4
"Looking for Inuyasha, lady Kagome?" A villager asked Kagome as she walked through the village.
"I am, have you seen him?" Kagome confirmed in a kind manner.
"He's in the tree over looking the village," He answered and she gave a smile and nod of thanks before walking in the right direction.
"It's a beautiful day," Saya commented as he came out of the sword.
"It is," Kagome agree as she went down the right path, her zori clacking against the dirt path.
She felt as though she stepped on something and looked down with wide eyes. She saw nothing and shrugged slightly. Saya was simply enjoying the nice weather from the curtain of her hair and had his eyes closed. She was rather fond of the old demon spirit, her reminded her of her grandfather. No wonder she liked having him around. It was like having a tangible comrade to talk to. So'unga gave her feelings, but never words. The sword couldn't do that to her, not like it could others. She was too stubborn for it.
"Inuyasha!" She greeted the half demon with a smile.
"You actually look like you belong," Inuyasha commented in an off handed tone.
"I thought it best, besides school uniforms are expensive and I'm not racking up money on my mother like that," Kagome sighed as Saya gave a small wave of his hand from behind her hair, "are your wounds better?"
"Yep, I heal differently from humans," Inuyasha's sounded like he was gloating.
"That's good, too bad it can't make you grow taller," She stated and he tensed at that, "did…did you not realize I was taller than you?"
Oh, she was so glad that her previous soul had some influence on her body. Her eye colour was one influence, but her curled hair and height were another. Her mother loved having her help to grab things up high. No wonder she was always looking for someone taller than her, it made more sense. Inuyasha jumped down from the tree and she inclined her head down to meet his eyes.
"Damn it," Inuyasha quietly cursed, "are you sure your family doesn't have demon blood somewhere in its line?"
"You've met my grandfather," Kagome pointed out, "he'd have a fit if we did."
"My lady is a human," Saya stated, "though she does have the mannerisms and mentality of a female inu."
Kagome looked to the side in disbelief. The older she got the more that people likened her to a dog. She sighed through her nose and fought the urge to pinch the bridge of it. Not even her previous boss did this to her. She twitched when she felt something coming their way. A small smile made its way on her face at the sight of the old priestess.
"It seems as though you're starting to get along," Kaede commented.
"We are not! (He's my new best friend!)" Inuyasha and Kagome's voice melded together and Kaede sent them a sharp look.
It wasn't the older priestess's fault that they were very similar. She sighed before gently shifting her injured arm to the side. She didn't know what to make of them, and their odd friendship. Even she could see that they had a bond of sorts, though Inuyasha wanted to ignore it. Inuyasha suddenly yelped and slapped a hand to his neck. Saya narrowed his eyes in thought, he knew that demonic aura.
"You okay?" Kagome asked Inuyasha as something fell into his hand.
"Why if it ain't ol' Myoga the flea," Inuyasha commented, waving off Kagome's worry.
"Myoga? It's been a while," Saya stated.
"Saya, you were supposed to keep that sword sealed for seven hundred years," Myoga pointed out, his original reason for being there slightly forgotten as he glared at his fellow servant.
"I was able to do so for five hundred before it's true master appeared and drew it," Saya explained holding onto Kagome's kimono in thought, "this is my lady Kagome."
"It's nice to meet you," Kagome bowed in a polite manner.
"It would be best to take refuge in the temple you've taken hold of," Kaede commented, "these old bones can't keep moving like they used to."
"I have some tea from back home, it's a merlot," Kagome quietly told her as she began to walk with the old priestess, "can you drink any, Saya?"
"A cup would be lovely." Saya confirmed.
Inuyasha couldn't help but stare at the cup in front of him. It was a sweeter tea, but it's warmth easily filled the air. Kaede took a thankful sip of the warm liquid and closed her eye on appreciation. Saya was a bit more vocal of his, his small hands wrapped around a metal straw so he could drink from a larger cup. Myoga simply enjoyed his tiny cup.
"Your older brother is attempting to violate your father's tomb," Myoga informed Inuyasha.
"He is?" Inuyasha asked and Kaede could hear the influence that Kagome had on him.
"I am the protector of the tomb and couldn't bear his attempts any longer," Myoga stated.
"That means it want the actual tomb if you've left it behind," Kagome commented before taking a sip of her tea.
"My lady is correct," Saya confirmed, "few know the exact location of the great dog generals tomb."
"I myself do not know," Myoga confirmed.
"And you call yourself a tomb protector!" Inuyasha snapped before letting out a sigh.
"I have heard that your father was a phantom dog that once ruled over the western region," Kaede stated and Kagome noted that Myoga was eying her kimono in thought.
"I don't remember him at all, never met the guy," Inuyasha shrugged, picking up his cup and taking a deep sip of tea.
"He was a magnificent and powerful demon," Myoga confirmed, "and his blood was so flavourful. Master Inuyasha has inherited the tasty blood from his father."
"And his looks as well?" Kagome asked in genuine curiosity.
"Master Inuyasha looks a bit more like his mother," Myoga answered, "she was quite beautiful."
"You won the genetic lottery, congrats Inuyasha," Kagome stated in amusement.
"My mother died a long time ago!" Inuyasha snapped before slamming his hand down on Myoga.
He glared at everyone in the room before storming out. Kagome looked at her tea before pushing her hair back from her face. He truly cared about his mother. She would react the same way if her mother had died. She brought her hands into her lap as Myoga gave a worried sound. Even Kaede gave him a look.
"Lady Kagome?" Myoga asked and Saya gave him a curious look.
"Yes?" Kagome questioned, giving him her attention.
"That Kimono, wherever did you get it?" He asked.
"It was a birthday gift from an anonymous friend," Kagome answered, "it's sturdy for the material it's made of."
Myoga hummed his agreement and shared a look with Saya. They knew what that was, but remained silent. It was best not to get their hopes up. The young priestess got up from the floor and smoothed the front of her kimono before following after Inuyasha. She didn't want him hurting alone. She knew all too well what that felt like. She watched as the sun slowly began to set and wondered where the time had gone. It hadn't seemed like time had passed so quickly. It didn't matter. It was night by time she found Inuyasha, and she took in his scowl before sighing softly.
"Hey!" She called and his ears twitched, "Do you want to talk?"
He gave her a strange look at that and tried to see the deceit on her face, but found none. She genuinely wanted to talk to him. His scowl deepened in response. He hated that she was so open with how she felt, and that she came too late into his life. Everyone had hated him because of his half demon status, people wanted him to change to be one of the other. He jumped down from his tree and got in her face.
"Why are you so open?" He questioned through clenched teeth.
"Because even in my time, people of mixed heritage are either ridiculed or pushed to be one or the other," She stated, "my father was mixed, and I can remember people ridiculing him even when I was around."
"So, you're pitying me," Inuyasha sneered.
"No, I don't pity you," She stated, raising a single brow, "I suppose my understanding can come off that way, I apologize."
That. That's what he hated the most about the girl. She was kinder than most people and willing to apologize to him. He put his hands into the sleeves of his robe and watched as she looked up towards the moon. Her expression thoughtful, as though pondering something only she knew. Her eyes quickly moved to the side the second he smelt a familiar scent. He inwardly cursed as she reached towards her sword, a bead of sweat going down her face.
"Get down," Inuyasha stated as a powerful wind went through the area.
"Is that…" Kagome trailed off, looking up in the sky as something flew over head, "that's a damn palanquin."
There, a crack in her polite demeanor. All it took was something out of the ordinary. Then again, even he was confused by the sight of the dark wooded palanquin flying through the sky. It was surrounded by demons. Kagome narrowed her eyes at it, sensing something off about the whole situation. The cover of the palanquin flew off, revealing a woman wearing a multi-layered kimono her long black hair flying back as she fought against the chains enveloping her. Inuyasha let out a strangled sound and Kagome gave him a look of concern.
"What is it?" Kagome asked.
"My-my mother!" Inuyasha exclaimed.
"Is dead," Kagome reminded him in a kind manner, "this is a dirty trick by someone…unless she was also a demon."
"Demon?" Inuyasha asked, flinching when his mothers voice called for him.
"Yes, her aura reminds me more of a demon than a human," Kagome confirmed, "from the love you have of her, she wouldn't have such a dark aura."
"It couldn't be the other demon you're sensing, is it?" Inuyasha snidely asked as he watched a clawed hand come out of nowhere and destroy the palanquin.
"Pretty sure," She nodded, "I'm good with smaller auras, it's how I always know where So'unga is."
Right, she would have to sense her sword to make sure it didn't get lost. He got the feeling that it wouldn't go too well if someone else tried to wield it. He ran a hand through his hair, he didn't know who to trust. His mother, or the girl next to him that was able to sense demons. She narrowed her eyes at the woman posing as his mother. Warring states. She was sure there was a demon that walked around during these times, something about mothers. Her grandfather had told her a story like that once. She brought So'unga out when a burst of fire came their way, it took more effort than usual to send it back towards the demon. It had been an oddly powerful attack. She looked towards the source and saw a small green demon with lamp like yellow eyes. An imp? Kagome hadn't thought she'd ever see one outside of hell.
"Jaken," A smooth voice stated.
The imp looked up towards the owner of that voice. Kagome gave a wry smile, it was Inuyasha's brother. She knew that immediately by sight. Few people had that lovely silver hair, if one was to quote Yura. Saya let out a murmur of fear and she looked towards the small demon. She had forgotten he was there. He burrowed into her hair and peeked through the dark strands at the tall inu demon.
"Yes my Lord?" Jaken asked.
"We will kill him after our business is done," The tall demon stated.
"Wow, I thought Souta and I had a hell of a sibling rivalry," Kagome muttered and those amber eyes looked her direction.
"Sesshomaru!" Inuyasha yelled, narrowing his eyes.
"Admirable, so you remember your older brother?" Sesshomaru questioned.
"I knew it," Kagome stated and Inuyasha's sound of disbelief quickly followed suit, "like I told Yura, few people have the exact shade of silver hair that you do…it was an educated guess."
"A mortal girl?" Sesshomaru questioned, narrowing his eyes at the sword in her hand, "that sword."
"Belongs to me," Kagome cut him off with a serious tone, "you can remove me from the So'unga, but it would never listen to anyone ever again nor allow itself to be picked up…no matter how strong the one trying is."
He narrowed his eyes more at her, his distaste for humans showing. She was an improvement over the last human his brother had been around. Granted, both were priestesses. The girl raised a brow in challenge and stabbed the So'unga into the ground giving the blade an apologetic look before returning her attention towards him. So, a human who finally knew how to properly take care of a blade.
"It suits you to stick to humans," Sesshomaru stated.
"It must be lonely and painful having such a stick up his ass," Kagome commented to Inuyasha, who looked at her in surprise.
"Such an uncouth wench," Sesshomaru commented, his hands flexing in response to her words, "humans are such disgusting beasts, a half demon is such a disgrace to our kind."
"Did you come all this way to tell me that?" Inuyasha questioned with a blank expression and Sesshomaru knew the exact reason behind his sudden ability to hold his temper.
"I am not so idle as that," Sesshomaru stated and Kagome coughed at that, "I came to ask you the location of our fathers grave."
"Then why not ask him?" Kagome finally asked, "Inuyasha may have been mad if you approached him, but this was such a bad way to ask for information that it almost hurts."
She jumped back when a neon green whip struck the ground where she had been standing. Ah, so she had been able to annoy Inuyasha's older brother. Sesshomaru had a wonderful poker face, but even he showed emotion when pushed enough. She now knew how much she could push before he decided she was too annoying. She felt her zori slide against the wet ground when she landed.
"I don't know the location," Inuyasha sighed and Kagome gave him an apologetic smile before hurrying back towards So'unga.
She paused at the murderous intent coming from Sesshomaru. He would kill her the second she got close enough to So'unga. Well, he was going to be very surprised when he couldn't pick it up. She didn't know what else it would do to him, but it was going to be karmic. She welcomed the wills of the Kami.
"Visible, but invisible the true protector of the grace cannot see it," Sesshomaru quoted and Kagome gained a thoughtful expression, "that is a clue to the gravesite."
Kagome was one of the top students at her school, but even she was slightly stumped. It was as if the protector wouldn't be able to see it at all. What could do such a thing? Perhaps that was what Sesshomaru was stuck on as well. She brought a hand up to her cheek, a mannerism she had picked up from her mother, and frowned as she thought. Inuyasha finally let out a sound of frustration.
"I don't know what you're talking about!" Inuyasha yelled at his brother, "Besides even if I knew, I wouldn't tell you! That's for sure!"
"I see," Sesshomaru muttered and Kagome gave him a strange look, "then it can't be helped. Your mother will suffer for it."
Kagome ignored the scene before her and stared at the woman. What was it? She really couldn't remember the type of demon she was thinking about. Mu-on'na! The nothing woman! That's the demon she was thinking of. She relaxed slightly. Her hands going into the sleeves of her kimono.
"You mean that mu-on'na?" Kagome asked and Jaken tensed at that, causing a smirk to appear on her face, "I hadn't been entirely sure until you tensed."
"You girl," Sesshomaru stated and Kagome quickly stepped back when he suddenly appeared before her, her blue eyes narrowed, "who are you?"
"Higurashi Kagome," She answered keeping an eye on him.
"This human woman is an improvement over the previous one," Sesshomaru stated and Inuyasha glared at the compliment while Kagome sighed.
"This has to be inu behavior," She muttered.
It had to be. She could only explain petty behavior so much before it became inane. Sesshomaru reached for the So'unga with a clawed hand and all parties present held their breath. The second he touched it, he was blasted several feet away. He gracefully slid and narrowed his eyes at the human girl as she easily picked the sword up and sheathed it. She simply gave him a curious look. As though attempting to figure him out.
"You're interesting," She calmly informed him.
His amber eyes became deadly as she placed her hands into the sleeves of her kimono. Her thoughtful expression became one of dawning realization. It seemed as though the human had figured something out. He slowly stood up straight, his movements fluid. He could kill the human girl after gaining their father's sword. She would be easy to take care of. It took him a few seconds before he came to the same conclusion that she had, or she might've had. Inuyasha was the protector, but truly didn't know. The moon light glinted off his right eye in a strange manner and he rushed the teen.
"What the hell?!" Inuyasha snapped before he grunted when his brother picked him up by the throat.
Kagome's eyes narrowed dangerously as her friend screamed bloody murder. The imp started gloating and didn't seem surprised when a foot came crashing down on its head. That's what it deserved, no it deserved worse. She winced as light began to fill the area, coming from Inuyasha of all things. She wondered what it was that Sesshomaru was doing to create such blinding light.
"I know where the tomb is," Sesshomaru claimed, drawing his arm back.
"What?!" Inuyasha asked, his voice hoarse from all his screaming, "You bastard!"
"I never imagined it would be there," Sesshomaru continued as though he hadn't heard his brother, "that father would pick such a place, a Pearl in the right…he didn't want anyone to disturb his resting place so he hid his tomb there."
"What kind of nonsense are you talking about?" Inuyasha hissed and Kagome slammed the end of So'unga's sheathe on Jaken's head before he could even say a word.
"So it was an act without your knowing," Sesshomaru mused, "well then, would you like to visit father's grace with me?"
He tossed Inuyasha's towards Kagome, and she caught him with difficulty. He was heavier then he looked. Inuyasha was panting, holding his right eye. She slowly pulled his hands away from his eye and sighed in relief. It didn't look as though any damage had been done, save for the missing pupil. A strong wind filled the area as Sesshomaru broke the Pearl that would allow him passage to his father's grave.
"That bastard," Inuyasha glared at his brother retreating form.
"Damn, that Imps sturdier than he looks," Kagome muttered looking towards the last known area of her prey before facing the mu-on'na, "I don't know what you were promised, but leave before I take care of you…I'm not one for dirty tricks."
"Thank you…my lady," The Mu-on'na softly stated before fleeing.
"We should get going," Kagome said to Inuyasha as she held a hand out to him, "I need to know why he'd do such a thing."
"To follow them would be suicide!" Myoga warned and both teens looked at him with wide eyes, "But you must enter,ord Sesshomaru intends to take sole possession of your inheritance!"
"Your father left you something, that was nice of him," Kagome stated, "why didn't you tell him of this earlier?"
"He was unready," Myoga muttered and Kagome sighed when he got squished.
She noted a shift in the air and quickly hurried towards the swirling portal, dragging Inuyasha with her. He let out a strangled sound and she sent him a worried look. Saya came out and he was getting weirded out by the kind smile sent his way by the gentle demon spirit. For the first time he could remember, he had people willing to fight with him, to stand up for him. Well, there had been one person, but that hadn't lasted long.
"Sesshomaru made you mad," He pointed out before smirking, "someone had to break through that never ending calm of yours."
"Yura did it first," Kagome quipped before tensing when all she saw was blue sky surrounding her.
She didn't really look around, not dying was more of a priority. She grunted when they landed on something bony. A soft breath of relief came out of her before she finally studied her surroundings. She'd never seen a landscape such as the one she was seeing. Several large pillars of land jutted out of the low cloud cover. She blanched upon seeing a large skeleton emerging from the clouds as well. It was even wearing armour.
"My lord," Saya softly mumbled into her hair and she gave him a sad look.
"He must've been a good man to have that reaction," Kagome kindly stated, "I wish I could've met him."
"Gee, sorry you're stuck with me," Inuyasha dryly commented.
"You're wonderful as well," Kagome informed him with a cheery smile.
That seemed to creep him out a bit. He turned his attention towards his fathers bones and his expression softened. He would've wanted to meet him as well. He never got the chance. The skeletal bird they were riding on came to a stop at the bones and they got off. Kagome smoothed the front of her kimono and looked down into the innards of the skeleton. She could see a glint of silver down there and watched as it flowed. She gathered that demons had genetics that made them seemingly perfect…unless one looked at the centipede one that pulled her down the well.
"Sesshomaru!" Inuyasha yelled at his brother and Kagome sighed quietly, "I haven't finished with you yet!"
"Always on the move," Kagome muttered, snowy making her way down the ribs.
She could hear the two bickering and fighting. So'unga pulsed with annoyance and she found herself agreeing with the hell sword. Saya let out a slight sigh of annoyance as well. Both sons seemed to have taken after their mothers with their stubborn natures. Their father, while also stubborn, was more accepting to change. Kagome was of a similar mind. She landed in a pile of bones and spared them a glance, ignoring the amount within the skeletons innards.
"This is our fathers resting place," Sesshomaru chided, "be respectful."
"You fucking hypocrite!" Inuyasha hissed and Kagome blinked at the language before wincing, "you're the one who's trying to rob his grave."
Kagome was getting distracted by a sudden pain in her head. Her whole soul seemed to throb in agitation. Ah, this area must've been a gateway to the afterlife. No wonder her soul was reacting in such a way. It remembered their time as the master of hell far too well. She held a hand against her temple and took a deep breath. The Kami wouldn't allow her to stop this journey, not like this. In fact, she believed they had more up their sleeves for her.
"Is it the sword your after?" Kagome asked Sesshomaru, "Why? The sword you have is more powerful than you know."
Yes, she sensed the sword, now that she was closer to the afterlife. That sword held the ability to bring back the dead. Yet, he seemed unable to use it correctly. What a strange man. His amber eyes narrowed and she simply narrowed hers in response. It was a challenge from two alphas.
"That sword is Tetsusaiga!" Myoga explained to Inuyasha.
"It's just a rusty old sword," Inuyasha pointed out with a frown, "you couldn't even cut a turnip with it!"
"Oh, do you like turnips?" Kagome asked and he blanched slightly.
"Not the time!" He snapped before sighing.
"Please, draw the sword out," Myoga requested before turning to Sesshomaru, who was eying the human woman with distaste, "Lord Sesshomaru, you were unable to pull the Tetsusaiga out. Correct?"
"And you say that Inuyasha can?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Of course he can!" Myoga exclaimed, putting his many hands on his hips in pride, "Master Inuyasha was mean to inherit the tetsusaiga! The fact that the tomb was entrusted to Inuyasha is proof of that."
"That's a reasonable deduction," Kagome muttered, placing a finger against her chin in thought before turning to Inuyasha, "what's the worst that can happen?"
"Feh, you're saying that with the sword that you have," Inuyasha grumbled.
She sent him a sharp look and he gulped slightly. His ears flattened against his skull and Sesshomaru smirked at the sight. She then turned that look on him and he met it with an even one of his own. She reminded him of someone, he couldn't remember who. Their attention was grabbed as Inuyasha grasped the sword in the stone and both shielded their eyes as light erupted from it. Kagome blinked when she smelt something…something that didn't belong. Oddly enough, she was reminded of a warm summers day on the beach. She didn't know where it was coming from. She'd never been one for scents, her human nose incredibly dull compared to the two demons in the area with her- the imp didn't count due to the type of demon he was- and that made her wonder one thing. Could they smell it? Or was it something spiritual? She blinked upon noticing that Inuyasha hadn't been able to draw the sword out.
"Oh dear!" Jaken exclaimed.
"Hey…" Inuyasha deadpanned picking up the demonic flea with his clawed fingers before squeezing him, "I couldn't pull it out."
"Huh…weird," Kagome muttered before looking down at the imp that had taken refuge on the sidelines with her, "what are your thoughts?"
"M-Mine?" Jaken seemed surprised before remembering that he was talking to a human, "Why should it matter to a disgusting human?"
He got a face full of Saya for that. Sesshomaru was surrounded by stupidity. He ignored the cries of his servant, that he unwillingly wanted, as he ran from the angered sheathe spirit. To inspire such loyalty, she had his begrudging respect. If only a little bit of it. A true fraction really.
"Enough of this comedy," Sesshomaru stated, flying towards Inuyasha.
"Back to fighting again," Kagome muttered, giving a tired sigh as poison was brought into the fight.
She don't have to worry about Inuyasha, she had confidence in him. Sometimes that's all someone needed. Instead she moved towards the demon sword. She didn't have Saya with her due to the fact that he was still going after Jaken. He did not fear the imp. It was nice to see. She stopped in front of the tetsusaiga and crossed her arms across her chest.
"Why didn't you let him pull you out?" She mumbled, reaching for the dark red hilt.
She felt a jolt go through her arm the second she did so. Kagome's eyes widened when the sensation of someone resting their hand on top of her's hit her. She couldn't catch her breath. Who? How? She went to remove her hand from the blade when Inuyasha started to lose the battle. He needed her help.
"Inuyasha!" He twitched at her sharp cry.
Both Inu's stopped their fight the second they heard metal clink. It was followed by a heavy sigh from Kagome. Of course the tetsusaiga came out of its pedestal. Her life had to be incredibly difficult, didn't it? It felt like she had set the settings of her life to master mode instead of normal. Sesshomaru stood up straight as Inuyasha dumbly stared at her. She studied the blade for a few seconds, noting that it needed a good sharpening. So'unga was less than pleased by the demon sword in her grasp and let her know. She gently patted the sheathe to her sword. She didn't want the tetsusaiga and would give it to Inuyasha. So'unga was the only sword she needed.
"Sorry, I didn't want to ruin your fun in trying to get the sword out," Kagome apologized, "I'm quite happy with So'unga, I don't want another sword."
"I-Impossible!" Jaken exclaimed with Saya attached to his face, "Lord Sesshomaru couldn't get it to budge, how could a mere mortal do so?"
"You shouldn't have looked away!" Inuyasha informed his brother as he swiped at him with his claws.
"What are you?" Sesshomaru asked, appearing in front of Kagome, "Why were you able to draw out the sword?"
"I…I need to know this one thing," Kagome informed him with a wry look on her face, "do I just look like someone that has the answers to the universe? Because everyone loves to ask me questions that I can't possibly have the answers for."
"Your insolence knows no bounds," Sesshomaru informed her and she made a sound that showed she agreed.
"Sesshomaru! Leave her alone!" Inuyasha yelled at his brother, "She has nothing to do with you!"
"Oh right, you were attacking my bestie," Kagome stated blinking slowly, something was wrong with her, "big mistake."
Sesshomaru wasn't surprised by the woman's flaring of her holy powers. He simply brought a hand up and used his poison to melt her. Inuyasha watched in horror at the sight of his friend…no dammit! The girl he was forced to help due to her own brand of insanity, being melted like that was horrifying. He glared at his older brother and got back on his feet as Saya cried for his master. He rushed his brother and put a deep scratch in his armor. Sesshomaru was surprised by the sudden burst of speed from the half demon. It seemed that the girl meant more to him then he wanted to admit. He spared a glance towards the melted bone of his father. That woman. It was good that she was gone. It hadn't escaped him that his brother seemed to be using sword techniques within his fighting now. The footing was too good to have come from nowhere. He thought that he smelt her scent for a few seconds, impossible. She was very dead.
Kagome wasn't aware of anything but darkness. So, she went and died again. Or was it a third time? She couldn't remember. She was aware of a sword within her hands, and another behind her. Her thoughts a little slow due to the darkness. A warmth covered her from behind and her eyes slowly opened. She saw a gauntlet covered arm holding onto her wrist. The long, sharp nails informing her that it didn't belong to a human. She slowly followed the arm to see that they were attached to a tall male. He had long silver hair. Ah, so that was their father. Her mind easily supplied a single word, that quickly fell from her mouth.
"Dilf."
The man seemed startled by that title. His amber eyes wide before softening in amusement. She felt a second arm around her torso tighten before loosening. She noticed he didn't release her wrist. She felt as though she had to do something, but couldn't remember what it was. The man was distracting her too much.
"So, you're the one that picked up the tetsusaiga," He stated and she felt her body tense at the deep voice he had, "the master of hell?"
"Blame the Kami," She stated, getting her bearings back albeit a little slowly, "I'm here to make good on destiny, that is all."
He laughed at that and she sent him an affronted look. It made his laughter increase. Her expression shifted into something fond. There, that was Inuyasha. She tensed as it all came flooding back to her. She needed to get back to him and help her bestie out! The man gently increased the pressure on her wrist and she gave him her attention.
"Thank you for being kind to my son," He thanked and she blinked.
"Why wouldn't I be?"
Her question caused him to pause. He rather liked the new age thinking that came from someone like her. A shiver went down his spine and he looked up towards something she couldn't see, his eyes narrowing. He felt something grasp onto his kimono and looked back at the shorter woman. Her serious eyes were gazing at him in thought.
"Thank you for protecting me from your eldest," She thanked before bowing, "he missed out on having your personality with his looks…anyone I need to hunt down to see who shoved the stick up his ass?"
"Himself," He snorted and she smiled.
"I can do that," She stated and he worried for his eldest son.
If it wasn't for the fact that they'd most likely kill one another at this point, he'd want them to match up. A small part of him growled at that. He picked up her scent and narrowed his eyes. It was pleasant, yet not complete. He wondered if there was hope for them. If not then he would take the woman as his. He would find a way back and claim her. He'd give his sons until she was fully matured. If they didn't by then. Yes, he liked that plan.
"I need to get back," She informed him, pulling him from his thoughts.
She knew he was reluctant as he released her. Still, she had to leave. It wasn't long until she vanished from his sight. Kagome was welcomed to the smell of burnt bones and started to struggle. She needed to get out of the molten bones. She felt tetsusaiga pulse in her hand and it moved on its own. The speed was unlike her and she took in a deep breath of relief. Which stopped another fight.
"Yo!" She greeted the two brothers, who looked at her in confusion, "What'd I miss while conversing with the dead?"
Inuyasha had no words about that statement. He couldn't believe her. Sesshomaru, on the other hand, could smell their father all over her. Even in death he was fond of human women. Though, was she truly human? He wasn't completely sure. She easily freed herself from the melted bones and cracked her neck. She eyed him for a few seconds.
"So…you tried killing me…" She stated.
He blinked and next thing he knew she was in front of him. A fist embedding itself in his gut. His eyes widened just a fraction while Inuyasha stared at her in disbelief. She had that kind of speed?! He heard something crack and winced. She sacrificed one of her hands to deck his brother in retribution for trying to kill her. Kagome was thankful that she had been part of an organization that took down vampires. One of her co-workers had been one and allowed her to train with him. She was used to breaking bones because of it.
"Here," She stated, holding the tetsusaiga out to Inuyasha as Sesshomaru slid away from them, "kick his ass bestie."
"You sure you don't want to?" Inuyasha dryly asked as he accepted the sword.
"I'm pretty sure your father wouldn't be too happy with me if I decimated your brother in here," She stated, skipping towards said man's ribs.
Inuyasha's mouth hung open at that and even Sesshomaru looked at her in disbelief. Kagome smirked to herself as Saya rested in her hair, rejoicing in his masters return. She loved dropping such information on people and then leaving. It gave her enough time to make her escape. It was a wonderful tactic when conversations became awkward or went nowhere. She reached the top, just as a strange cloud began to fill the area. And a giant dog came out of the innards. She waited for Inuyasha to appear and became worried when he didn't instantly appear. She felt the air around her become disturbed and looked at the giant inu. It's eyes let her know exactly who it was.
"Stop sniffing me," She huffed at the giant dog, "it's weird for you to do, Sesshomaru."
He growled in response and she gathered he hadn't meant to. She raised her hands in defence and briefly wondered why she hadn't used So'unga on him. The Kami, that's what she was going to blame. He must've been important in the grand scheme. They weren't going to allow her to make any serious changes it seemed. Small ones like her defeating a demon were fine, but larger ones like defeating Sesshomaru were off limits. No wonder she hadn't simply wished the jewel out of existence. There was no need for it. The souls within it deserved peace after so many years stuck in that form. His growl increased and she spared him a glance.
"Believe me, if the Kami would allow me to strike you down I would," She bluntly informed him, "for creatures that believe that they are above humans you tried pulling a trick that made you lower than one."
His claws came racing down towards her and she finally drew So'unga. She caught his attack and winced at her broken hand. Still, she knew better than to simply stand there and let him kill her. Infuriating the demon might make Inuyasha appear faster. At least, she hoped so. A streak of silver rushed past her and she watched as Inuyasha sliced his brothers arm off. She was able to stand back and watched as Sesshomaru threw his head back and howled. She closed her eyes as blood splattered against her. Great, she'd be smelling that for a while.
"Great, now you're gonna smell like him for the next month," Inuyasha grumbled as he landed next to her.
"Could be worse," She commented in a light tone, "smelling like a hot guy who just so happens to have a whole tree trunk up his ass isn't the worst thing to happen to me."
"My lady, are you feeling all right?" Saya asked and she held onto her head as it started to hurt.
"I've been here for too long," She admitted in her normal tone, "I…it's getting a bit difficult to think logically."
"Why?" Inuyasha asked in a serious tone as he became prepared to attack his brother again.
"My lady is a reborn soul that remembers her past life and her after life," Saya informed him, "this is the gateway to the afterlife, whatever memories she had that leads to the persona she's using are ones attached to her afterlife."
"The longer I'm here the more my personality will distort," Kagome summed up, "it'll take a while for it to return to normal when we get back."
Sesshomaru had listened to the conversation, but found that he didn't care. He would take care of both the wench and his welp of a brother in one strike. Inuyasha looked towards his brother and quickly charged. He would get more information out of the incredibly strange girl, but for now he needed to defeat his brother. He stabbed the large inu, causing red to stain the silky white fur. Well, his brother was smart enough to retreat, and leave behind the imp that was annoying him.
"Master Inuyasha," Saya called, "please get my lady out of here."
Inuyasha watched as sweat dripped down the girls face as she tried to keep a grip on her thoughts. Her head was killing her, it felt like it was going to split in two. Inuyasha easily picked her up and tossed her onto his shoulder. They'd have to leave, and quickly. He noted two skeletal birds waiting on his father's skull and jumped onto one. He knew that Myoga was with them, he could smell the small flea demon. The bird took off and he welcomed the wind, it was better than the three extra scents on his shoulder. Kagome had left her scent on the robe of the fire rat and he was ready for it to dissipate. One could smell a pure scent for so long before it started to hurt one's nose.
"There you are," Kaede stated as the two returned.
She noted that Kagome was out cold and that Inuyasha had deep bruises and healing cuts on his face. The girl was placed down on the ground and she saw the blood splattered on her. It would take too long to get out of the kimono. She'd have to wash it with a lot of care. She placed her good hand on the girls brow and noted a fever. It was brought about by her broken hand, and the fact that a reborn souls had troubles with the gateway to the afterlife. Inuyasha gave her a thoughtful look. He didn't know why he placed her down, he still had to bring her back to the temple. Kaede made a fire and had him place her near it.
"Explain everything that happened," Kaede requested.
Inuyasha explained, with the help of Myoga and Saya. Kaede gave the girl a thoughtful look. She may not be the direct reincarnation of her sister, or if she was a few times through the cycle, but she saw enough of her in her to trust the girl. She started to check the girls hand and noted that the break hadn't been so horrible like Inuyasha had said. It seemed more like a fracture.
"Why was she able to draw out this tetsusaiga?" Kaede asked.
"Perhaps it is because our late master had a fondness for human women," Saya offered and Inuyasha sent him a glare, "his aura was all over her when she broke free of the melted bones."
"Tetsusaiga was forged by Inuyasha's father to protect his mother," Myoga snapped before huffing, "is is a supernatural sword that can only be wielded by one who feels love for and protective towards a human being."
"Yeah, but I don't," Inuyasha stated, as Kagome stirred a bit.
"Why do you lie, bestie?" Kagome softly asked and he narrowed her eyes as she gave him a tired smile, "But it does explain why Sesshomaru couldn't even touch it…"
"Why'd you egg him on like that?" Inuyasha asked and she gave him a thoughtful look.
"Your brother claims that humans are beneath him…yet he attempted to use such a filthy trick on you," Kagome softly said as she turned her expression towards the fire, "he doesn't understand that by doing so he is no better than the humans he despises…it's ironic really."
"You have relatively decent insight," Kaede complimented as she put a damp rag on her forehead, "and a terrible penchant for speaking before thinking."
"I'll work on it," Kagome promised.
"For now, just rest," Kaede sternly instructed.
Kagome gave her soft smile and closed her eyes again. Inuyasha huffed at the fireside. He studied tetsusaiga and noted it had went back to the guise of a rusty sword. He definitely couldn't cut turnips with it. He sighed. Kagome brought more trouble than she should, with how strange she was. That and how she seemed to easily rile up his brother. That was going to cause such issues in the future.