Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha or any of its characters. They are property of Rumiko Takahashi. However, this story and created characters are mine.
Chapter 5: Demons on the Mount
"Tell us Midori, how long have you been living on your own?"
"I left soon after Miroku," the young girl replied casually, finding it hard to believe that anyone was interested in her, "so about three years now."
"And you're fourteen now, meaning you've been on your own since you were eleven." Sango inferred. Midori nodded in confirmation.
"Wow, I can't imagine myself being on my own at eleven," Kagome commented, shivering at the thought, "Weren't you scared?"
"No, not really, I have been practicing with my swords for years. I felt prepared." Midori glanced down at her feet. She had been terrified in the past, not knowing if she would survive to see the sunlight of a new day. She feared that her brother would find her weak for being scared. She wanted to be like him, calm and unmoving at the thought of death. Her jade green eyes concentrated on his face, hoping to steal some of that confidence and ease for herself.
The path towards the mountain zigzagged along the slope. The gang trekked the worn road, anticipating the battle that ensued. Each member of the group had a different idea of what waited at the top of the mountain. Whether it be demon or human, they would be ready.
Kagome watched Midori trail behind Miroku. Something bothered Kagome, something about Midori. The sister kept quiet around her brother. She thought about earlier, how Miroku failed to see his own sister. It probably pained Midori seeing her brother without his recognition of her. Empathy grew inside her. Her eyes shifted to the white bands that wrapped around Midori's arms and hands. The empathy changed to concern. She watched the young sister shift her eyes as she tiptoed towards her.
"So, Midori," Kagome began in a whisper, "Why do you have your arms bandaged?" The young girl paused for a moment, soaking in the question. She tucked in her arms around her chest, hiding the white cloth.
"It's for protection," she responded, smiling at Kagome. She accepted the answer, only because Midori seemed uncomfortable about the situation. Despite her smile, the future miko was still concerned for the young girl.
"Okay. I'm just glad you're not injured." Midori silently sighed in relief. Kagome focused her attention to the others. No longer under interrogation, she unfolded her arms as they approached the top.
Upon reaching the top, the group found neither single or multiple demons. Instead, a pool of dark liquid smelling of sulfur which centered the mountaintop. Reeds of rotting rice grew around the edges of the pool. It seemed to boil slightly, as if the sun was cooking the disgusting pond.
"What is this stuff?" Kagome asked, pointing to black goo.
"It's Smug, a type of demon muck," Sango answered, "it attracts demons to it in order to sustain itself."
"Why are InuYasha, Shippo and Kirara not affected now?"
"Smug is only active at night," Sango replied with concern in her voice.
"That would explain why the demons come only at night," Shippo concluded in an aloud thought.
"Why weren't they affected them last night when it was active?"
"I told you," Midori replied without making it obvious, "the meadow creates its own barrier. The scent never reached us."
"Whatever, let's get rid of it before more demons come." InuYasha placed a forceful hand on Tetsusaiga.
"Wait," Kagome interrupted, "how come Isamu wasn't affected. He left the barrier went you fought the demons last night."
"I put this over his nose," Midori stated, pulling a poison mask from her kimono.
"I'll just use Tetsusaiga to dissipate the aroma and the Smug."
"No InuYasha, wait!"
Yellow swirls that once covered the fang struck the murky sludge. The scent dispersed into the air. Screams of decaying demons sprang from the Smug, each one willing to destroy the thing that set them free.
"What the hell," InuYasha shouted while covering his nose.
"I tried to warn you, Smug is made from decaying demons. Disturbing them is sends them out in the open to defend their territory," Miroku lectured as sutra flew from his hands.
"Stay back Kagome." InuYasha raised Tetsusaiga while he watched Kagome run behind a rock formation. Knowing Kagome was safe, his focus returned to the horde of rotting demons. Fangs snarled and claws shimmering in the sun, pointing towards the half-breed. He responded with his own growl; he was determined to defeat these demons. Kirara fought from the sky, using her teeth to kill members of the swarm.
In all the fuss, Miroku began to converse with Sango. They stood back to back as they defended off the decaying demons.
"Miroku, do you think you can remove the Smug demons with your wind tunnel?" Sango asked while slashing her sword at two vermin.
"It would be my pleasure," Miroku replied in pride as his staff swung at a flying lizard.
"First, we need to stop InuYasha from killing the demons."
"I concur," Miroku nodded, "But how? You know how hard-headed he can be."
"Not if he's unconscious," Sango retorted while pointing to the dog demon. The couple watched as InuYasha's moments became more sluggish. Miroku also saw Kirara, outnumbered by multiple demons and also getting weaker from the excess Smug.
"Go to Kirara, she needs you. I will go to Kagome. Maybe she can stop him before the smell overwhelms him."
Sango nodded and began running to her friend. In that instant she saw Kirara get attacked by a newt demon. Her heart sped at the sound of Kirara's scream. She hope she would not be too late.
Dammit, it's getting harder to breathe, InuYasha started to gag at the smell, I need to finish this quickly. He glanced quickly over to the rock formation, to assure himself of Kagome. His eyes landed on her face, a face full of fear and concern. Pain filled his heart because of that face. He knew he was the cause of her expression. But he would not stop. He wanted to protect her. He did not want to lose another woman he loved. The roars of demons shook him from painful memories and thoughts. Once again he raised his prized sword, ready to engage the many demons.
Kagome watched helpless from the sidelines. Her heart tore seeing InuYasha slowly deteriorate during the battle. She longed for him to stop the fighting, just so he could get well. His pain only aggravated hers.
Midori whistled for Isamu, lifting her out of harms way before beaver jaws clashed on her. As they ascended into the sky, the young girl slipped the poison mask over Isamu. Without hesitation she unsheathed Gaia and Kitsu. The silver blades danced gracefully in the sky, ending the misery of the Smug creatures. Gaia sliced through a crow demon as Kitsu deterred a hawk's talon from her face. The hawk demon screeched as Kitsu detached its left wing. A nasty owl demon, eyes as wide as full moons, latched on to her right arm, tearing the bandages covering her skin. She cursed as she swung Gaia at the oversized fowl. The owl cried as its chest as cut in two.
Midori glanced quickly at the wound. It was deep, causing blood seeped through her kimono. Much of the bandaging had torn from the sharp talons of the night bird. She gritted her teeth, angry for the destruction of her bandage armor.
Hearing more cries of the wretched demons, she glanced over the surface. Kagome gripped her bow while Shippo gripped her leg. Kirara whined in pain while Sango protected her with her sword. InuYasha continued his assault on the group, weakening himself through exposing more Smug into the air. Her heart dropped, she could not find Miroku. She swept the landscape with her eyes once again, hoping to find the location of her brother.
A sudden scream came from the left edge of the mountain top. She focus followed her ears at the sound. She watched as Miroku sent a lizard demon to death with a burning sutra. A smile covered her face. He was safe. Her sigh of relief was short-lived as a bear demon, towering ten feet tall appeared magically behind the monk.
"Miroku, look out." Her words came too late. Miroku was smacked down with a giant bear paw, ramming him into a boulder. The impact of his body triggered a minor rockslide, causing a rock to slide on his arm and immobilized it. The growling grizzly breathed heavily as it neared the helpless monk.
Fearing for her brother's life, she gasped in desperation before jumping off Isamu's back. The bear roared in pain as Gaia and Kitsu pierced its back. The young girl clenched her treasured blades, praying for her life. In fury, the bear shook. She grasped her weapons tighter. Escaping the danger her mind went to Miroku and the long nights they stayed awake, looking at the stars.
She breathed in the night air deeply, soaking in the stillness of the land. Despite the numerous battles and feudal wars that plagued the country, she still found moments of rest. The stars sparkled, causing a gentle smile over her face.
"You shouldn't be out here alone, it's dangerous."
"The stars are watching over me," she replied with an extensive grin.
Her brother sat comfortably next to her. The young girl continued to lay silently, starring at the stars as Miroku began to speak.
"Do you like the stars?"
"You know I do. I could stare at them all night."
"Why do you stare at them?" He asked, curious of her motives.
"I hope to see Momma and Papa in the stars, watching from Heaven."
Miroku sat silently at Midori's last response. Both of their parents died when she was two, leaving her with little memories.
"You don't remember them much, do you?" He sighed, feeling sorry for her.
"I remember Momma smelling of lavender and Papa of dirt because he worked the ground when he wasn't exorcizing a demon."
"Mother always did smell of lavender. It was her favorite flower." He smiled sweetly towards her, glad to help bring her some happiness.
"Look," Midori pointed to the sky as she sat up in an excited manner, "that bunch of stars looks like a lavender branch." She smiled at her discovery."That must be where Momma's watching us."
"You are probably right, Midori."
"Can you find Papa's star?" Midori asked her older brother. She continued her search, "Maybe his star resembles a pile of dirt or a sutra."
"There." Miroku's voice squeaked childishly as his finger pointed to the sky, "do you see the rectangle? That is Father's sutra."
"I see it" The young girl squealed in delight. Hope and comfort entered her heart. Her parents may be gone from this Earth, but they will continue to protect her from the Heavens. She bowed her head and folded her hands. Miroku noticed his sister's silence.
"What are you doing?"
"I am praying for them and that every night their stars will shine bright to protect us." Miroku again smiled at his sister's sunny disposition. No matter what happened she always tried to see the brighter side of things. Her hope helped the two live on with their lives.
A chilly wind blew fiercely between the star-gazing siblings.
"Come on, we should be getting inside," Miroku said, rising from the cool grass. Moisture had begun to cover even the tiniest blades of grass. He glanced at the little girl, waiting for some indication of movement. Upon finishing her prayer, Midori continued to gazed deeply into the night sky, wishing to grip onto the twinkling stars. Noticing the girl's reluctance to leave, he waved a finger, resembling Mushin.
"Young lady, you better get inside before Naraku comes after you," he mockingly commanded to his sister, hoping to get her mind off of their parents. He smiled inside, hoping his plan would work.
Miroku's stern yet gentle voice struck the very core of her heart. Light tears began to stream down. Without warning she rose, almost tackling him with a hug, gripping him with all her six-year-old strength.
"Please don't let him get me. Protect me brother," she sobbed into his violet robes. He stood aback by the sudden display of emotion. He cringed at the sight of her tears. Naraku caused him and her pain by killing their father; Someday he will pay. He returned his focus on his sister and regained his composure.
"I promise. I promise I will protect you from Naraku." Miroku stated calmly as he firmly returned the embrace.
Reality snapped back to Midori as the creature she held on to stammered backwards. It edged closer to the cliff, ferociously trying to get the young girl off its back. Midori glanced over the cliff, estimating the drop. The distance made her gulp. The creature shook again, causing the blades to slip from its skin. Her heart sank in fear as the ground started to move closer to her, forcing a scream to fill the night sky.
"Midori!" Miroku screamed as he watched his sister go over the cliff with the bear demon. He scrambled to take the rest of the impeding rock pinning his arm. With his arm free, he raced to the edge of the cliff.
"Wind tunnel!" Swirls of wind began to consume the area around Miroku. Smug, rock and plants were led into the void. He didn't care. Even if Saimyosho came at that moment he would not rest. He was compelled to do anything to save his sister. He watched as Midori rose higher, closer to him. He saw her twist her head, seeing her frightened face.
"Midori," Miroku smiled as she neared him. He quickly closed his right hand, only to have her slam into him. The two fell, almost rolling over themselves. Landing back-first into the ground, Miroku winced at the pain. The pain disappeared as he heard weak groan from the body laying on him. He lifted his head to see an unconscious girl.
"Midori," Miroku quietly yelled to her. He cuddled her into his arms, waiting for her to wake. The monk stared at the face of his sister, failing to see any injuries. He just wanted to see her eyes.
"Miroku!" Sango's voice rand through the air. He picked up his head at the sound of her frightened voice, only to see Kagura standing ten feet away from him. Eyes widened as Kagura raised her striped fan. His heart began beating fast; his wind tunnel useless because of Midori's position. As he gazed helplessly at the wind witch, Miroku thought of the people closest to him. Midori, Sango, Forgive me.
"Dance of the Dragon!"
"Backlash Wave!" The tunnels of wind swirled counterclockwise, heading back towards their master. InuYasha smiled at the thought of Kagura's destruction. The smile faded as the wind sorceress grabbed a white feather from her hair. She ascended into the sky, cursing the lot for interfering.
"InuYasha, you should know better than attack me in such a weaken state."
Clenching his jaw, fangs bare, he knew she was right. The increasing exposure to the Smug worsened his condition.
Suddenly, Kagura became surrounded by Saimyosho, the demon wasp minions of Naraku. She gritted her teeth as they whispered their master's command. With reluctance, she headed into the sun-painted sky, cursing Naraku for his control.
"Miroku, are you all right?" The young demon slayer asked her shaken friend. His eyes followed her voice. The monk saw the deep concern she had for him. Although she said nothing, he could tell that she was grateful for his safety. Miroku smiled at her with thoughtfulness. If this hell ever ended, he would marry her. Giving a reassuring smile to him, Sango took her attention to the sky.
"What was that all about," Sango commented as the incarnation disappeared from sight. Brushing off her curiosity, she returned her focus to Miroku.
"We have to get out of here," she reported to him, who was holding Midori in his arms. Sango cradled Kirara in her arms, badly beaten by the decaying demons. The cat demon whined in pain, causing Sango's heart to drop. Hearing Kagome's voice, she turned her head. Kagome slumped down by an intoxicated InuYasha. The smell had finally overwelmed him, causing him to collapse. She saw tears run down the girl's face. Sango knew they had to get him out of there, fast.
"Miroku," she nudged him with a hint of urgency in her voice.
"We need to get InuYasha away from this place." Miroku rose with Midori in his arms. He could feel her breathing slowly, knowing she would be okay.
"Isamu," he began softy, hoping to ease his commanding orders, "I need you to go to InuYasha. Carry him down from the mountain." Without hesitation, the cat demon nudged the crestfallen miko. The young girl lifted her head and petted the cat. Using all her strength she pulled InuYasha on top of Isamu.
"Kagome, get on Isamu. Keep an eye on InuYasha." Kagome nodded at the monk and climbed on his back. He looked at Sango, noticing Kirara's current state. Knowing the cat demon could not carry anyone, he spoke gently to Sango.
"Do you think you can walk?"
"Yes," she nodded, keeping Kirara close.
Miroku glanced at his friends. Assuring himself of everyone set, he lead the group down the mountain, down to safety.