Malik watched as Kagome was rushed to the safety of her room and was surrounded by anyone who thought they could be of help. He was no longer surprised to see the staff members fretting around like leaves without a purpose. In fact he now expected it with how the young woman had bullied herself into the house hold.
Glancing again at the door in front of him he watched as the small toad like creature wrung his hands in worry while pacing the floor. Even Jaken, the small screeching attachment Sesshomaru insisted on having around his ankles was distraught. Briefly he wondered what Sesshomaru was thinking but let the thought slide. The pup was more than capable of taking care of himself but the priestess was a different story. She was human and therefore prone to break.
Then again…time traveler.
The words stuck to him and he continued to mull over them.
It certainly explained some things, such as her ridiculous clothing and mannerisms; also her complete disregard for the rules around her. Obviously what she was raised with was an entirely different culture. Recognizing how long he had lived and knowing he had never witnessed such behaviors before Malik could only presume she came from the future.
Still to be able to time travel meant she was incredibly powerful, perhaps a power level that hadn't been seen in over a thousand years. He had questions too about comments she had said while here, such as not being raised with demons in her village and this Uncle Ken of hers. He had slowly come to the only logical conclusion present, that this Uncle was him however many years in the future. For some reason, perhaps for this very moment in time, his future self had ingrained himself in her life undoubtedly knowing his past self would discover it. After all, this event was his future self's past if the timelines were congruent. Or perhaps a new time line was being created?
But why attach himself to someone who was not kin? And someone as frustrating as she? Malik had obtained some of her blood from her coughing spells and found no resemblance in their scent or abilities which means he was not related to her.
Then again he was not related to Sesshomaru but often considered him family. But then how close where they? Was this a passing interest or had he invested something in her as his current self-presumed. The necklace was no small task to create.
Malik continued to stare crossed armed and glaring at the door leading to the confounding woman. Others were smart enough to walk around him as the door in front of him singled with his frustration, his fire capabilities displaying more emotions than he would permit his words to.
The questions persisted and he was not a man to take a lack of answers well.
His eyes narrowed briefly as he reviewed the other problem present. Once he realized her level of power, traveling through time was all but unheard of, he quickly calculated that into her symptoms. Initially he had considered her abilities as that of a typically priestess; of one that could purify harmful intent around them. But now she was displaying something different, something very very old of the likes of which had not been seen in hundreds of years.
Time was not something demons had ever been able to master, but another species had. He had long believed them to be a myth or at minimum died out with their descendants being nothing more than the children seen today masking as holy men. Perhaps they were not as dead as everyone believed, maybe just dormant.
He remembered a conversation regarding those with this ability and their purpose on this universe. He remembered the theories him and his longtime friend would argue over with no definitive answer. He also remembered his grandfather's bedtime tales from when demons originally surfaced into this world.
But was it true? Was it possible?
Without a word he turned away from the door as he contemplated all the gathered information. He was a general in his soul and piecing together a situation was what he was good at. But this was new and a legitimate reason for his future self to seek her out however many years from now.
Silently walking the hallways Malik continued to stride through the scrambling individuals while fully expecting them to part in his presence, which they of course did.
While he was currently tolerating the presence of fools it was out of necessity not desire. Those of the castle would know better than to approach him unless it was dire.
Internally he continued to reason with himself and this ludicrous situation.
Let's say the stories were true, as ridiculous as he had originally deemed them there could not be a possibility unexplored in a situation such as this. But where to go from here? His first question was why this was happening to her. Her powers would have normally remained inactive as he had assumed others had without a precipitating trigger. If someone was purposefully triggering her through these life threatening events then who, any why? And it would need to be a demon, the developed enemy of the species. Malik could think of no one currently alive who knew the stories of the old holy men who traveled during the beginning of time other than the ancient tree. He was peaceful though and would never cause this type of strife on another soul.
He also did not know someone who would instigate something so reckless; and if their were words to describe the current moment in time reckless was more than applicable. Foolish, desperate as well came to mind and possibly vindictive with the amount of suffering being displayed. But the tree might know; his roots ran deep and carried him information from across the land. The breeze whispered stories to his leaves of those events much further than here thus giving him an infinite amount of knowledge should he wish to possess it.
But he did not feel right in leaving the girl. One could conclude whatever Sesshomaru was inadvertently doing to stage off her symptoms was no longer working seeing as she was in his presence the moment this last incident happened. Could nothing protect her? Was she just doomed to either die or suffer infinitely? And this was assuming his asinine theory was correct.
Glancing around the older Lord realized he had stepped into the gardens, his usual place to think. An extra scent was present though, one attempting to hide their presence from onlookers but doing an extremely poor job of it. The young one was too distraught to fully hide himself, his emotions getting the better of him. Walking over to the kit curled into a ball at the base of a tree Malik grimaced.
He did not like children, demon or human. They were loud and obnoxious with little respect for accomplishments. They had no purpose until they aged and were consistently in the way. Still the kit knew far more than he most likely should and unlike the others had a loose tongue that enjoyed telling stories. Right now Malik needed stories because no one with straight answers was saying anything.
"Kit," he said in a stern voice.
Briefly the kit's tail pulled into himself further, the nearly silent sobbing stopping only briefly before resuming again.
"Fox," he tried again as he stood standing over the figure now flaring his powerful demon energy slightly in warning at being ignored.
The same response continued and Malik felt himself sighing. This right here is why he loathed children. So impractical, what would crying accomplish? Fatigue and a foggy mind, nothing else was to be gained from such an action. Still, the kit had information but his emotional state prevented him from sharing it. Glancing down again he tried to recall his feelings with Nori but was brought only anger which was not to be explored at this moment. Instead he tried to channel his feelings when Touga passed. He had mourned him as a warrior and a friend, though rarely let such things show. Still the feelings permitted him to tow down his temper and attempt to connect.
Crouching down he rested his palm on the kits back. This was partially to sooth and partially to remind him who the fox demon was disregarding in his grief, "You will need to be strong to save her."
He watched as young Shippo began sobbing again but this time louder, the fox demon's entire body shuttering. This time though Malik was given a response back. It was admittedly harder than typical to understand due to the crying but still comprehensible. "But it's my fault. I shouldn't have trained with Sesshomaru and she got all mad and got hurt. I hurt her," came the young boy's muffled voice.
Taking a deep breath in Malik did not even bother trying to follow that logic. Instead he focused on the fact that the kit was responding while he remained in the bent position, "When did she first start having symptoms kit? This is important."
Shippo took a few moments to quiet his sobs and rub his eyes as he racked his memory for any helpful information. Once he had slightly regulated his breathing he glanced at the mean demon in front of him. He had not liked him very much but he sounded as if he wanted to help which was all the kit wanted right now. That and a hug but he doubted that was in the plans for today, "I don't know."
Malik growled slightly at the lack of information, "You are a demon and Sesshomaru is training you personally to see and sense everything around you; past, present and possible futures to plan for. You are a predator who hunts for small tracks that seem like nothing but lead to your prey. Use your instincts and notice when things changed with your mother and how." He stood up as his aggravation mounted to new levels.
Shippo jumped slightly as he watched the demon's ire rise. Malik was a powerful being and they did not have any positive interaction so far which scared him even more. Still he knew the Lord was right as he watched the older man rub his temples and begin to walk away in frustration. "I-I did notice something."
Malik stopped as he turned to face the kit.
Shippo stood up slowly and he kept direct eye contact, though continued to shake the entire time with watery eyes, "She stopped sleeping and would talk about nightmares. She would whisper in her sleep about a giant animal. Then she knew all this strange stuff about Inuyasha like his birthday and how he got his clothing."
Malik nodded his head in acknowledgement. He knew that story as well since the fire rat robe the half-breed wore was from his very own stores but no one knew that other than him and Sesshomaru. Touga had come to him last minute for the clothing as protection for his unborn son. How could the girl have that information? Was it something she learned from her own time? Or perhaps someone else had pieced it together and mentioned something.
"What has changed since being here in the castle?" he asked the kit.
"She tells me stories a lot, about stupid mean people. Some who do not believe in stars and some who get ambushed by cats," he said softly.
Malik did not find this information as useful but acknowledged the kit's attempt. "What of Naraku, does she mention him at all?"
Shippo shook his head vigorously while wiping a stray tear away, "Just that she is not going to finish it all with everything happening, but she usually mumbles that to herself. Actually, she talks a lot to herself now. More than she used to anyways. Sometimes she talks like someone else is there."
Malik's eyebrow rose. Talking to one's self was generally considered bad practice and a much needed mercy killing. But a priestess talking to herself was a different story especially one with her time traveling abilities. If not going mad perhaps there was something she was sensing that was driving her to this state? He remembered her word usage earlier of being unable to speak and working on a problem. What if this creature had some sway over her? Was it tainting her in some way or impacting their mission to stop Naraku? "The shards, have they reacted differently in her presence?"
Shippo shook his head indicating no but stopped briefly, "Well the shards didn't but she seemed really scared a few weeks before we got here. She kept asking Miroku if he could sense anything next to her and she thought her powers were not working or something. But the jewel stayed pretty."
The girl sensed something that no one else did. Between the demons and the monk it would have to be something well hidden or required a certain familiarity to sense it. So he would need to find someone else with Kagome's holy powers or an individual familiar with the creature plaguing her.
Malik could have stopped breathing as realization hit him.
Sesshomaru, he must know the offender and could possibly recognize them. Her symptoms decreased when he was previously nearby indicating with his heightened senses and knowledge with whomever it was he might be able to identify the individual if he knew what he was looking for. But the woman had acted strange in Sesshomaru's presence before and nothing had come about it. No recognition from Sesshomaru when powers flared or a pause in familiarity. Malik individually cataloged the different events that had transpired in front of him. The initial meeting, her refusal to participate in the treaty and her sudden turn around to work with them, the various fights she had begun with Sesshomaru since arriving. For many of them Sesshomaru had tapped into his instinctive state in an attempt to frighten her into submission as most humans would cower. Perhaps that had somehow protected the creature from recognition since Sesshomaru was not of sound mind.
He could not think of many individuals Sesshomaru would have contact with that Malik, Uza or Shiho had not, at least not ones who could pull off a result like this. That indicated a very powerful creature with a personal or intimate connection to Sesshomaru that made him particularly aware. One would think the creature want to be away from something that could identify it and end whatever its goals were? If so that meant that the goal somehow involved Sesshomaru and they could not stay away.
Was this retribution for a wrong or some form or revenge coming into play? But even then Malik doubted the girl would go along with it. But perhaps that was what had changed, maybe she had discovered the creatures goal and stopped participating? No, that did not sound right either. Kagome had become genuinely close with the individuals in this castle, Sesshomaru included. She was not one to manipulate in that way or cause others purposeful harm.
He gave one last glance at the kitsune as he contemplated his next and last question. It was possibly the longest shot he had but there was no reason not to ask it. Everything else was a crazy conclusion as well so why not try this one, "Have you ever come across a path with a priest or priestess with similar powers to Kagome?"
Shippo blinked almost comically, "Well just Kikyo."
Malik's eye's narrowed as he paused. What? "Who is this Kikyo?"
Shippo continued to blink as if everyone should know the story that had plagued his mother for so long, "Kikyo, Kagome is the reincarnation of her from 50 years ago. Naraku brought her back to life though cause he has this weird obsession, like super creepy weird. Her and my momma don't get along very well but I think that is because Kikyo keeps trying to drag Inuyasha to hell with her for all this stuff they thought had happened when she died."
Malik could have set the gardens on fire in that moment and his aura reflected that. Everyone here were absolute idiots, completely replaceable moronic idiots with intent to destroy everything around them. With a growl he moved forward and towered over the kit. His footsteps were heavy in aggravation and he attempted to control the volume of his voice but failed miserably, "You are telling me that someone opened up a portal to bring a soul back from the dead, but that soul was already reborn causing an imbalance in the land of the living, then they just left the body laying around without returning the summoned and closing the gate to hell?"
Shippo backed himself up against the tree and gulped as he sensed the rage, "Well um, I think that's what happened. No one actually tells me anything."
The truth of Kagome's time traveling abilities solidified further as he recognized that no soul would be reincarnated within a 50 year gap in time. It took hundreds of years for a human soul to re-birth itself. Breathing deeply Malik had to remind himself that she did not have the training of a true priestess and Sesshomaru always left his lessons to practice with a sword at the urging of Touga. But the monk should have known if he was raised in a convent like the rest of them. Then again knowing the people Kagome had created her pack with the monk was probably just as broken as the rest of them.
"Tell Inuyasha to find this woman or I will track her down, and there is no guarantee I will not pull her spine from her body upon sight," he snarled threateningly. The kit immediately scampered off with his tail between his legs while running on all fours to increase his speed.
Malik leaned up against the tree in aggravation. Well screw that, if a portal to hell was truly open and someone knew how to work around the gates then he didn't just have to count the living in his assessment but also the dead; a very powerful dead person with intimate knowledge of the demonic origin story and a connection to Sesshomaru.
Briefly he felt the weight of the nation on his shoulders. Since the priestess had entered his life nothing was steady and true anymore. There was no more garden walking, no more silence, no more ignoring everyone around him. And how had he even found himself in this situation? With a time traveling priestess from the future who may or may not be his kin but at minimal his ward, in a war with a crazed half demon intent on taking over his lands and despite it all remaining in the same vicinity as Uza. He swore he hadn't experienced absurd situations like this since Touga and all his asinine schemes.
His eyes widened after snapping open in a sudden flash of realization.
No.
Miroku stood in front of the demon Lord as they continued to review the most recent interaction with neighboring villages he had been a convoy to. They discussed briefly about the local politics and how it may impact Sesshomaru's lands over time. Normally Miroku enjoyed talking philosophy with the demon Lord but today was different. Today Kagome had nearly died and still remained screaming down the halls in utter agony while writhing on the bed. Today Miroku needed to make some decisions on what to do since Sango was distraught, Shippo was a child and Inuyasha was nearly as comatose as Kagome.
There was a brief pause and Miroku desperately tried to identify why they had yet to discuss Kagome's condition. Sesshomaru seemed like such a man of precision and detail which meant it was purposefully being avoided. He had not yet seen an opening to broach the topic and did not want to test Sesshomarus patience yet Miroku would never feel right with himself if he did not ask.
The feelings slowly overrode his self-preservation instincts as he sat there.
"My Lord, I feel the need to ask but what is to happen to Lady Kagome," he tried to sound like his usual self but knew it most likely came across as pathetic. But that was how he was feeling at the moment and he could only hope Sesshomaru did not respond negatively to the tone.
Sesshomaru for his part did not glance up from the paperwork in front of him as he responded, "The healer will see to her."
Miroku continued to press at the dismissal while noticing the detachment in Sesshomaru's voice, "He has no idea what is wrong and we both know it."
"…Then she dies," Sesshomaru refuted though much slower than his previous statements.
Miroku frowned at the calloused tone Sesshomaru displayed. He could have sworn they were past this, the vindictive demon lord intent on having no attachments to anything in his life. Perhaps Kagome's mortality had become the fore-front of Sesshomaru's mind resulting in this return to an aloof demon Lord. Either way it was not the healthy way to respond to situations such as this. Miroku had some serious decisions to make and this despondent attitude in front of him was not helping, "My Lord if I may, Kagome is strong and she will fight with everything she has but she has limits. She needs her friends to do their part in protecting her, in doing everything possible to help not just sit around while waiting for someone else to possibly remedy the situation."
Sesshomaru pushed aside the paperwork and moved his legs until he was in front of a low hanging window, "She has a castle, bed and servants. That is better service than most." Sesshomaru's feelings with the topic were absent in both his stance and tone as he effectively channeled his upbringing. It was one of the most frustrating things to be privy to all day, "I have an estate and guests, we all have our duties to attend to priest."
The distance Sesshomaru placed by the the use of the roles and titles was clearly intentional but the priest ignored the jab.
Miroku frowned, was that what Sesshomaru was going to go with? The woman lay dying in his house and he was essentially ignoring it? Miroku rarely became angry enough to warrant action but Kagome was a precious person to him and he had very few of those. "With all due respect my Lord but Kagome deserves more than that. She deserves everything we have and not because she ran this castle or has kept us all together but because she is a good person who would do the same for any of us without a second thought. In fact she has for me just as she did for you with that sickness. Kagome always protects everyone, she deserves to have a protector of her own."
Miroku stood up and felt his anger continue to rise as molten eyes watched him defy every survival instinct known to human kind. It was horrible for him to watch this, to be a part of it. Her staying here was like pardoning this action and belief system surrounding it. Was she only valuable when productive? Did her character and spirit mean nothing to those in this house even after spending so much time with her? "I think we are done. I will talk to Inuyasha about moving her back to the village as soon as she is stable enough. I think she would do better there where her friends and family can all protect her while she continued to fight whatever ails her."
Sesshomaru clenched his teeth as the statement resonated with him, "You would move her in her condition? She will not survive the transfer and Naraku would immediately take advantage of that."
Miroku glared as he turned Sesshomaru's words from before against him, "I guess she dies then."
Sesshomaru's voice nearly turned vicious, "You would threaten me with her life"
Miroku rebuted quickly, "No, that would imply you giving yourself the ability to care about her."
Sesshomaru's claws punctured his hand as he further assessed the situation, all the while trying to keep his temper. He failed miserably, "You will not take her."
Miroku countered, "And why do you care? Would you even mourn her death or be silent in your solitude?"
"This is a foolish move," he tried while more puncture wounds entered his palms and began dripping blood to the floor.
"But it is the decision of those who protect her, of those she trusts. You have made it clear you are not among that group as I believed you to be, as I thought she was also starting to believe," Miroku stated. The indicated disappointment and hurt Kagome would feel was implied in that sentence, one that stung to say let alone to hear.
Miroku watched as raw emotion flicked across Sessshomaru's eyes but it was too sudden for him to determine what it was. It could have been anything but Miroku knew better than to try and figure it out, the stakes were much too high for guessing games. Kagome had been the only one to begin to understand the young Lord and she was currently otherwise occupied.
Much to Miroku's surprise Sesshomaru answered him back regarding his cut to Sesshomaru's character. It was still formal and stiff, laced as a statement but the true question was clearly behind it, "And what would you have me do monk, there are no other options."
Miroku's fist clenched as he heard the hidden hope and the hopelessness in the same statement, "There is always something else to try, Kagome taught me that. You just have to keep fighting for those you care about and protect them with everything you have."
Before either one could respond a silver and red figure came bursting through the doors. He was in disarray and breathing heavily but clearly on a mission, "Shippo says Malik wants us to find Kikyo, that she might know what is going on with Kag's. I'm leaving right now and I could care less about our stupid training deal. Miroku look after the runt and Sango, I will be back."
Before he was fully out the window Miroku grabbed him by his haori in an attempt to gather more sense to the situation, "Inuyasha Kikyo is impossible to find, her barriers protect her just like Naraku's do. You have been standing in front of her in the past completely unawares. There is no time to chase her down."
Inuyasha yanked his arm from his friends grip in a display not unlike the one Touga gave before running off to defend the very half demon attempting to leave. The display was not lost on Sesshomaru but he did not voice his memories. "Miroku, you and I know that Kagome is everything important to me. I will do whatever I need to do and if I have the slightest chance of fixing this then I will do anything. I will kill anyone, I will stop everything and I will save her. Do not tell me to think right now cause we all know I won't."
Before anyone could say anything else his form disappeared through the window, part of the wooden sill breaking with the amount of force he put into is launch from the room.
Miroku stood there with a heavy heart as he processed this new information. He prayed to any god available that Inuyasha found her in time and somehow convinced her to help. It was a small hope but it still. Unfortunately if Kagome were to die Kikyo would be able to live in this realm without stealing the dead souls of others which gave the dead priestess little incentive to help her reincarnation.
Before anything further could be said he walked out the door, his point to Sesshomaru being made about always being another route to take. He hoped they did not have to leave, Sesshomaru's stance being true on Kagome's chances of survival should she be transported. Perhaps he had said it out of anger but the intent behind it rang true and it would be a choice he would have to make if things continued down this path.
They would make it work and they would defy all laws of nature if they needed to. She would survive and continue to be their light, damn the laws of nature. The ones for the living and the ones for the dead.
Sesshomaru stoically sat next to the bedside of the now silent priestess. It had taken enough sedative that would have rendered Sesshomaru himself unconscious but the half-demon healer was finally able to quiet her suffering. Sesshomaru could tell from her scent and continued wounds that she did indeed still suffer, it was just silently now.
He had waited until everyone had left her room, his nose telling him that a guard was stationed outside of her door and another outside her balcony so the healer could rest. He waited a few minutes before revealing himself and was immediately granted entrance inside the quarters. It was his first time visiting her since the training grounds and he was unsure how to proceed. Sentimentality had never been an attribute he encouraged but he felt the disappointment in his bones at the loss of Kagome's daily presence.
And it was indeed disappointment; disappointment in her for her mortality just as he began to think of her as someone important to him, disappointment in Inuyasha for being born and bringing this emotion into his life, disappointment in his father for leaving him with the weight of the west and disappointment in himself for permitting those hopes through.
But most of all he was frustrated as hell. He couldn't do anything, and he shouldn't do anything. She would just die anyways. Maybe she was on par with him now but say she survived this and in a few years she ages, marries and has children. Would she still be defiantly shooting arrows at him and telling him how to run his household? Would she still tend to him when sick and prioritize his men's mental health over her own physical safety? Would she still blush a light rose color every time he purposefully instigated her temper?
He did not even want to think of what he had almost permitted into his life. But then as the anger passed, as it tended to fluctuate, the sadness resumed. He moved his elbows onto his knees as he rested his chin on his balled up hands, eyes narrowing slightly. It was a lesson he had learned while young, what happens to things you care about. They are ripped from you and you are left with nothing but grief. He had tried his entire life to establish the reputation and power to protect anything that might come his way but yet again he failed. The fear was not great enough for whatever plagued the girl, they did not think Sesshomaru a threat and whatever ailed her continued to kill the girl slowly as if to torment him.
Sesshomaru growled loudly as he realized how right this plague upon his life was. He was not powerful enough and could not stop what it was, whether disease or attack. His aura flared as the frustration resumed. What was he supposed to do? Stand here? Watch her die? Protect her? Someone that would leave his life anyways?
And the monk had claimed they were going to move her. Inuyasha would agree in his grief and she would be out of the care and protection of his castle as well as his lands. Inuyasha's forest was on the very cusp of what he had claimed through inheritance and kept through power. He had no claim to Inuyasha's forest or the girl with how things currently stood.
He did not glance at the self-inflicted wounds on his hands but he knew they were there. He recalled the anger he felt in that moment and tried not to think about why.
Still he recalled the arrow soaring at him as his armor all but evaporated into the wind, the pure strength stunning even him. He called to mind the way the woman and him argued with one another, the exhilaration in her recognition of his role in her son's life, in her life. He had been excited at the idea and once again the truth about humanity was thrown in his face.
She was weak.
She was mortal.
She would die.
All things would eventually leave him and there was no point in fighting the inevitable.
But then why was he so drawn to her bedside? Why was he intent on remaining the rest of the night and watching in case her conditioned changed in any way? Why was he hoping Inuyasha returned with the dead witch? And why had Malik disappeared shortly after speaking to the kit? Who could he possibly be going to see with Naraku and Kagome in their current arrangements?
His eyes narrowed briefly as he watched her left hand twitch in pain, he could see the expression on her face contort slightly and his anger rose.
He hated this.
He hated this more than he could say.
Inuyasha was heartbroken as he continued to travel back and forth between Kikyo's last sighted area to any other locations she might be at. She had been seen heading towards this mountain four days prior and no other leads had reached him. In had been two days of searching with no food or sleep. Whatever water he had taken in had been in passing as he tried to catch a scent near a stream or river, but still everything he needed alluded him.
God this was hopeless, he was hopeless. Once again his inferior senses were killing those around him. Once again he wasn't enough.
He fell to the dirt ground, his knees hitting the earth with a thud. It wasn't working, he wasn't working. He wasn't good enough and he never would be. How was he ever supposed to protect her when he was this powerless? This weak?
In an unexpected event Inuyasha felt his eyes begin to water. He was going to lose her. He was going to lose Kagome to some unknown fucking thing without the ability to tell her how much he loved her. He never did get around to telling her that she was the best family he ever could have hoped for, that she was what made him want to do better, that he would give her anything if it meant she made it through this.
That she was his best friend.
His hands now reached the ground and his fists grabbed the surrounding dirt in anger; anger that stemmed from the fear of losing her and once again being alone.
This was so much worse than anything he had ever felt, it was like his world went black and his heart was ripped from his body. His senses were both nub and heightened as the frustration clouded his mind. There was no reason for him anymore. There was no reason for him to fight or to keep going forward. Kagome was probably dead in some stupid bed in that stupid castle.
A tear landed on his hand before sliding to the ground.
He punched said ground angrily as her more than likely death hit him full force, the anger welling as if Naraku's miasma. He could feel it tainting his soul as it overrode his sadness. This was easier, he could deal with anger. It was familiar to him as the rage bubbled over like an active mountain. It flowed through his veins as he visualized tearing apart whatever was doing this to her. They would bleed; they would pour out the liquid that symbolized life over everything around them as he ripped parts from their body.
Inuyasha's claws lengthened and his canines sharpened, no part of them looking human as they grew. The marks on his face became prominent as he gave into his beast, as he relished in the anger to avoid the sadness. But the tears never stopped, they continued reminding him of why he hated. This would push him forward and he would watch as others suffered as he did, as they lost everything precious to them to a force far greater than themselves.
The familiar scent of a human settlement entered his nose and he felt a purpose again. A purpose to destroy in order to avoid everything that hurt; to give in to the rage. He had suffered so much and it was time for others to understand what he felt.
Standing briefly, his head still facing down as he flexed his fingers in anticipation Inuyasha leapt into the air. They would all scream in his wake, scream in the way he couldn't. His footsteps were silent as he rounded a tree to see a group of human children standing around at the base.
They were laughing as if there was something in the world to laugh about. As if pain didn't exist. The small things that were pathetic and weak had the nerve to mock him.
They stood there as if the world was right, as if everything was as it should be, but it wasn't. The world was broken and he needed to share that, he needed to show others what pain was. As the hunting howl entered his throat to initiate the blood bath to come Inuyasha was surprised to find a claw on his shoulder. With a snarl and foam angrily coming from his mouth Inuyasha jumped away from the silent attacker.
The demon in him recognized the smell of kin but the hatred in him fought for control. All was lost anyways.
With the prospect of a much larger kill in mind Inuyasha lashed at Sesshomaru after a long battle cry of a howl, the screaming voices of the children running away fueling him further with their adrenaline. He attacked with everything he had, the instinct to destroy everything blinding him. His body was weak from fatigue though and was unable to keep up with the full demon's speed, but still he pressed on. Destruction and chaos was all he had now, all he ever really had.
The two broke apart and landed on separate ends of a tree as Inuyasha panted heavily. Sesshomaru was the first to break the silence though, his tone even as he watched his struggling half-brother, "Have you given up Inuyasha? Have you given up your role as her protector?"
The half demon turned rabid demon lunged while releasing a growl. Fur spouted across his body in patches as the demon became more prominent in its anger. The movements were chaotic and frenzied, never having any predictable route as they destroyed everything around him. Inuyasha launched himself through a tree breaking what his brother stood on with the force of his head before snarling up while on all fours like a beast.
Still Sesshomaru dodged, not once lifting a claw to attack. Instead he continued to taunt and fight with his words, "She thought you better than this, as I was starting to believe you were, but it seems as if you are truly an animal."
Words broke from Inuyasha's mouth as Kagome was brought up with his greatest fears of worthlessness, "Shut up!" he yelled as spit dripped from his mouth.
Inuyasha charged recklessly as he forgoed any semblance of humanity in his fighting. Now he bit and clawed at anything within his vicinity; leaf, tree or demon. Still Sesshomaru stance remained steady, displaying that of someone with something to prove. Sesshomaru moved to the offensive as he channeled a blow to Inuyasha's right shoulder, the impact knocking Inuyasha into a stream. Before he could rise Sesshomaru's boot struck him and pushed him further underwater without the ability to breathe. Part of him knew he was drowning as he bucked his body around and another part of him welcomed it. Twisting slightly Inuyasha clawed at the leg pushing him under, reaching bone before the grip loosened. Rising up nearly sputtering out water he latched his mouth onto the demons arm but was thrown off and tumbled into the dirt within seconds.
As he rose a claw was pressed to his throat, male hips forcing his body down to the ground as he thrashed wildly. His now injured right shoulder was trapped under his body and dislocated at an odd angle, his left being pinned by a strong arm.
Powerful red eyes reached his as he attempted to push upwards in defiance.
"Submit!" was yelled threateningly as he did so, the voice not registering completely in his haze.
Inuyasha briefly raised his head, the choking worth the small space he was able to garner as he moved his dislocated shoulder. Before he could further attack the more powerful form grabbed him by the neck and lifted him before once again slamming him down into what became a crater. The dog in him was furious but wounded, multiple fingers breaking and a crack in his ribs heard by both sensitive ears. Still he struggled.
Sesshomaru for his part could not keep much more of a hold on the feral demon without permanently damaging him, which was not his intent in coming here. Inuyashsa was weak in this state with no reason or skill, the biggest blemish on the family name. He needed the pup to submit to him and recognize him as pack leader but nothing was getting through and nothing other than an order from an alpha would calm him.
"Inuyasha I will save her, but you must submit to me," he tried angrily as the time continued to slip by. Sesshomaru knew each moment they fought was another moment the girl could stop breathing. A spirit could only hold out for so long before giving up and he could rightfully assume she was well past due.
The demon below him struggled but broke out a broken word, "Death."
Sesshomaru's eyes pulsed red and his marks grew at the monster before him, at the mindless creature bent on causing destruction. It was as if the migration had happened again with nothing but the deranged and decrepit were occupying this world, "No, I will protect her. Submit and save both your lives," he growled.
Tears streamed down the captured demon but Sesshomaru doubted in was from any physical pain. This time instead of the graveling voice he heard the broken sounds of his younger brother mixed in the statements, "I can't…protect her!"
Sesshomaru did not dare loosen the grip as he saw his brother slowly make headway over the demon inside him, "No, you cannot protect her, but your alpha can. Submit Inuyasha."
The demon recognized that word but Inuyasha was clearly conflicted at the declaration. Slowly the fur started to disappear and the claws retracted. It was not until the last minute that Inuyasha's golden eyes looked up at him, still wet with tears. Then the young half demon instinctively exposed his neck, turning to the left and bearing his vulnerability for all to see.
Sesshomaru recognized the gesture and his brother's clear mind. After a few seconds he released the half-demon but remained nearby. Inuyasha continued lying on the ground though, the earth slightly caving in around him as everything processed in his mind. In his anger he had truly thought Kagome to be gone, the pain becoming real beyond measure. He had almost killed those children, the village nearby being next as he had tasted their sweat from the rice fields on his tongue. His tears halted as he sat slowly, the injuries making it difficult to move but still possible.
Once he had righted himself, physically but not mentally, Inuyasha glanced at Sesshomaru's feet almost in shame, "Why?"
Sesshomaru remained silent as he contemplated the best answer. Finally he came forward with the most easily accepted response, "You would have killed them which was not the goal of this mission, nor honorable in your state."
Inuyasha shook his head but continue to keep his eyes to the ground. He stood slowly while trying to gain his balance, "No, why did you accept me? I-I am a half demon. You just took me on as pack when you could have just knocked me out."
Sesshomaru did not bother sighing seeing as it was a legitimate question. He had actively chosen to challenge the half-demon as an alpha and not as another demon. By demanding submission Sesshomaru had recognized Inuyasha as family and offered to make him a member of his pack, the first member of his pack. Up until this time Sesshomaru had ignored every instinct built into him and remained a solitary dog demon. In fact this one act was most likely the thing Inuyasha had been craving since a small pup. It gave protection, status and family to lean on. After years of torment for being an outsider here Sesshomaru was offering acceptance freely, "You are my father's son Inuyasha and I have realized that may not be as horrible as I once assumed."
Sesshomaru watched as Inuyasha lifted his gaze and for the first time since the submission made eye contact, "Oh, and what changed? I'm still a half demon and you still hate me."
Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed at his beta's note but let it slide, "Because Inuyasha you are less likely to die than others, that is something I believe I need."
Inuyasha switched from the balls of his feet as he alternated in anxiety but did not respond further. Kagome had said much the same not days before. To his surprise Sesshomaru added one more statement, "Besides you are more tolerable than when younger. It seems I do not hate you as much as I originally presumed."
If Inuyasha's body was responding appropriately to his thoughts the poor boy would have dropped to the ground. He knew Sesshomaru speak. He knew that meant Sesshomaru did not hate him that said demon may actually find him preferable to others. So preferable that Sesshomaru had broken his unwritten rule and began a pack to keep him close.
Seeing as both were the masters of understatements and avoidance techniques in relation to feelings Inuyasha changed the topic to something both could stomach. This conversation had turned heavy in a way neither was prepared for. So he turned it back to the reason for both of their distress, "So why are you here then? I thought you have a castle to run?"
Sesshomaru stiffened and Inuyasha knew he had touched on something tender. Perhaps Kagome had reached a little further into the demons soul than either one of them realized or wanted to admit. That was a topic for another day though, right now they both had a mission to complete. "Kagome has remained steady, but her body is human. I thought to help seeing as you were making to slow of progress for everyone's comfort."
With another bit of information for later Inuyasha grabbed his shoulder and pushed it back into place. He hurt like hell but he stomached the grimace. Even when not attempting to kill him Sesshomaru still caused some serious damage. "I can't find her scent, I'm sure she has a barrier up."
Sesshomaru nodded, "No matter she will surface if in the area."
Inuyasha gave a questioning look, "Kikyo doesn't want to be found, she ain't gonna put herself anywhere she does not want to be."
Sesshomaru looked through the trees in the direction of the small village about a mile off, "You nearly killed four innocent children Inuyasha, if she is in the area she will come in an attempt to drag you to hell if she believes you to be in such a vulnerable state. We will wait here until her scent is known to us. In the mean time you will concentrate your energies to heal."
Inuyasha's eyes widened in realization. As conflicted as he was about this day he was beyond thankful for his brother's timely arrival.
It was several hours later when Sesshomaru's eyes opened from his resting place by the tree. He had not moved once during that time, both brothers agreeing to silence as Inuyasha wrapped his bandages which were ripped from his underlying clothing. Messy yes but very efficient.
Sesshomaru had not offered to help and Inuyasha had not asked. It did not escape Inuyasha's notice though that Sesshomaru's aura flared at any passing demon in the area who followed the scent of blood. Whether this was out of annoyance of not wanting to deal with them or for Inuyasha in his weakened state he did not know.
Assuming that the priestess scent had been caught he followed his brother as they made their way through the forest. Within minutes they were on a dirt road leading towards the village facing the opposite way in order to meet the approaching figure. To Inuyasha's surprise the woman standing before them looked defeated and broken, nothing like how he knew her to be. Her hair had gray streaks and she had aged a good thirty years. How a dead clay body was effected like this was unknown to him. "Kikyo?"
Her spirits surrounded her as she stopped in her tracks in order to look up at the two figures. Her eyes slowly closed as she watched the two standing tall, if not the slightly injured one a bit more. "Hello Inuyasha."
"What happened to you?" he asked slowly but not daring to step forward in front of his new alpha without permission.
She sighed deeply as she glanced at her hands, "Kagome's soul is damaged somehow, the small piece I have is not taking well to the body I am harboring myself within."
Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed at the mention of Kagome's name. It seemed he did not like the idea of Kagome's soul being fractioned if event slightly, "You will come with us to see her and you shall not attempt to kill Inuyasha in the process."
Kikyo turned to face the full-fledged demon, "I may be aging but I am just as powerful, I will go nowhere with you."
Inuyasha stepped forward in an attempt to calm the situation and speak to his previous lover, "Kikyo, she needs you. It may also help with whatever if affecting you as well. Please come with us."
Kikyo glanced slightly to the side as she contemplated her responses. She finally came to one decision as she turned towards Inuyasha, "I will go with you if you agree to go to hell with me as payment."
Inuyasha felt his voice catch in his throat. He immediately saw the opening to assist his friend and knew he would do anything to help her, even if that meant sacrificing himself to the underworld in order to appease Kikyo. Though before he could respond Sesshomaru stepped forward in a display of authority, his aura flaring slightly, "Denied."
Then he was standing behind her. The spirits around her swirled in a frenzy as they registered the activity but were not fast enough to respond to the threat. In a second he had her laying on the ground in an unconscious heap, her form nearly folding in on itself at the sudden change.
Inuyasha's mouth opened and closed as he continued to calculate the different events of the day, the most recent being on the forefront of his mind "You-you just knocked her out!"
Sesshomaru nodded towards the body as an indicator that Inuyasha should pick it up, the dead stench to him was wretched and he did not want to be closer than needed. As Inuyasha's nose was less superior it would be less offensive to him, "Yes, I did."
"But-we were negotiating!" yelled Inuyasha with a pointed finger. It seemed as if in his fit he forgot just whom he had submitted to not hours before.
Sesshomaru looked down at the body once again as the collector spirits dissipated with no one to control them. He looked back at Inuyasha, "Yes, and I won."
Inuyasha grabbed his hair at his brother's complete disregard for tact, and this was something coming from him of all people. Did Sesshomaru honestly think that knocking someone out was the way to negotiate. Briefly Inuyasha had a flashback to all the different interactions they had experienced with each other over the years. Yes, Sesshomaru did indeed believe that was the most effective way to get what one wanted. Inuyasha ignored the part where his mind agreed with him and displayed this exact behavior over multiple incidents.
He marched over to the dead form and grabbed Kikyo's aging wrist. He quickly hauled her over his back as he continued to yell, "You can't just do that! It aint right!"
Sesshomaru turned his back and began walking without much to say on the matter. Inuyasha wasn't done yet, "Oi! Don't walk away, do you know how much trouble I am going to be in once Kagome wakes up? She's got all these rules about how to treat people."
Sesshomaru continued at his pace while giving no indication that Kagome opinion mattered to him, "She has many rules and I have broken them before, she will adjust when she is well."
Inuyasha adjusted the body to his shoulders as they launched into a nearby set of trees to give them more room to move, "Come on, you know Kagome is crazy. She is gonna flip and scream and probably sit me," he whined.
His earlier anxiety dissipated as he attempted to keep up with his brother. While neither was admitting it out loud the idea that Kikyo was subdued and they were heading back was a large achievement in terms of helping Kagome. Sesshomaru continued to press forward as Inuyasha silently brooded. He didn't know how but when Kagome was better he was getting blamed for this.
The thought caused a small smile on his face though as they trudged forward together. Kagome was going to get better, and she would yell at him and he would pretend to hate it because she would still be alive.
He didn't care what it took but Kagome would make it through this. Briefly he glanced at Sesshomaru's form and the silent promise that comes with an offer of an alpha. Sesshomaru had taken him on as pack and family, there was no greater honor in the animal demon culture.
Still by doing so he had also taken on Inuyasha's problems. It was the alpha's duty to train, protect and serve its pack and Sesshomaru was not someone to take any form of attachment lightly. Something had pushed him to break his own vows and Inuyasha was starting to get a sneaky suspicion on what that thing was.
Kagome was after all Inuyasha's responsibility. If proven unable to keep up with the task it automatically fell to the alpha to see things through and provide that protection. Inuyasha remembered hearing how Shippo had been obtaining training from the fierce Lord; Inuyasha himself keeping the conflicting scents to himself surrounding the obnoxious fur ball until Shippo got the guts to face his mother.
Even before the submission Sesshomaru had subconsciously been taking steps towards the priestess, though whether he recognized it or not was unclear.
It didn't matter though, the more time Inuyasha spent in this world the more he recognized just what Sesshomaru faced daily. Traveling the country side was most likely a luxury for him instead of a lordship he inherited early in life. Inuyasha briefly remembered Kagome's story regarding her younger brother as he tried to picture Kagome facing such obstacles.
As much as he did not want it to be Sesshomaru Inuyasha was smart enough to realize what his protection meant, no matter the form it took. His own limits regarding Kagome had become apparent to him as he watched her navigate situation after situation, all the while tempering both him and Sesshomaru in her own way.
How she had managed to pull herself into both of their opposing worlds and become valuable was nearly impossible but she had.
Sesshomaru's steps hovered briefly and Inuyasha watched as a new thought crossed the young lord's features. Turning stoically he nodded to Kikyo before stopping on a thick tree branch, "She will remain unconscious for another few hours giving you time to make it back to the castle at your full speed. I have a stop to make."
Inuyasha desperately wondered what could be so important as to side track him but not dare ask. Their pack relationship was new and their tolerance of each other was still barely present. He would travel to the safety of the castle where the others could help subdue and talk Kikyo into helping.
Without another word Sesshomaru was gone and Inuyasha was left standing still.
Pushing her back up onto his back Inuyasha pushed forward. He had a friend to save.
Inuyasha arrived right as the sun was setting while charging through the gates. The woman on his back had yet to stir but he did not want to press it by waking up with her alone. Kikyo had always held a certain power over him and today was not the day to test that. So without a word to the guards he ran into the castle to seek out a familiar smell. Malik it appeared was still missing but Shiho and Uza were in the war room.
He quickly headed in that direction and pushed the cracked door open with his foot. Stepping in he heard as both conversed over recent territory Naraku had taken over. It appeared as if the bat demons had yet to reply to Kagome's request for information and they were worried.
Well Inuyasha had other concerns, like controlling the situation that was costing Kagome her life.
Gently placing down Kikyo in front of them he pointed towards her, "She is gonna be pissed, Sesshomaru knocked her out."
Shiho sighed while rubbing his temples, "He didn't event tell anyone he was leaving, the castle has been scrambling without him."
Uza nodded slowly, "It is not like him to be rash, perhaps her sickness is contagious. With both him and Malik gone I do not know what to think anymore."
Shiho walked over to the woman and placed a few fingers to her pulse. While her breathing was even humans were known for obtaining internal injuries that impacted blood flow. He sniffed gently and recoiled. She smelled of dead bodies and graveyard soil. "Where is he in the castle? He should be here while we convince her to help, though this being Malik's idea would suggest that Malik would be the prime candidate for questioning."
Inuyasha's ears dropped as he anticipated the lords yelling at him, "Yeah, Sesshomaru had some stuff to take care of. He is on his way back though, I think."
Shiho's eyes narrowed and Uza's eyes brightened, "And the amusement continues!"
Shiho stepped forward, "What business could the Lord of the West possibly have as our lands are ravaged and Kagome lays dying?"
Inuyasha felt his instincts flare as Sesshomaru's leadership was questioned. A sense of protectiveness flew over him as his inner demon leapt at the chance to defend its alpha, "If he is gone it is for a good reason, you shouldn't question that."
Uza's eyebrow rose and Inuyasha felt the compulsion die down. It seemed this was something new to adjust to. Had he just defended Sesshomaru, on instinct? What had his inner demon agreed to with that submission?
Without further pause the doors opened and in stepped Malik with a bang. He glanced down at the woman and grimaced at the decaying smell, "What are you waiting for? The woman to die alone in a bed?"
Then he was back out of the room and heading towards the slumbering priestess's chambers. Inuyasha scrambled while the other two walked casually as if not wanting to acknowledge Malik's urgent tone. It was when they reached the doors and the guards moved to the side that Inuyasha felt himself panic. Kagome if at all possible looked worse. Her face alternated between pale and flushed, the stench of sweat permeating the room. She smelt of death, as if everything he faced with his mother was happening at once. Her heart sounded broken, her blood foul and her skin decaying.
Were they to late? And what if Kikyo attempted to steal her soul instead of helping his friend? In the past Kagome had enough strength to pull her spirit back to her but in this state Kagome would not stand a chance. And what if Kikyo didn't know what was wrong? What if she refused to say what was wrong? Gulping down his fears the team entered and were privy to Jineji moving throughout the room, Sango and Miroku standing watch over the bed.
Kagome was still stationary but the sweat around her body indicated a less than restful sleep. He glanced at Kikyo whom he now held in a bit more proper manner. Placing her down on a nearby mat he glanced at Malik, "So?"
Malik turned towards the aged one and sighed, "How hard did he hit her?"
Inuyasha paused as he came to the conclusion that Sesshomaru may have learned that tactic from Malik, "It's been about five hours and she hasn't budged."
Malik grumbled something to the effect of pups being unmanageable. How he knew it was Sesshomaru was lost on the group but Inuyasha dared not ask. Stepping over to the woman he lifted her by her shirt before scrunching his nose. He pulsed his aura slightly only to garner no response. He then flared it and directed it towards Kikyo. Her purification instincts rose as he did so which made her eyes flutter. Eventually she opened them slowly only to have her glare at the surrounding figures. Once this was complete Malik dropped her to the ground and pointed towards Kagome.
"What do you see," he demanded.
Kikyo slowly stood and those around her could hear the bones popping from older age. She recognized some of the faces at those who traveled with Inuyasha and the reincarnation but the powerful demons were new to her. In her own way Kikyo peaked at the girl but did not move her body unnecessarily, "A dead woman, her soul is damaged beyond repair and cannot stay within that body."
Sango all but lunged as Miroku held her back, "Do not even think of claiming it you witch. I don't care if Inuyasha wants to help you or not. If you touch my best friend I will kill you in such a gruesome way that not even a demon would think of."
Kikyo stood with a look of apathy back on her face as she disregarded the threat, "Why not, it is rightfully mine. She shouldn't even be in this world. Her deteriorating body is proving that."
Walking towards his friend Inuyasha placed a hand on Sango's armor pushing her back towards Kagome as the ever faithful watchdog to the slumbering girl, "What do you mean her body is deteriorating?"
Kikyo glanced again at the bed then at the demons. She contemplated lying but felt the three full blooded demons would dispose of her quickly should she do so. "Her soul looks different somehow and it is rejecting everything around her. From her body to the air it breathes, she is not much longer for this world."
Inuyasha's fist slammed against the wall, "She isn't going to die we just need to fix whatever is going on with her. Can you see it?"
Standing tall Kikyo saw an opportunity for change and grasped it, "Possibly but I would need to see her soul to determine the damage."
Miroku frowned as he recognized what Kikyo was implying. Knowing the others would not understand he clarified, "She wants to remove the soul from the body and examine it. This of course would give her the perfect opportunity to take it for herself and leave Kagome as an empty husk."
Uza stepped in and pushed himself forward from the back of the room, "No, she clearly is not to be trusted."
Kikyo glanced at those around her as she continued to try her case, "One cannot be blamed for wanting to live. The soul is mine and will accept this body without question as it recognizes me. It would be the best way for your friend to continue living though it would be in me. She will die no matter what happens if she remains as is."
Inuyasha growled as he once again became stuck in his response. Kagome's condition was bad and no deceit was sensed from the woman which meant Kagome would truly die if nothing changed. But was her living on through Kikyo worth it? Wouldn't it just be another replacement in the eyes of the world? And since he had honestly gotten to know that fiery woman named Kagome he could recognize that the past and future self could not be more different. They lived and laughed differently, their views on the world opposite, their philosophy about life and purpose in it was like night and day. Could Kagome really survive in that mind?
Inuyasha recognizing that in Sesshomaru's absence he would be forced to make this decision and came to his conclusion, "No Kikyo, you will examine the soul but will not take it."
Kikyo's eyes stared at him blankly and he desperately wished to understand where her mind was. The more he watched the more he recognized the aging woman that she was, gone from this world but refusing to pass on. He saw the damaged mind and the hardened heart. In that moment he finally saw what others had said, that Kikyo was gone. She had died that day and that is where she should have remained. This body was not meant to exist and the soul had moved forward in its stages but still she clung to the hope of one day living again. Even if it did happen it would be unnatural and wrong. Kikyo deserved to rest and her own stubbornness was causing nothing but pain.
Miroku and Sango both had things to say but their argument stopped as they saw the sadness reflected in their friends eyes. This was a battle for Inuyasha and Inuyasha alone.
Kikyo recognizing the change in her previous lover moved forward but stopped after sensing the giant boomeranged move and claws flex. Recognizing the state she was in she made eye contact with Inuyasha, "You would deny me my chance to live?"
Inuyasha shook his head, "You had your time Kikyo, it is hers now."
Her eyes seemed to hold a new level of frustration and betrayal at Inuyasha's words. "Are you forgetting all we have been through Inuaysha? Your vow to me?"
He could feel his guilt rise as he recalled their shared history, the love he felt for her. Internally he knew that he had loved her, loved her in the only way he could back then. But back then he had not really known what love was and had strived for anything he thought to be similar to it. Now he knew better. He had Kagome, and everyone she brought into his life. They were his family and it was because of them he knew what love was.
Difficult, frustrating, fucking bat shit crazy love. And it wasn't what him and Kikyo had, they had a dream that they really wanted to be true. But Kagome was real and she had become the closest friend he ever could have wished for. He knew now how to reciprocate that and that was by giving her everything she could possibly need. Right now his sister needed a protector, a protector and a family that would do anything to help her live. "You will do this and you will not do anything to place her in danger Kikyo."
The nearly apathetic eyes glanced again at the slumbering but clearly in pain woman. She recognized the determination in his stance. He had effectively picked the life of her reincarnation over her. With a bitter nod she moved forward, "Very well Inuyasha."
No one believed her worlds but most were unsure if they were to speak up at such a difficult time.
Before she could get closer Malik stepped forward, "Priestess, you know the discord you cause to the realms by being here. If you cause further difficulties by trying to harbor the soul and defy your directives I do not believe it will end in your favor."
Kikyo continued to move past the demon without acknowledgement. What she chose to do would be her choice and she was not one to listen to a demon. Placing her withered hands over Kagome's body Kikyo assessed what was before her. They hovered slightly before resting between her chest; she pulled away slightly as if something burned her but replaced her hands quickly to not display the weakness. She concentrated harder but met some resistance. It took digging but it felt as if the presence of a demon was lurking inside of the girl, covering her with oppressive demonic aura that her soul was undoubtedly responding to. Initially Kikyo blamed it on the overwhelming demonic energy in the room but quickly found that to be a false statement. Kagome had foolishly surrounded herself with demons in the past and never experienced symptoms such as this.
Within a few minutes she had found the soul she was looking for and pushed past the smothering demonic aura. The familiar bright soul was raging and wild, as if an injured animal desperate to escape its confinement. Kikyo took this as a sign that Kagome was unable to house their power and it was lashing out at her. She felt her own small soul portion lash out in recognition but paid it no head even as she watched the hair in front of her face turn gray. With a force she was unsure she had as her body aged in front of her Kikyo slowly lifted the spirit out of the body. With each finger twitch and lift Kagome convulsed and screamed, no sedative able to spare the pain of being void of oneself. Kikyo would know, it was debilitating at best.
With sweat seeping from her brow Kikyo looked at the light hovering above them. She could not look at it directly and felt her eyes turn away, glancing to see the others doing the same. Her instinct was to try and reclaim it, though it felt so very different from what she knew was her fifty years prior. Kikyo did not recall this violent or bright of a reaction last time and tried not let it disturb her. It fluctuated with power, alternating between hot and cold, violent and peaceful. She watched as it reacted to the world and curled around itself unable to stand the taint of the universe it found itself in.
She could see that the longer it remained the faster it died.
Recognizing her moment Kikyo drew the last of her strength and yanked forward intent on living once again. She would be able to handle it, she would temper the power that Kagome could not. With pure determination she pushed through the pain of absorbing the power behind the soul, her grunt of pain being muffled by her own internal howl. It was only when the light receded into the clay body that Kikyo found herself able to breathe again. With a gulp of air she watched as the power formed to her body, her hands returning to their youthful form and hair changing to a deep black. She felt as her knees no longer hurt and age held no longer held any power over her.
Lifting her eyes Kikyo looked around as Inuyasha lay on the ground covering his sensitive eyes from the brightness of the light, him glancing up as disbelief crossed his features. She saw the tears well in the hunter's eyes and rage cross the monk. He knew she would try, the offer was to tempting. How could she not with such promises of life on the other end, all it took was one simple betrayal at the cost of someone bound to die anyways. They would eventually come to the realization that Kagome lived if only in part inside of Kikyo.
Standing tall she looked at the husk whose heart continued to slow. The breathing was nearly non-existent and the color drained from Kagome's face completely. A body could not survive in this way and would be gone within minutes.
"I was correct, the reincarnation could not house the power within her," she turned to the demon who had threatened her and glanced down seeing as he had also dropped to the floor, "Would you kill me now? The one who houses' your precious friend?"
Sango stood but stopped herself as she watched the demons in the room remain still. They knew that nothing more could be done, Kikyo had betrayed Kagome and felt no remorse for such an action. Before she could turn to yell at Inuyasha an unexpected thing happened and Kikyo grabbed her heart. The look of purse agony that crossed the now living woman's features stunned everyone there as she screamed. The skin began to crack as light poured through what was previously believed to be skin. "No!" she yelled but her voice carried little weight with the following noises.
Simultaneously every glass or mirrored surface in the room shattered as the razor like pieces flew around the packed area. The wood from the floor curled upwards as if the castle itself rocked back and forth, the wind bursting through the now broken balcony and smashing everyone present against the walls. Inuyasha protected his face as much as he could but the wind deafened him; the pain nearly causing his ears to bleed.
The others faired the same as Miroku's barrier did nothing to quell the attacks against him and Sango, neither being able to stand in this range. The only one with any footing was Malik as he remained on his knees watching everything unfold before him, the other two demon lords having been trapped by the wind and pinned to the wall.
Kikyo for her part was not faring well. The cracks on her skin were expanding as she glanced around the room, her body being unable to handle the soul inside of her. Desperately seeking reprieve from her error she watched as an unfamiliar silver haired demon rested against the doorway. She had seen him earlier when she woke in the room. Dismissing him as another demon trying to save the girl she had given him little more than a pause at the time. But now he stood out not only due to his hair color which she had dismissed but the attacks did nothing to him as he scrutinized calmly among the chaos.
"Who are you?" she attempted to call out but she feared nothing could be heard over the storm. Out of the corner of her eyes she watched as the destruction spread and a tree outside was lifted off the ground while flung who knew how far away. The balcony previously attached to Kagome's room was quickly following it as it was ripped from the building.
The demon seemed to pay the continued disaster little to no attention. Instead he looked at her disapprovingly with eyes narrowing threateningly, "I am a concerned father."
Kikyo fell to the ground as her knees gave out; the pain taking over was unbearable as if she was standing in fire itself. Briefly the air escaped from her lungs and she watched as it joined the growing tornado in the form of black smoke. With everything she had Kikyo tried to gain what she could of the oxygen around her but she continued to cough as if breathing in pure smoke, "W-what are you doing to me?"
The demon shook his head and moved from his leaning position. He stepped over the ruble and the glass did nothing to him, just went through his body as if a reflection. She had not immediately recognized him as a soul but now she did as she watched his confident strides with fear. For him to give himself form in this world spoke to unimaginable power. Her eyes widened as he crouched near her, his black boots inches from her face, "You my dear are a very selfish individual. I have done very little to you, but this is what happens when you take an evolved soul from its host. She has ascended past the limits of humanity and your cowardness towards death prevented you from recognizing a celestial when you saw one."
All hope left her at that point while Kikyo recognized the legends the man spoke of. With one look at Kagome's pale form reality hit, what she had attempted to control. Her own desire to live had blinded her and act rashly. Just as that epiphany reached her the body she had been in burst as the light took over. The moment it did so her body was gone as something far hotter than fire consumed her leaving nothing to bury, not even a husk to mourn.
Raw power had disintegrated everything that was left of the former woman, the human sized scorch mark on the floor the only proof of her previous existence.
The light of the soul, recognizing its release and now fully united with itself, immediately traveled back to the body it knew to previously be able to contain it. Kagome's screams would have been painful to hear if the noise had not damaged all the sensitive hearing within the room. Her body finally rested once the light disappeared and settled inside of her. This time she did not twitch in pain, the feat of losing and having the soul returned taking to much of a toll on her mind to remain conscious.
One by one each individual stood as they glanced around the room while trying to dispel the ringing noise of damaged ear drums around them. Miroku shook his body as shards of glass and bark clung to his robes, an injury on his left leg from protecting Sango from an impaling item. He glanced briefly while trying to create a binding tunicate for his leg from some tattered fabric.
Sango smelt the copper from his blood as she pushed him up to assess his injuries, her own face and right arm already bruising from the impact of the falls.
No one spoke as they all came to.
Malik yanked a large piece of glass from his face without wincing. He hadn't shielded it as the others had for fear of missing something. While he was unable to hear her words it had been clear the woman was speaking to someone.
It had been maybe a few minutes but within that time their world had changed. Kikyo was gone and Kagome was possibly damaged beyond repair. Inuyasha was the first to fully rise as he crawled towards the blackened spot he knew Kikyo last stood, the scorch mark staining the floor as the broken items continued to fall around them.
He glanced at Kagome but already saw the bloody Malik present and checking her vitals. The color had resumed in her face though he was unable to hear her breathing. After Malik placed the young girls wrist on the bed he glanced at the injured parties, and injured they were. The monk and slayer were both covered in bruises and cuts, Shiho and Uza having smaller but still noticeable injuries.
On his knees Inuyasha looked towards Malik, the only one standing fully after such destruction, "…What happened?"
Malik glanced at the slumbering woman as everything came to a blaring truth, "Kikyo could not hold the soul. It has evolved past anything a human could pretend to harbor so when she tried it she was consumed by the sheer force of its power."
Sango clutched at Miroku as the words process, "That was what is happening to Kagome? That is what she has been containing?"
Miroku shook his head, "But that power is near impossible. It could rival either of you and you are the most power Lords in the land. She is a human."
Shiho shook his robes as he ignored the patch of blood on his right side from something that felt the need to slice through him. Shiho noticed that Kagome did not have one scratch on her though which intrigued him, "You do not sound surprised that his happened Malik."
The demon grimaced, "I had my theories but no way to prove them."
Inuyasha glanced again at the stain as he remembered the sorrow and pity he felt for the shell that was his first love. "Will the same happen to Kagome?"
All looked at the sleeping woman covered in the fine silk sheets Sesshomaru had provided for Kagome. With a depressing feel Malik answered, "Possibly, her biggest problem right now is not her soul. It is her humanity."
Firevixen73- And end scene. What did you guys think? I've had this idea since the beginning and am glad I am finally able to bring it into play. I look forward to hearing from you and happy Friday.