the hell is that?"
Kikyou shook her head, hugging her sister's arm, " Kagome what's going on?"
The small girl just smiled, looking to the hanyou that stood before her, " You pissed off my friend."
Crimson eyes looked to her, his mouth opened to question the statement but he was suddenly hit from the side, knocking him clear across the room. Kagura blinked before running over to help him but was hit in the legs making her topple to the floor.
Kagome took the distraction to run, pushing Kikyou towards a hall closet, " Get in and be quiet!"
Her small head shook, " I thought you were making Man up, I thought he was in your head."
Kagome just glanced behind her shoulder, seeing Naraku and Kagura trying to fight off the shadow, she pushed her shocked sister into the closet, " Just stay here would ya."
Kikyou grabbed her sister's arm, " No don't leave me!"
Kagome frowned, " I have to get them out the house, stay here." she demanding, pushing her sister away.
Kikyou watched as Kagome ran towards the chaos, picking up the knife she had used to cut them slices of cake. Naraku was slapping at a shadow with his tentacles but they were being sliced off by an unseen force. She watched her sister leap forward with the knife held over her head, driving it deep into the demon's back.
Naraku howled in pain, grabbing at the female who just attacked him. He swung her over his shoulder and into the wall. Punching her in the gut, watching as she doubled over in pain, then grabbing her head, slamming it against the wall, hearing her scream out, hitting her in the face with his elbow.
Kikyou cried, watching as the demon beat her sister like she was an adult, standing, eyes wide and teary, she grabbed the lamp off the side table, with an angry scream Kikyou hefted it like a bat, swinging it with all her might.
As soon as Naraku dropped after she cracked it across his back, she grabbed Kagome's hand and made a dead run for the door. They had to get away from here. She walked right into it. Her eyes went wide as the knife stabbed her chest. Naraku put a hand on her shoulder, pushing the knife deeper. Kikyou looked, eyes beginning to unfocus, it was like feeling nothing but knowing what happen. She felt herself fall to the ground, everything seemed dizzy but still at the same time. Here but far away. Bright but dull. As if in a dream. Colors spilling out their outline. She heard a scream, was that her?
Kagome screamed. " NOOOO!" dropping to her knees, putting her hands on the wound applying pressure to stop the bleeding.
Tears touched her eyes, her sister was dying. " You're okay Kikyou, it's okay, you're gonna be okay."
She didn't hear her. Kikyou glazed over eyes looked up. She saw blurs. Knowing the black one was Kagome. She felt wet spots on her face. She's crying. She wanted to stroke her cheek. To tell her she was alright. Though she knew it was a lie. She opened her mouth to say bye instead it came out as a short, ragged cough flecked with blood spilling down the side of her mouth.
Naraku just watched, not at all fazed at what he just did, " She is not the first born so she is not needed."
Kagome felt a sudden anger sweep over her. Spreading through her limbs making her gut tighten with anxiousness. Her jaws clenched harshly the muscle sticking out sharp. Her knuckle white from fisting her fingers so tightly. Flesh seemed to bubble and blister. Smoke and haze was everywhere. Bones bent and groaned with unseen force. The bellowing heat raged on inside her. Fire. Something deep inside her surfacing. It surrounded her. Calling her. Flames. The inferno in her racing blood spreading throughout her body. The blaze burning her alive. She bathed in the heat, enjoying the burn. Death. Destroy. Don't be afraid, become who you were truly meant to be!
Kagura tensed as the air around them heated, actually stinging her skin. They all seen it. Something flashed in Kagome's eyes, not just her anger, something more... lethal. Her eyes shut completely, then reopened revealing glowing black orbs, the glow so strong it seemed to be seeping out of her eyes. KILL THEM! KILL THEM ALL!
She screamed as she launched forward, her voice echoed by a males. It was like something was possessing her, she was a flash as she attacked the closest demon to her. Hacking at the wind demoness with glowing black fists until all limbs sizzled to ashes. Straddling the shoulders of the armless and legless female, she pounded at her head, each hit digging a crater into the demon's face.
" How dare you!" She yelled, her voice echoed by another, anger on her face, lightening cackling around her as her rage built on. " SHE'S MY SISTER!" Pummeling her fist into the face of the non responsive demon until there was nothing but blood and skin and a squishing noise.
Someone intervened, she hissed as the kitchen knife she once used was dug into her side. Glowing eyes turned, her reflexes fast as she pulled the knife out and stabbed the attacker in the same spot. Naraku stumbled back, shock, surprise and honestly, fear on his face. He pressed a hand against his wound, falling to his knees as the girl stood. No, she somewhat floated just above the floor.
He tried to crawl backwards, to keep a distance between the two when he realized there was a shadow, far too large to be her own standing behind her. He watched as a clawed hand reached forward, touching the shoulder of the child. Almost as if commanded, Kagome reached down and pulled the knife from his side before turning and walking over to her sister.
" Get out." a voice suddenly whispered, " Get out!"
Naraku took the hint, putting pressure on his side, he grabbed what was left of Kagura to regenerate later and quickly headed for the exit. He was sliding the door back when he heard footsteps coming down the stairs. He turned for one last look and it caused a pause, she was so still, standing before her sister, knife in hand. Her shadow something large, clawed, with the frame of a man, gently stroking her hair. He shook his head, seeing the parents enter the room and scream. This was a worth investigating he thought, stepping into the darkness.
Kikyou shook her head as the scene faded back to her childhood bedroom. She made a face, not believing what she just saw, " I don't understand." her brown eyes turned to the woman standing beside her, " I don't remember any of this."
Midoriko smiled softly, " Anything involving Kagome's abilities was erased from you memory."
" Why are you showing me this now?"
Midoriko reached forward and touched the young girl's shoulder, " Because your sister needs you. It's time to wake up."
Minutes felt like hours to the group of fighters, no matter how many of these things they killed they seemed to just multiply. They all were feeling their energy starting to run low and it was starting to get annoying.
Gruff dropped to his knees as a demon lunged over his head, rolled to his feet and blasted it across the back with cold magic, turning it to ice. Then ducked, pivoting to the right, blasting at another one. Souta was behind him in a similar situation, diving out the way of a tackle and for a millisecond wanted to just lay there, but he forced himself up, shooting at the three demons that approached him.
Deep blue eyes narrowed seeing the creatures regroup, " Pests."
Gruff frowned, " Who you telling." backs again to each other, fighting back to back, Lord Sesshomaru however was on his own, slowly inching forward towards Tsubaki and Naraku who just watched them with smirks on their face.
It made Naraku grin, seeing Sesshomaru so full of conflict though his face spared no emotion. His aura gave it away, it was angry, protective of his dear pet, " Finish them Tsubaki."
The dark priestess grinned, " With pleasure." Her left eye scarred over in blue x's, turning crimson red for a moment before a blast of smoke escaped it.
Souta blinked, " She's harboring demons inside her."
Gruff frowned, " She must have made a pact with a demon for power."
A seven story lavender fox looking demon with four tails stood before them. It striked at them with a large claw making the team jump back. Souta was the first to attack but the giant demon was faster than it looked and knocked him into the ground.
Gruff frowned, dodging an oncoming attack from the demon, " This is not good."
Sesshomaru countered, trying to hack at the legs of the large beast but was forced to jump back as one of the tails tried to stab him. " We have to get through that barrier."
Souta nodded, " I can't take it down." he mumbled, trying to land another punch but was knocked back again.
Kikyou eyes opened slowly, carefully she sat up, the young female was fighting with all her might, a dark glaze trying to cover her eyes, trying to control her. She strained to keep control, reaching for the bow and quiver beside her. She grunted as she forced her body to stand, notching an arrow.
" All these years." she whispered, teeth clenching as she fought the pull of the curse. An anger raged through her, " I hated my sister because of you!" she turned, letting her arrow loose, it carved through the giant fox demon like butter, turning it into ashes.
She suddenly moved in a catlike pivot, dropping to one knee, a pink arrow materializing as she drew the string back, letting the arrow loose. The arrow soared through the air, funneled with such power Naraku actually had to turn away the light was so bright. It struck the barrier full force, shattering it to nothing but pieces before it disappeared for good.
Tsubaki eyes went wide, " You wench!"
Sesshomaru used the pause in the fight to his advantage and launched forward, with a swipe of his claws he took off the head of the Shikigami. Naraku and Tsubaki jumped back at the sudden invasion of privacy.
Tsubaki frowned, " You think this is over!" she raised a hand, " Shikigami, bring me that girl's head!"
The serpent slithered at an amazing speed through the grass, regrowing a head as it went, Souta turned and ran after it. Naraku raised a barrier around Kagome and himself leaving Tsubaki on the outside.
Kikyou was breathing heavy, dropping to her knees, exhausted, caramel brown eyes opened, she blinked seeing the creature coming for her, she frowned, her hand gripping the bow she held. " I lost her."
She pulled herself to her knees as it came closer, " Because of you I lost her." Her arm raised, the bow she held glowed with a dark pink purity, " I'll kill you!" she smacked the snake with all her might, sending it flying into the sky.
Everyone turned watching as the Shikigami sail through the air with such speed, Tsubaki didn't even have time to move before it struck her in her cursed eye. A blue light erupted from her eye as she screamed bloody murder, before collapsing to the ground.
Naraku simply smirked, " At least I didn't have to kill her."
Souta reached Kikyou's side, checking her vitals, happy she was going to be okay. Sesshomaru turned to the hanyou, " Give me my wife."
Naraku walked over to the stone table, " What do you truly know about my pet Lord Sesshomaru."
Gruff reached the demon lord's side, " Drop the barrier Naraku, its over."
The half breed laughed, " This is far from over."
There was a soft coo that caught their attention, Kagome groaned as her eyes fluttered softly, slowly regaining consciousness. Her blue eyes opened and blinked, " Wha..." she tried to sit up but she was completely drained at the moment, making her groan in pain.
Gruff reached forward but was stopped by the barrier, " Mini me."
Kagome blinked, trying to focus her blurry eyes, " Baba..." she forced herself up, ignoring the pain. " What's going on?"
Naraku stepped forward, running a clawed hand through her hair, " My pet, you are finally awake."
Sesshomaru growled, " Do not touch her."
Kagome blinked again, grabbing her head, groaning again at the pounding headache she had, " Ses?" she covered her eyes for a moment, " I can't... focus..."
Naraku bent next to his prize, " Let me help you." he whispered, stroking her cheek softly as he bent in front of her.
Kagome shook her head softly, blinking her eyes to clear the blur that phased her, " Naraku?" She pulled away from the demon that was petting her like she was a prized animal. Stumbling to her feet, she looked around seeing her husband and father standing mere meters away from her. " What the hell is going on?" blue eyes suddenly glanced down, " And what am I wearing?" she mumbled.
Naraku just smiled, " I wanted you to be dressed appropriately for this occasion."
She raised a brow, looking to the half breed, " What occasion?"
" It is time you knew the truth."
Gruff shook his head, " Naraku, don't."
The hanyou simply smirked, " She has all rights to know."
Kagome raised a brow, " Know what."
" Who you truly are."
Gruff glanced to the woman he called daughter, " Don't listen to him Kagome."
The miko frowned, " What?" She glanced around again, " What is he talking about?"
Naraku stepped closer to Kagome, " What do you truly remember about that night in your home?"
She stepped away from the demon, not trusting him, " You tried to take Kikyou, you stabbed her and tried to kill me too."
" And who stopped me?"
Kagome frowned, " I did."
Naraku shook his head, " Not by yourself, you had help."
Gruff shook his head, " Kagome take this barrier down. Don't listen to him."
" He doesn't want you to know the truth little miko, but I know what you truly are."
Kagome blinked, confusion on her face, " I don't understand."
Naraku just smirked, " Maybe this will help." pulling something out of his sleeve.
The gasp was heard throughout the backyard, Sesshomaru frowned at the orange slip of material in the demon's hand, " You were in my home."
Naraku grinned, " I was looking for the sword but found this instead."
Kagome was staring at the ribbon, " Is that..."
Gruff stepped forward but was stopped by the barrier, " Kagome don't!"
But she was already reaching for it, his warning falling on deaf ears. As soon as she touched the ribbon memories flowed back to her like a tidal wave. Images and scenes she was forced to forget screening across her mind like a movie. Shadows following her, hooded figures standing at the end of her bed, a clawed friend she use to talk to, a protector that night her home was invaded.
She blinked slowly turning to her father, he was shaking his head, " Don't say it, don't say his name!"
…... " Man."
There was a rush of sudden air throughout the yard. Shadows skated across the grass and trees before a wailing scream erupted from the ground. The shadows surrounded her as if drawn to her, slithering up her body like snakes.
" No, Kagome!" Gruff yelled banging his hands against the barrier, burning his fists.
You could see it. The thing the immortal was trying to stop, you can see it slithering under Kagome's skin before bulging in her veins. The inferno in her racing blood spreading throughout her body.
Eyes snapped opened, fire danced in Kagome's misted blue orbs before bleeding black. Throwing her head back Kagome released a painful scream. The wave of power that was released from her shattered the barrier around them like glass.
It hurt! Kagome collapsed on the ground, shaking from pain. The shadows now attacking her, attaching themselves to her body, running from her hands up to her arms, twisting and turning along her legs, thighs and stomach. Until she was completely covered, her eyes were shut tight as she growled, low and deep, snarling, exposing lengthened fangs. The sound mixed with screams as she fought it, her powers fought for dear life against the shadows.
The shadows forced its way into her mouth, making her choke for air, burning her throat. She turned onto her hands and knees and started to vomit up thick black tar. Puddles and puddles of the substance came out of her until she was spitting up air and saliva. Her breathing was rapid and harsh as she slumped forward barely conscious.
Sesshomaru and Gruff rushed to her side, Gruff bending next to her, " Mini me, are you alright?"
She mumbled something, her eyes rolling around in her head, Sesshomaru stood guard but glanced behind him to his wife, " How is she?"
" Not very responsive."
Sesshomaru just frowned, " We need to leave, now."
Naraku was all smiles, standing a few meters away from the three, not at all upset his barrier was down. He was excited about the chaos he knew he just started, " Why, the fun is just beginning."
Sesshomaru turned to him but paused... something moved out of the corner of his eye. He turned back and raised a brow, it was the tar. Something was moving inside the tar Kagome just vomited out of her.
It hissed like acid as it moved across the grass, smoke sizzling up as arms and limps separated from their dark homes taking the form of a person before the tar hardened like clay. The sudden noise of the cocoon breaking sounded like a tree falling.
A man stepped from the casing, he was tall, covered in a dark set of armor. His gray hair long and shaggy, skin pale and deathly. A blue strip under each eye matching his blue lips, crimson eyes taking in the sights.
Naraku smiled as he stepped forward, " You are finally freed. Magatsuhi. Demon of all demons."
Crimson eyes glanced over to the hanyou for a moment, " The air taste difference here."
" It has been a long time since you walked this earth, it is now overpopulated."
The demon frowned, then looked to Sesshomaru and Gruff who were standing protectively in front of Kagome. " Pup, give me my sword."
Sesshomaru raised a brow, " What?"
Magatsuhi nodded, " So'unga was forged by me, it is mine, hand it over."
Gruff frowned, " That's why he wanted the sword, he knew it once belonged to Magatsuhi."
Naraku stepped closer to the mighty demon, " They are not with me, they came to stop you."
Magatsuhi raised a brow, " Oh really." he reached his hand out, " Come to me."
The sword began to glow, Sesshomaru frowned feeling it trying to pull away from him, damn it, he thought, now struggling as the sword grew hotter, pulling harder. He couldn't hold on for much longer, falling backwards with the release, shaking his singed hands.
Magatsuhi caught the sword in a spin and gave it a twirl to test it out, " Feels good."
Naraku smirked at the confidence of the demon before him, he stepped closer, " Together we will take over the world."
Magatsuhi glanced to the half breed, half tempted to kill him for thinking he was even on his level. Instead, he turned, it's been too long since he walked on this plane, and he wanted to enjoy the death he will cause. " Everyone here will die." Crimson eyes fell on his host.
Gruff picked Kagome up bridal style, " Stay away from her."
The demon of all demons grinned, " Relax, I will not hurt the one that kept me safe. She will watch first."
Gruff then did something no one ever in a million years expected him to do. He turned with Kagome in his arms... and ran.
Souta shook his head, " No the fuck he did not!"
Magatsuhi grinned, " Let the games begin." chasing after the man. Sesshomaru followed, right on the tail of the legendary demon. Naraku took off next, " Kagura make sure the sister doesn't leave!" he yelled behind him.
Souta bent, picking Kikyou up just as Kagura looked at him. She frowned, " Don't make me fight you."
" I'm not going to let you hurt my sister."
The wind demoness sighed, " I can't let you go."
The teen shook his head, " Look, why don't we just catch up with the others and fight later. She's unconscious so she's not going anywhere."
Kagura frowned, then turned, " Fine but keep up."
Souta jogged lightly to catch up with her, " So, how long you worked for Naraku?"
She shrugged, " All my life."
Souta adjusted Kikyou a bit in his arms for a better hold, " Kagome told me about you, you know."
" Yeah, what she say? Besides that I tried to kill her."
Souta chuckled, " Nah, she said you were a victim. She said she wanted to get you out and bring you to a DV shelter."
Crimson eyes blinked, " DV? Like Domestic violence?"
Souta nodded, " Yeah, she said she knew a place that would be perfect for you."
Kagura laughed, shaking her head, " I'm not a domestic violence victim. Naraku created me, I belong to him."
Souta walked beside the demoness; Kagome made him take a course on DV last summer. " Well, let's check. I'll ask a couple of questions and you answer yes or no. Honestly."
She glanced to him, slowing her pace so he didn't have to speed walk, " Sure kid, whatever."
Souta nodded, " Okay, does he insult you or embarrass you on purpose?"
Kagura frowned, her answer a mumble, " Yes."
" Does he try to control your life?"
Her steps slowed down as she answered honestly, " Yes."
" Does he get physical with you in any way. Like pushing, slapping, choking, or hitting?"
Her voice dropped an octave, " Yes."
" Are you afraid to disagree with him?"
" Yes."
Souta glanced at her, " Last question, has he ever forced you to have sex with him or other people?"
Kagura halted on a gasp, her eyes watering over as she turned away, her sob was soft, and she immediately covered her mouth. She bent, pressing her palms to her eyes trying to grind away the tears, mouth clenched as she tried not scream.
Souta set Kikyou on the ground before dropping to eye level of the demoness before him. Softly he touched her shoulder, " Hey. Because he made you does not mean he owns you. You are your own person and have an entire life to live. And that is why Kagome wanted to get you out. She wanted you to be able to live for yourself."
Kagura shook her head, wiping at a few stray tears, her mouth opened then shut, she couldn't trust what she was going to say. She sniffled for a moment before looking to the unconscious miko, " You want me to carry her for a while?"
Souta just smiled, leaning back, " Sure, she's heavier than she looks."
Slowly she stood, picking up Kikyou and continuing the trek through the woods. Together they stepped through the tree line and into a small clearing just as Gruff was thrown into a sturdy oak, bringing branches down with his fall to the ground.
Blue eyes glanced around, seeing Sesshomaru fighting both Naraku and Magatsuhi single handedly. Souta rushed over to the tree the unconscious Kagome was laying under and checked her vitals. She was breathing but her pulse was weak, Kagura laid Kikyou next to her, making Souta look up, " She won't survive long, we need to get her to a doctor."
Red lips frowned as she glanced up to her master as Gruff rejoined the fight. Fear of disobeying threaded through her but there was also something else. Something that made her want to help, but still she shook her head, " She has to stay here."
Souta opened his mouth to protest but was stopped by a groan, looking down, he watched Kikyou slowly blink her eyes open, " Wha.."
She groaned, grabbing her head, " What's going on?"
Souta touched her shoulder, helping her sit up, " Kikyou, are you okay?"
Her brown eyes tried to focus on the face inches from her own, " Souta..." she blinked slowly, looking around, landing on the wind demoness beside her brother. Those brown eyes narrowed, recognition setting in, " You!"
Anger laced her trembling voice, " I hated my sister because of you!" power sparked around her, making the demoness step back, Kikyou shook her head, struggling to stand on her feet, " I grew up missing a part of me because of you and that damn demon!"
Her aura pulsed around her, the unseen force sending, Kagura, Souta, and everyone in the field flying in different directions. Power filled her. Spreading through her limbs making her quake. A purifying blue light escaped her as she screamed out her anger and hatred. The blue light separating from her and taking a transparent form of the priestess that laid dormant inside the miko for years.
Kikyou gasp, falling to the ground, tears in her eyes as she crawled over to her sister, laying her head in her lap.
Midoriko stepped forward, taking in the scene; the demon of all demons' frown, getting to his feet, " How?"
The priestess warrior smiled, " It seems my spirit has finally been awakened."
She raised her hand, her aura tripling in power glowing a heavy dark blue. The glow suddenly zapped out like lightening, whipping around the clearing before wrapping around everyone like a tentacle, holding them meters off the ground.
Midoriko stepped towards her lifelong enemy, " It is finally time you die Magatsuhi." raising her hand once more to give the final blow.
" No! You can't kill him!"
Everyone looked over to the one who shouted out, surprised it came from Kagome's adopted father. Gruff shook his head, struggling against the power holding him still, " You have to put him back Dori! Put him back inside her!"
The priestess blinked at the nickname, confused for a moment, only one person ever called her that, " Naga? How are you alive?"
Gruff just shook his head, " Put him back inside Kagome, you have to put him back now!"
Still confused, she stared at her old friend, who she thought was a simple blacksmith long ago when she was alive. " He is not at his full strength; this is the only chance I will get to kill him."
Magatsuhi laughed, not even bothering to struggle again the purity that was slowly burning his chest, " She's not lying."
Gruff shook his head, " Please, trust me Dori, you can't kill him, you have to put him back before it's too late."
Souta looked to his sister's mentor, " Before what's too late?"
Sesshomaru agreed, " You know something we don't."
Gruff frowned, he didn't want to share but it seemed he didn't have a choice, " All those years ago. What happened in that house, what happened in her cell... It's nothing compared to what you think the truth is."
Again, he shook his head, " I made her forget for good reason. I used Magatsuhi's spirit as an anchor for a sealing spell. But now that he's out I don't know how long..."
He was cut off by a harsh fit of coughing. Kikyou sat her sister up, patting her back, " It's okay Kagome you're okay."
The special agent coughed into her hand, trying to catch her breath, " What the fuck." she groaned.
Kikyou hugged her sister to her chest, tears in her eyes, " I'm so sorry for not believing you. For thinking you would actually hurt me."
Kagome pulled back, confused, " What are you talking about?" she looked around, eyebrows raising at the display of power before her. " Is that ghost?" she asked, looking to the blue transparent version of Midoriko causally immobilizing everyone around her.
She blinked again, eyes landing on a demon she never seen before, " Who the hell is that?"
Kikyou followed her line of vision and frowned, " Magatsuhi, the demon that was inside of you."
Kagome coughed, " He was what?" she shook her head, " What the fuck?"
Kikyou frowned, looking to her sister, surprised she didn't remember, " You know, the one that helped us that night, the one you used to always talk to? Man."
Blue eyes blinked slowly, " Man?" she looked to her sister, then to the demon in question. Her voice was a whisper, " That's not Man."
A sudden power burst through the clearing, Kikyou gasped, being slammed to the ground as the transparent priestess was thrown back into her body. Everyone dropped to the ground in a daze.
There was a rush of air throughout the entire forest. Shadows skated across the grass as the wind bent trees to its will. Clouds rolled in like a chariot, thunder rumbled, and lightning clapped.
A black smoke drifted into the clearing, Kagome's shadow stretched away from her and towards it. The shadow touched the smoke and it suddenly spun in a whirlwind; the black cyclone developed a surprised Magatsuhi. There was a scream, So'unga dropped to the ground as the shadow of a figure in a hooded robe stepped out of the windstorm.
Black elastic bat wings arching from the top of his head to the tip of his ankles, sharp boned tips looked to be dipped in the devil's red blood. Ebony locks flaming, swirling around him with his unseen power. Claws dark as night, sharp and holding his chosen weapon.
A 6-foot garnet red scythe with a blade four feet long and 6 inches tall; the spear head at the end long and sharpened to a stabbing point. Strange carvings swirling along the staff lined in gold.
A head lifted, long bangs swaying out his tanned face, a small black star being seen in the middle of his forehead. Slowly he raised his lids. There weren't any pupils, just a swirling cloud of white.
" FINALLY!" he roared.
His arms lifted into the air as he enjoyed being reborn, " The alpha and omega! The king of kings! The god of gods! The destroyer of worlds! The master of demons! I'm BACK!"
Kagome laughed at the conceitedness of the creature she knew growing up, " That's man."
He turned, swirling eyes landing on his favorite person, " Little pig, little pig, you're finally mine."
Gruff stood, running towards his daughter, but he was a second too slow as the mystery man grabbed Kagome, flapped his wings and took off like a bullet in the sky.
Eyes narrowed as he watched his daughter be taken, he turned to the hanyou that caused this, " This is all your fault!"
Naraku shook his head, " I did not know there was more than one demon inside of her."
Gruff just frowned, turning away, " That man is no demon."
Souta picked up the unconscious Kikyou, " Who is he?"
Gruff sighed, a hand running through his hair, " He is Death. Personified into a form we can comprehend. And as long as he has Kagome at his side, he will destroy all life, demon and human alike. Everything is going to wither and die."
He turned to Naraku once more, " You better prepare for battle. Because now, we have a common enemy."
Crimson eyes narrowed at the demand, instead of responding he stepped back, disappearing in a mist of miasma. Gruff frowned, " We need to inform the council."
almost done!
