Here I am again like, 60,000 months later. - haha. Wow, I can't even begin to say how sorry I am for taking this long but I just haven't been able to get to the computer lately. Anyway, I think this chapter is where the story is going to start getting interesting again. hahaha.
Disclaimer: Hmmmm…let me think. Are they mine? Psssh, in my dreams! Inuyasha and co. belong to Rumiko Takahashi, not me. sniffles don't make me cry!
"You have been training with me for many moons now and yet you still insist on aggravating me. If you are to get anywhere in this training you must be willing to learn, do you understand?" His voice was as cold as ice and his words were just as shocking.
Did he think she wasn't trying?! She was doing everything she could and it still wasn't enough!
"Do you think I do this on purpose? Do you think I try not to learn what you're teaching me?! I'm doing everything I possibly can and you still don't think it's enough!" Kagome seethed, emerald flames flickering in her heated eyes.
She watched his face closely but she got no reaction, his stoic façade was locked tightly in place and that just pissed her off more. Wispy green tendrils of fire danced from her fingertips and crackled through her hair.
"Let me remind you that I am a human, I don't have youkai speed or strength, I do what I can with what I am given! You can either accept that or just not teach me!" She spit, each one of her words holding the same heat as her eyes and burning as hot as her miko powers.
She watched in shock as his mouth curved into a small half smile and he said coolly
"Come now, attack me with that fire. Prove to me you're worthy of my time before I decide to accept your invitation and refuse to continue teaching you."
Kagome clenched her jaw in anger and irritation but got into her stance. She watched as he languidly rolled into his own fighting stance, his icy eyes intense and his onyx hair fluttering softly in the small breeze dancing through the field. Kagome slid her eyes closed and took a deep breath in through her nose, preparing.
The breeze stopped.
The world held its breath.
Ocean eyes flashed open as green daggers of flaming miko power appeared in each of her hands. She pushed off of the grass at her feet, sending some flying into the air as she began her attack. The breeze returned, fierce and angry, ripping at her thick mane of charcoal hair. Adrenaline pumped through her veins as she sped closer and closer to Lord Yukio, to her target. She saw him tense, saw his muscles bunch and his cocky smirk disappear as he drew his sword.
Sparks of silver and green flew as holy energy clashed with youki. Twisting to the left Kagome brought one of her two emerald daggers into the air and watched, as if everything was in slow motion, as blazing fire met the milky skin of Yukio's cheek. She saw his cold cobalt eyes widen marginally as the sting of her attack trickled through him. But, within seconds Kagome felt the cruel earth meet her back and felt the warm steel of him on her waist and chest.
Yukio sat atop Kagome, his blade winking in the sunlight as it rested gently on her throat; the rest of his body was almost flush against hers. His breath was hot on her ear and his ebony hair tickled her cheek but she couldn't move…his sword was just too comfortable on her neck. He opened his mouth and whispered one word in her ear, his velvet lips brushing against the sensitive skin of her earlobe.
"Good."
Slowly, Yukio eased himself off of her body but not before their eyes met. She saw a flicker of respect and pride in his eyes before he got up and brushed himself off. As he walked to the opposite side of the field he said over his shoulder
"You have managed to wound me, no matter how small; I will continue to train you. For now our lesson is over."
With that he turned on his heel to face her, gave a small bow of respect to his opponent and then left. Sighing Kagome dragged herself off of the hard earth. Brushing herself off Kagome grinned in satisfaction, she'd actually cut him! She'd cut the invincible Yukio! She laughed in pure joy before the aches and pains of the lesson set in. Groaning Kagome set out for the bathhouse.
Tendrils of ghostly steam swayed and danced as they began to rise and escape the hot bath water. Nostrils flared and breathed in the thick, white gas. The room was dark and only lit by the few daring fingers of fading sunlight that happened to slink into the silent room. The hot, bubbling water licked Kagome's smooth, milky skin and a boisterous sigh flew from her lips.
"Ahhh, much better."
Her liquid gray eyes fluttered and slowly opened, a small shadow lit their depths. Her dream of Inuyasha haunted her like the monster from a child's nightmare, every thought, every action she did was darkened by the guilt the dream had reawakened in her. He was right.
If she really did love Inuyasha she would have done more to get back to him or at least kept looking for answers at the village. She should have gone back to the well and tried to make it work. She shouldn't have accepted Sugimi-sama's invitation to come back to his home and should have tried to return to Inuyasha. But, most of all she should not be falling for another man!
Kagome clenched her small fists in anger and guilt; she should have done so many other things! Tears leaked from her eyes and slid into the water merging silver tears with bubbling liquid. She felt the slow moving fury seep through her blood like burning lava, felt it bubbling and roiling within her veins until she could take it no longer.
She raised her fisted hand from the hot water, looked at the warm, rosy skin of her arm and with all her might she slapped it back down into the depths of the hot spring. A sob wrenched free from her throat but she knew what she had to do.
She had to go back to the well.
Glowing green eyes watched her anger and guilt with deep interest, the dark cloud of a plan forming in the pools of his eyes. A small smile upturned his tempting lips as he languidly arose from his sitting position in front of his all seeing obsidian pool. His dark eyes slid over to the sliding shoji door and one name escaped from his full lips.
"Amaya."
Within seconds a beautiful woman appeared. She had long, shining, silver hair and sparkling ruby gems for eyes. Large, folded golden wings flowed from her dainty shoulder blades and her hourglass figure was sheathed in a midnight black kimono. She bowed in total respect in front of her master and the soft whisper of her voice echoed through the room.
"How may I be of service my lord?"
His emerald eyes sparkled with mischief and malice as he spoke.
"I have many things I need done, many people I need contacted in a very short amount of time. Come closer; let me tell you what needs to be done."
The soft hiss of her silk kimono slithered through the room as her hips swayed and her legs rose and fell. She stopped next to the intimidating figure of the man who was her master and her blood red eyes met with his shining green depths.
"Whatever you need done, no matter the time limit, shall be done."
He chuckled, the sound was rich and haunting and as smooth as dark chocolate. With the rumble of his laugh came one word.
"Good."
Her golden wings reflected the mercury moonlight in haunting shades, her platinum hair dancing behind her like the running water of a flowing stream. The night enveloped her like the arms of a possessive lover, the wind whispered in her ears like the sweet temptation of another man. Stars shone brightly above her, lighting her way. She had much to do tonight. Her ruby eyes shone black in the moonlight as they landed on her first destination; a small hut big enough to fit only two or three people but that was all they needed.
Her boot clad feet landed on the hard dirt in front of the hut without a sound and she pushed aside the straw door to greet the three males inside. She felt the heat of the fire inside the hut as well as the burning heat of their gazes as soon as the door flapped closed behind her. An ugly youkai with slimy green skin and dull purple eyes was the first to say anything.
"Hey babe, what brings you here? You finally ready to fuck me or what?"
His words were slurred with the "hiss" of a snake and his fork tongue snuck out to lick his scaly lips hungrily. She narrowed her fiery eyes in disdain and disgust.
"If you value that nasty tongue of yours I would not say another word." She said with a small snort of disgust. "The master needs you three."
The other two youkai arose without a word, one was muddy brown in color and obviously a boar demon and the other a slightly more handsome version of the vile snake demon who could not hold his tongue, though his scales were smooth and creamy white. His fierce copper eyes shot over to his younger brother when he once again began to speak.
"Awww, come on baby, you know you want me. We can make it fast and the master won't have to know a thing."
Once again she narrowed her eyes and parted her lips to speak but was interrupted by the other snake demon.
"Shut your mouth Yuka and let her speak before I am forced to shut you up myself."
Yuka rolled his eyes but did not say another word. Amaya gave the other snake youkai, Aki, a small nod of appreciation before she began to speak.
"The master needs you to do something tonight, the task is not large but it plays a very important role in what needs to be done and will pay well."
Three sets of eyes were resting intently on her and she, as well as the others, sat down so they could be told what needed to be done. When she was finished the three youkai were sliding on their swords and putting out the fire, she did not stay to say goodbye.
Once again she landed in front of a small hut, though this one held only one being. Sliding through the straw mat of the front door she was met with only darkness and a pair of violet eyes. Amaya gave a small bow of respect to the dark priestess inside and spoke softly.
"My master requires your services, miko-sama."
A sultry chuckle filled the room and a voice, low and sweetly tantalizing, spoke.
"And what makes your master think I am interested in helping him?"
Amaya's ruby eyes met with the dark priestess's nearly black orbs and she said softly
" My master has sent me with a generous payment for you should you chose to accept the invitation to help him."
The priestess's eyes narrowed in thought; as much as she disliked this youkai's master she did in fact need money. Caressing the ivory skin of her cheek she weighed the pros and cons of accepting such an invitation. Did she want this vile youkai to think he could use her whenever the need arose? Certainly not! But, then again she did need the payment. What was the worst thing he could ask of her?
"I will accept his payment and I will accept his invitation. Now come, tell me what your master wants of me."
Amaya gave a small smile of satisfaction and walked farther into the hut. Sitting down she began to tell the priestess what needed to be done.
"My master has the need for a certain potion you make; I do so hope you have it with you."
The miko's wary maroon eyes stayed cautiously on the beautiful demon in front of her as her satin lips parted in a question.
"And which potion does he need exactly?"
Amaya smiled kindly hoping to disarm the priestess just a bit more, she did not need her to be wary of her or her lord. Speaking in a voice laced in warm honey Amaya began.
"Well, my master has his eyes set quite firmly on a young miko and he believes that she would be much more of an asset to him were she not human. He does in fact want her to be happy with what she turns into so this potion must give her the option of turning into whatever she so desires. It must not harm her in any way. Is that understood Saiya-sama?"
Saiya took a deep breath through her nose as her mind began to sort out her many options.
"Does the priestess want this change?"
Amaya looked up quickly and spoke through a small, coy smile.
"I am afraid she does not know Saiya-sama."
The priestess's violet eyes narrowed in distaste as she mumbled a small "I see" and unfurled from her sitting position to look through her many shelves of potent potions. With a small grunt of satisfaction Saiya pulled out a glowing cobalt vial. Holding out her slender hand to Amaya, Saiya said
"This will do what needs to be done. Because she is not aware of the fact that she will be turned into a youkai the choice will rely on her subconscience. She will turn into the demon form of whatever creature she admires most."
Bowing low Amaya took the small vial.
"My lord will give you your payment once she has taken the potion; there is no need to pay you should it not work."
Saiya bristled at her even implying that her potion would not work but only bit out a small "Very well."
"Good, ariagato Saiya-sama."
After telling the priestess where to be Amaya turned on her heel and without glancing back, took flight.
"My lord?"
His dark green eyes slid slowly open and took in the vision that was Amaya.
"Hai?"
He watched as she bowed low to him and wished she would get to the important information just a bit quicker.
"Come now Amaya, tell me what they have said."
Nodding quickly Amaya chirped
"They have all agreed my lord, they will be where you need them to be tonight." Nothing made her happier than fulfilling her lord's wishes.
A smile bloomed on his face and he spoke with satisfaction in his voice
"Very well done Amaya, I am very pleased."
She gave him a smile and then bowed, leaving the room. He watched her go and then turned his eyes to the darkness of his pool. Waving a clawed hand over the obsidian water he spoke softly
"Show me Kagome."
The sun had already set and the world outside her bedroom window was pitch black, the songs of crickets and night creatures crept into the room and soothed her frazzled nerves. For some reason she had a feeling that Sugimi-sama would not approve if her doing this, not that he would find out. She'd be long gone before morning. Looking around her beautiful room one last time she stuffed the last of her things into her worn backpack and clipped it shut. Sighing she placed the small note she had written on her pillow and shrugged on her heavy pack. As strange as it seemed the weigh felt good on her shoulders again. Sliding her bow and quiver onto her other shoulder and slipping a small sword onto her waist she eased her way onto the balcony outside her window. The brisk night air bit gently at her face and skin and she took a deep breath in. Looking up at the diamond studded sky Kagome set her shoulders straight and raised her chin, she was ready to go.
Throwing her leg over the side of the rail she began her climb down the wall to the hard earth below. Small grunts flew from her mouth as she eased her way down the vines on the wall and the fleeting feeling of regret flittered through her mind. Shaking her head vigorously she shouted mentally
'Don't start doubting yourself now, Kagome, you're doing the right thing!'
With her jaw clenched tight she continued her descent into the ocean of darkness below. Her aquarium eyes took in the small ants and bugs climbing along the wall and she felt a small click of understanding with them, however silly. I mean, hey! This wasn't easy!
With one final grunt her feet touched harshly down on the grass and earth below. Wiping the sweat from her brow Kagome readjusted her pack and then began her walk into the trees in the direction of Inuyasha's forest. At first she'd worried about how she would know which direction was right but she'd become fairly good at telling west from east from north and so on considering she didn't ever remember to bring her compass with her to the feudal era. A small smile lit her face as she recalled all the arguments she'd had with Inuyasha about that. He'd thought she was a complete idiot for needing a compass, she could even remember his exact words and how he'd looked down his nose at her as he spoke cockily.
'Come on Kagome, even I know where East and West are! Maybe I'm not the stupid one here after all.'
Shaking her head to clear her thoughts Kagome focused on trying not to trip over the roots and stumps littered across the forest floor. The trees were tall and dark, the long finger-like branches reaching out to her in a deadly invitation. The forest was dripping in the dark shades of night and her fist tightened on her bow. As she continued to walk the trees became so thick they blotted out the stars and only small slivers of moonlight were able to slink into the forest. She was thankful for every last one. Soon five minutes turned into ten and ten into twenty and when she glanced down at her watch again she was shocked to see that she'd been walking for nearly an hour. By now the groans and snaps of the forest had become less frightening, the shadows less ominous and her pace began to quicken and her steps began to lighten.
Just when she was getting comfortable walking through the dense forest a sound met her ears that wasn't like the others, it was heavier and crunched on the ground like only one thing could.
A footstep.
And then another and another. They were slow and deliberate and heading straight for her. Fear, thick and palpable was sour on her tongue and raced through her veins like tar. It clogged all of her thoughts and all of her actions as her wide eyes danced and skirted over every tree and bush they could find. When she saw no one her instincts took over and her hands filled with her bow and an arrow that glowed a luminous, deadly green. The trees reflected the unnatural light menacingly as the footsteps continued forward almost mockingly.
"Show yourself coward!"
Kagome shouted and she was pleasantly surprised by the strength in her voice, she certainly didn't feel it.
The footsteps continued on in the same slow, deliberate pace. Kagome's fear was squirming through her like a bug but some of it was slowly being replaced with anger and determination. If she had any chance against this thing she had to trust herself, not be scared. Yukio had taught her better, if only for a month or two. Squaring her shoulders she spoke again, even more firmly this time
"I said show yourself coward! I don't want to hurt you but I will if you make me. Show yourself!"
She watched as the outline of the creature appeared. It was tall and walked with ease and grace and the outline was distinctly masculine. Her eyes narrowed, what was that thing swaying near its feet? Hair maybe or perhaps he had a tail like Sugimi-sama. Kagome rolled her eyes, like it mattered if the guy had a tail or not, what mattered was if he was strong and if he wanted a fight. As his face was enveloped in the glow of her arrow recognition lit her eyes. It was that man from before! She watched with a wave of relief as a smile bloomed on the youkai's handsome face and his soft yet deep voice filled the forest.
"I must say Kagome; you are indeed a frightening woman when you need to be."
His laughter bounced of the trees and all of a sudden the forest was welcoming again. Letting out a sigh of relief Kagome lowered her bow and gave a laugh of her own.
"Geeze, why didn't you say something? I could've shot you and I would've felt terrible!"
She watched his eyes warm into pools of soothing green tea and he spoke in a voice so rich and soft and so full of regret that she didn't even need to hear the words to accept his apology.
"Please forgive me Kagome; I am afraid I was too struck by the sight of you to even begin to register anything to say."
A bright, rosy blush seeped across Kagome's cheeks and her tongue refused to form words. What did you say to something like that? The only thing her body would do was nervously wring her hands together as she glanced shyly up through her long lashes. Another smooth chuckle filled the woods as he took in her reaction, her innocence was quite endearing.
"May I ask why you are once again alone in the forest, though now I have no doubt that you can indeed protect yourself."
Kagome looked at her twisting hands and spoke softly
"Look, it's a long story and I just can't bring myself to talk about everything tonight. Can I just sum everything up; I don't want to go into detail."
He gave a curt nod, his thick braid of charcoal hair dancing with the movement, as he said
"Of course you may, it is your choice to tell me your story. You do not have to tell me anything if that would make you more comfortable."
Kagome worried her bottom lip with her pearly teeth before she came to a decision.
"No, it's fine. I'll tell you. But, can we keep walking while we talk; I'm really trying to get as far away from the Inu-no-Taisho's home as I possibly can tonight."
"Of course, I see nothing wrong with that." Kagome didn't catch the dark satisfaction in his voice.
Kagome looked up at him as he began to walk next to her and she had to ask him one thing before she began her story.
"I'm sorry but what is your name? You've never mentioned it before and it'd make me feel a lot better if I knew it."
He looked down at her smiling face and, without missing a beat, said
"You may call me Akio."
"That's a nice name, I like it!" Kagome chirped with a bright smile.
Akio chuckled mentally and thought 'Yes, I thought you would. No need to tell you the truth just yet.' "Thank you Kagome, I am glad my name is pleasing to you." He said with a chuckle.
Kagome giggled again and began her story.
"Well, to make a really, really long story short…I'm trying to get back to the man that I love. His name is Inuyasha and we were separated a few months ago. Lord Sugimi-sama would've only tried to stop me from leaving so I decided I would leave tonight and so, here I am."
Akio's eyes darkened with jealousy and anger. 'The man she loves? Well, he'll be taken care of.' The thought brought the smile back to his face and he lowered his eyes to take her in once again. When he spoke again his voice was nothing but soft and kind.
"I see, I can not say I am not jealous of this man who means so much to you but I applaud you for doing what you feel is right and having the courage to do what your heart feels so strongly of."
Kagome's face softened at his sweet answer and she spoke, her voice laced with appreciation and warmth
"Thank you Akio, that means more to mean than you could ever know."
He only gave a small nod and a smile as they continued on in a comfortable silence. Minutes ticked by and soon Akio began to glance at the tops of trees, he was growing impatient.
'They should have been here by now, those incompetent fools.'
Kagome's soft voice broke through his thoughts.
"Is something the matter Akio-kun?"
"Hmmm, oh, no everything is fine Kagome."
Giving him a worried glance she said "ok" and continued on. There was something different about him but Kagome couldn't place her finger on it. His mood had shifted and he seemed more intense and a bit more intimidating…like he was preparing for something. Kagome scrunched her nose and brushed the feeling aside, if something was wrong he would tell her, she was sure of it.
Akio's eyes continued to scan the trees and with each empty branch his anger and impatience grew. Where we those fools? The fist facing away from Kagome was balled in anger and his jaw was clenched tightly in frustration.
'They had better get here soon.'
As if on cue he saw one figure leap from a branch above them and two more followed behind him. He rolled his eyes in agitation and thought
'Finally, now it is time for the show to begin.' A slow, languid smile spread across his face like butter before he straightened his back and wiped it away with a frown of false worry.
"Kagome, be on guard, I feel the auras of three demons very close to where we are."
He watched her stiffen and ready her bow, she was magnificent! Only seconds later two snake demons and an ugly boar demon dropped from the trees directly in front of them. The boar huffed and snorted through its long, muddy snout and thick, gleaming saliva dripped from his tusks as he wheezed
"Well Yuka, look what we have here. Wouldn't she be a nice little morsel?"
Yuka grinned and looked her over slowly, his gaze leaving a burning trail wherever it landed. He chuckled huskily and said
"Well, there's a lot of things I'd like to do to her but eatin' her aint on the top of the list. Well, at least not for dinner." As he spoke the last few words his hungry gaze landed on the area between her legs and his mouth became slick with lust and saliva.
Kagome's eyes narrowed and she poured her miko energy into her first arrow as she spit
"If you like your pathetic little life I'd take that back if I were you!"
"Oh, she's got a temper too, I love a fiery girl! I wonder if you taste as good as you look?"
As Kagome drew back her arrow the sound of steal being drawn from a sheath echoed throughout the clearing and her vision was blocked by the black back of Akio. Looking over his shoulder he said
"Let me deal with these vile lowlives, it would bring me great pleasure, I can not stand here and let them insult you."
"But-"
he did not let her finish her sentence. Gathering her in her arms her jumped high into the air and landed a safe distance away from the bloodthirsty youkai. Setting her on her feet he said
"Please let me do this for you. It would make me feel a bit more intimidating considering you have frightened everyone here including myself and I have yet to be noticed."
His statement brought a small smile to her face but the worry etched shadows in the depths of her eyes.
"Okay, but please, please be careful."
He smiled reassuringly and said
"But of course Kagome." And with that he was in the air again flying back to the waiting demons.
She was too far away to hear what was being said but she watched with fear and anticipation as Akio ran toward the hideous green snake demon. Sparks flew as their swords clashed and Kagome chewed nervously on her lower lip. Kami, she hoped he would be okay!
Sugimi sighed as he looked out at the moon. His tawny eyes took in the glittering stars and the navy sky as he smiled in contentment. The day had been a good one. He'd gotten the chance to comfort Kagome in the morning but he hadn't seen her for the rest of the day. Yukio told him of her progress and he couldn't help but feel proud and oddly pleased. He had started off to speak with her but was informed by a servant that she was in the bathhouse and would be served dinner at a later time, she needed time to relax. He had accepted the fact that he would not speak with her this night but as he looked at the position of the moon in the sky he realized this was about the time he checked on her most nights anyway.
Shrugging his shoulders he turned on his heel, his ponytail of silver hair catching the moonlight and glittering like a stream of diamonds, and headed towards her quarters. It had become a habit of his to check on her once her dreams had turned nasty and he didn't want that conniving fox to try anything either. He had been sitting with her for weeks now, most days she was blissfully unaware considering he left before she awoke. No need to frighten the poor girl.
His feet made no sound as he approached her beautiful shoji door and he couldn't help himself. Taking a deep breath into his lungs he let her scent wash over him and soothe his nerves. She had an affect on him no other female did but he refused to explore that just yet. Slipping open the shoji doors his glittering eyes widened and an emotion he had never felt before struck his heart. Running into the empty room he scanned every inch for any sign of her but she was gone. The only thing that caught his eye was a small piece of stark white paper folded neatly on top of her pillow. He was reading it within seconds.
With each line he read the unknown emotion grew stronger and more wild within him. How could she have left without telling him? Not that he would have let her leave but she didn't even think to consult him? Finishing the few lines of characters on the page he threw down the paper in anger and turned to the softly fluttering curtains dancing from the breeze coming from the open balcony doors.
He breathed her scent deep into his lungs and raced out the doors. The last few lines of her note were forgotten as he raced into the looming darkness of the forest.
'I'm sorry Sugimi-kun, but I have to do this for me. I just wont be able to be happy if I don't at least try and go back to him. Please forgive me. You have been wonderful and I thank you for everything you've done for me. Please do me one last favor…don't come after me.'
-Kagome-
'She had better be okay. Kami, let her be okay!' were his last thoughts as he disappeared into the black of the trees.
'I have been fighting this fool for far long enough, I have to make this seem more dangerous. She has to run for the clearing.'
Akio's emerald eyes connected with Yuka's dull orbs and understanding flittered across his purple depths. Flipping around in the air he landed a few feet away from Akio and closed his eyes. Within seconds Yuka made ten or more fake youkai crawl from the bushes and trees. Their bodies of smoke wavered only slightly and from Kagome's distance they looked all too real.
"What are you going to do now oh mighty protector?" his words were said mockingly and were just loud enough for Kagome to hear.
"If this is your worst I am afraid I am not impressed." Was Akio's staged yet extremely believable reply.
Yuka snarled in anger and thrust his arms forward sending all of his youkai charging at Akio.
"Attack him you fools. Kill him!!" he snarled.
Kagome's eyes widened in fear and she raced towards Akio with her bow loaded shouting desperately
"Watch out Akio! They're everywhere!!"
Akio grunted as he fought the smoke youkai and looked over his shoulder at Kagome. Blocking a sword aimed for his neck Akio shouted
"Kagome you must leave. There is a clearing not far from here, I will meet you there once I have killed these pathetic youkai."
"But Akio-"
"Leave!"
Kagome stumbled and stopped in place. His voice was so forceful and cruel that it shocked her to the core. Her eyes glittered in confusion as she watched Akio fight. Taking a small step back their eyes connected and the one whispered word finalized her decision.
"Please."
Spinning on her heel Kagome took off for the clearing leaving Akio behind.
Once she was gone Akio sheathed his sword and the youkai blew away in the chilly night air. Reaching into his haori Akio pulled out three heavy, jingling bags. Tossing one at each of the three demons he said
"Go."
Opening their bags quickly they all grinned in satisfaction at the golden coins that met their eyes. Without another word they were gone. Now all that was left was Amaya's part, Akio had faith that she would get it done quickly.
Tree branches whipped angrily at her vulnerable face and the night air snapped at her hair and clothes. Kagome pushed through the thick layer of branches and bushes that stopped her from getting to the clearing. Grunting and groaning she shoved her body through the last few vines and branches. Almost falling into the open clearing Kagome heaved and puffed for air. She'd run as fast and as hard as she could to get to this clearing and the moonlight finally hitting her face was the best feeling she could possibly ask for. Taking a few steps into the clearing Kagome took a deep breath in and looked around. Before she could breathe out one strong arm wrapped around her waist and the other covered her mouth.
Kagome kicked and screamed in terror and the need to be free but whoever was holding her was just too strong. The hand covering her mouth recoiled quickly and Kagome's screams for help filled the empty clearing and bounced off of the trees.
No one was there to help her.
Just as quickly as it left it was back and the hand was holding her mouth open. A cold, bitter liquid filled her mouth and before she could spit it out the hand was roughly shoving her jaw closed. Her teeth crashed into each other with enough force to make her wince and her brow furrowed in pain.
The hand that was around her waist began to massage her throat, trying to persuade her to swallow the thick, bitter liquid. Every fiber of her being fought against the urge to swallow but as much as her mind screamed and pleaded with her throat instinct took over and a single tear leaked from her eye as she felt the cold liquid slide down her throat. Instantly her body began to fill with hot, fiery pain and as the person released her she fell to the ground and curled into a small ball of agony.
Each beat of her heart filled her with red hot agony, the pain rushed through her veins like fire through a building. Every part of her small body was crippled, her mind was unable to function and for a single moment in time Kagome swore she was dieing. But, then her body began to fill with a blessed numbness. Wave after wave of cool relief washed through her body as stars burst behind her eyelids. The sweet envelope of numbness encompassed all of her and soon she fell into nothingness. The darkness was welcome and warm, comforting like her mother's embrace and yet strong like the protection of her own miko powers. She was safe in this sweet darkness.
Her mind went blank.
Horrified screams met his ears and the voice was unmistakable. It was Kagome. Sugimi's sun kissed gaze widened in fear and worry. As his body was enveloped in a ball of glowing white light he said
"I'm coming Kagome. Please hold on!"
OKAY!!! Im done. Night night! lol
-sesshysgirl08-