Chapter 3 Dealing with Demons
Yusuke was beyond pissed. "You asshole!" He shouted as he ruthlessly killed the demon, "This was our only way home!"
The trio stopped their assault on the demons as realization set in. With renewed rage, the group killed any demon in their line of sight until nothing was left. Their only way out was now gone. The last demon standing was the one they decided to help.
A large bear demon stood before them, "I don't know who you are, but you have the thanks of the Eastern lands. If there is anything I can do for you in return please I will do my best to see that it is so."
"What you can fucking do for us is to fucking fix this," Yusuke thrust the device towards the demon.
"What my enraged friend means is that saving you caused us to lose our only means home." Acting as peacemaker Kurama translated.
"I've never seen anything like this before. What is it?" The bear demon enquired. "Come to think of it, you are strangely dressed. Where are you from?"
"I'll be asking the questions here demon," Yusuke snarled, still upset about the device.
The demon started to laugh causing the four to stare at him. "You have no idea who I am, do you?" A sly smirk graced his demon face.
The four cluelessly shook their heads. "You're a demon that's all I need to know," Kuwabara said.
"My name is Lord Kuma; I am the ruler of the Eastern lands."
The only significance came from the two demons that silently looked at each other. The two humans did not know the power this demon held before them. "It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Kurama, this is Hiei, over there is Kuwabara, and you have already met Yusuke. We are in search of the priestess named Kikyo; you wouldn't by chance know who she is?" Kurama said showing the demon lord proper respect.
The bear spat on the ground. "Every powerful demon has heard of her. She has killed many of my men and I thank the gods everyday that she's dead."
"What she can't be dead! We were supposed to arrive before she died. Botan is so dead when I see her!" Yusuke stomped about ranting and raving.
"So you are from the future. I am off to seek aid from one of my allies; he's revered as being one of the smartest and most cunning demons out there. He might have an idea of how to get you boys home. So tell me what the future is like?"
"I'm sorry milord, but that is information that we are not allowed to give away. It's highly classified information. For the sake of the world we live in," Kurama looked at the demon lord knowing he understood.
"So if you're a demon lord then why were these demons after you?" Kuwabara asked.
Hiei rolled his eyes, "Moron, he's a demon lord, other demons seek to kill him to take over his lands."
"Yes, your friend is right, but these," Kuma looked at the dead bodies, "These were sent from the northern lord. It seems he wishes to have my head on his front gates. Now come we must go west and seek out the demon lord for assistance."
"So how long ago did this Kikyo woman die?" Finally snapping out of his tantrum Yusuke asked.
"It's been about fifty years now, if not more. Lord Sesshomaru would know your answers better than I would."
.:Since this mission is a bust, how about we go south -- towards the mountains. I heard that there was a pearl necklace that's said to have great mystic powers. I would have gone long ago, but it was a rumor 300 years ago. I'm sure if we went now they would be unprotected.:. Youko tried to bargain with his host for a little free roaming time.
'Youko, what would happen if this demon could fix our problem and there was only a ten second window to leave, we'd be stuck here until the day I died.' Kurama tried to reason with the demonic being inside him.
.:So:.
Shaking his head Kurama followed along with his friends not missing the slight smirk on Hiei's normally stoic face.
Inuyasha's forest
Kagome climbed out of the well after her shower and oden. Soon she would need to go and deliver the ashes and figure out a way to get into the realm of the dead. Nevertheless, she was glad her mom was able to get the mold smell out of the outfit. Wearing it now made her feel self-conscious. She wondered if the villagers would mistake her for Kikyo again, or if she would ever be Kagome to them.
Shrugging she climbed out of the well only to be bombarded by Shippo. "I thought you were never coming back!" He cried latching onto her, "Why did you leave me so soon?"
"Can I tell you a secret, just between you and me?" Kagome asked the young fox clutched to her for dear life.
The fox tried his tears and nodded. "Shippo, the only reason I had to leave again was because this outfit Kaede gave me stunk like mold, so I had to go home and wash it. I didn't want to say anything because I didn't want to hurt her feelings."
Shippo nodded, "You're right, it did stink, and I was going to tell you, but I didn't know what that smell was called. 'Mold' I'll remember it." The fox scampered up to her shoulder. She heard a rustling in the bush. Not expecting anyone to come and greet her, she readied her bow and had an arrow waiting.
Miroku stepped out of the bush. "Lady Kagome, I'm impressed at the speed in which you've armed yourself. I mean no harm," He added nervously when she didn't lower her weapon.
"I'm kidding Miroku, I wouldn't kill you." Her arms sure did hurt because of that quick stunt action though.
"No you'd let Sango do that!" Shippo managed to get out before giving into the mirth that filled his small frame.
Kagome noticed that his glove was no longer needed. Kagome nodded towards it. "It's over for you, I'm glad."
Falling in step with her towards the village, "Yeah, I was scared to take it off at first. I prepared myself to see the black void, but," He looked at the smooth skin, "It's gone for good. There's no one to thank but you Lady Kagome!" He gave her a bone-crushing hug. "The void is gone, Naraku is dead, and Kohaku has returned. The only one that has suffered the most is you."
"I will be fine Miroku because as long as my friends are happy, then I'm happy." She took his hand in hers.
"Lady Kagome, I must protest, I cannot have you hold my hand like that. I am after all a married man." A large sheepish grin plastered on his face.
"M-M-Married!" She cried out, "To whom?" Kagome started to become enraged, "If you married someone other than Sango I'-" She was cut off by the sound of giggling.
Kagome spun around and there was Sango and Kohaku grinning wildly.
Miroku laced his unclothed hand with Sango's, "She is my wife. This is forever my love." He kissed her forehead making Sango turn crimson.
Kagome stood mouth agape, "When?"
"When we went to our village to rest the souls of the dead. You know we were promised to be married, and one night Miroku performed the ceremony, and that was it we were wed."
"They are worse than rabbit demons," Kohaku added making both of them turn red.
Kagome laughed. "You know that makes up for you guys not inviting me to the ceremony."
Inside Kaede's hut, the group prepared for them to leave in the morning. Kagome had another plan in mind. She asked Sango if she could borrow Kirara instead. She would go and come back on her own. This was something she needed to do alone.
Everyone understood: it was her personal closure. So it was settled in the morning, Kagome would take Kirara and head west with the ashes and sword, while Miroku and Sango take a quick honeymoon, and the boys would be under Kaede's care.
The morning was clouded over, showing an accurate picture of how Kagome was feeling inside. She said her goodbyes and a quick promise to return. She strapped her yellow backpack on her back followed by the quiver and bow. "Kirara, we should hurry before a storm starts."
The fire cat mewed and picked up its pace.
The Western Palace
"Lord Kuma, what brings you here?" The stoic demon lord enquired not impressed with the unexpected company.
"There is an uprising in the North. The northern demon lord has hired mercenaries from all over, and is avid about ruling all of Japan. I have come seeking aid and relief."
Sesshomaru said nor made any facial expression, but turned on his heel and walked into a room. Lord Kuma followed him leaving the group to follow behind. Before arriving at Sesshomaru's castle, Lord Kuma explained the situation with Sesshomaru. He told them that not speaking at all would be better than letting your tongue slip, for he was more likely to cut it out.
Now they knew why, the guy would kill you if you looked at him the wrong way. No one missed the glances he gave Yusuke and Kuwabara, or the almost snarl towards Kurama and Hiei. It was a warning, but the pair received the message loud and clear.
The two demon lords were talking about possible strategies when Kuma asked to see Yusuke's device. He showed the demon lord the device. No emotion showed on the demon lord's face.
"What is this supposed to do?" Sesshomaru inquired.
"Take us home." Yusuke grumbled, as the group gave him a bewildered look. Sesshomaru cocked an eyebrow but didn't say anything. For a minute, they thought their leader and friend was going to be a goner.
Sesshomaru handed back the device. "I would like to take a closer look at it later." It wasn't a question, it was an order. Yusuke grunted in response, which caused the demon lord to pin him to the wall by his throat. "Human filth, I have been respectful up until now. It is only fitting you give me the respect I demand. Heed this human, I will not spare you or your companions next time either of you gets out of line." He threw Yusuke toward Kuwabara.
Yusuke was coughing, regaining the precious oxygen Sesshomaru had taken.
The two demon lords turned back to their conversation. The two planned on taking their armies and invading the north. They were talking battle strategies when a hideous green imp came running in squawking about ungrateful humans.
"Milord, the half breed's wench is here demanding to see you. I told her to go away, but sh-" Jaken was silenced when Sesshomaru interrupted.
"What does she want?"
Before Jaken could say something negative, Kagome stood at the door with a box in her hand and a sword under her arm. Sesshomaru's eyes slanted, "That is Tetsusaiga. What are you doing with it?"
"It is payment." She placed the box on the table not caring that this was their battle plans. "Bury your brother with honor and the sword is yours." Kagome would have been shocked to see modern clothes if she wasn't numb inside. This was her final closure. She knew it would be hard, but she didn't know it would be this difficult.
"So Inuyasha is dead. Who took my right from me?" Sesshomaru's eyes gleamed murder.
"Don't worry, it was of his own choice since Naraku is dead." Kagome just wanted to leave. Not to mention she didn't like the vibe of the room.
"So the half breed finally killed Naraku, he should be glad he's dead. Naraku was mine to kill as well." Venom was starting to drip from his claws at the realization that another kill was taken from him.
Kagome stood there with a blank expression on her face. Melodramatics no longer worked on her. Look at the people she had spent most of her time with! She had seen it enough to be unphased by it. Instead, she just cocked her eyebrow in response. "So what's your answer? Will you honor your brother and bury him, or do I return with his ashes and lay them to rest with his love?"
Sesshomaru knew there was something she wasn't divulging. "What are you not telling me miko?"
Kagome's head shot up. "You really want to know?" Her voice filled with raw emotion. "Yes Naraku is dead, and no Inuyasha didn't kill him, I did." Her breaths were panting. She didn't want to relive the memory.
"Inuyasha was alive and well when Naraku was defeated. He chose to go to hell with his dead lover instead of living. Your brother was nothing more than a coward." She swallowed back the hard lump at the back of her throat. "Now Sesshomaru, are you going to accept his ashes or was this a waste of my time?" She pointed to the box. Her voice sounded harsh, even to her ears, but she wasn't about to take them back now.
"Human you are testing my patience."
"And you, demon, are wasting my time." Kagome retorted through clenched teeth.
The other six beings in the room stood with their mouths open horrified at the sight before them.
"Very well human I will bury my bastard half brother, now hand over the sword." Sesshomaru held out his hand.
Kagome threw it at him. "Know this Sesshomaru: the same deal now applies as it did to Inuyasha. I know you are able to make it transform, but now it will only work when you are protecting humans."
Sesshomaru started to growl, he was seriously getting pissed off. "Human, take the spell off the sword."
"There is only one person that can take off the spell, and that's the same person that placed it. However your brother is dead, so nope, I can't help you." Kagome started to walk back through the door. Walking back, she noticed the map spread out on the table. She took a good look at the battle plans. They were fools. Even she knew that going that way would mean death, and she wasn't good at that stuff.
She couldn't help but comment on their battle plans laid out on the table, "No wonder demons are nearly wiped out, with plans like that it makes my job much easier." She said walking out the door. She knew she should have kept her mouth shut, but she was in one of her moods causing her to push buttons. She blamed Sesshomaru for starting it.
Before Sesshomaru could react, Lord Kuma took off after Kagome. Everyone raced after them; the miko had her bow and arrow ready, while Lord Kuma was trying to back away. "Human what are wrong with my battle plans?" He demanded, seeing he had an audience, and a macho ego to maintain.
"First off, bulldozing straight through will get you killed. Second, you are planning to bring your army through Jinenji's territory. Third if you were to make your way past Jinenji, the crane demons that took refuge on his mountain would slaughter you in the blink of an eye." Kagome placed her arrow back in her quiver, and strapped back on her bow.
Sensing that she wasn't going to kill him anymore, he decided to ask, "And just what would you do miko?"
Kagome placed her finger on her chin and thought aloud, "I could, no would, go through the terrains to the east."
Lord Kuma started to laugh, "That's the territory of the demon wolf clan. They are terrible man-eaters, and if you anger them, they change into their true shape and they would slaughter us all. Thanks, but I'll stick to my plan."
"Then I bid you a good death." She turned to leave but was stopped when Sesshomaru stepped in front of her.
"Human, if you can get the wolves to come here to discuss a treaty then I will bury Inuyasha in the sacred family tomb." Sesshomaru bargained. He wasn't one to bargain, but he was willing to allow grace this once in order to defeat the northern lord.
Kagome thought it over once and nodded. "Very well, but I suggest you remove Rin from the castle while they are here." Kagome could see the faint confusion in his eyes, "You remember how she died. Seeing them will only put her back into her mute state."
Sesshomaru thought it over, nodded, and told Jaken to take Rin to the human village while the wolves were here.
"Kirara, it seems we won't be going back so soon after all." The small forgotten fire cat perched on her shoulder mewed. Her hair had been concealing the tiny demon. "I will return in a few hours." She said walking towards the front door.
Lord Kuma started to laugh, "Yes, bring back an underling so we can get slaughtered when the master of the wolves discovers us intruding on his lands."
End chapter
AN the second time around: wow, I changed a lot this time. Hope you enjoyed reading this.