Title: Leaving You Behind
Author: inuyashagirl5
Rating: M (Not suitable for persons under the age of 17)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Romance, Angst
Pairing: Kagome/Kurama (eventually), possible Kouga/Botan
Warnings: Violence, and some bad language
Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha or Yu Yu Hakusho. InuYasha is owned by Rumiko Takahasi and Yu Yu Hakusho is owned by Yoshihiro Togashi. I only use their characters for my own amusement and for the amusement of my readers.
A/N: Every thought I originally had for the ending to this thing has been thrown out the window. Quite frankly, I hate this fic, but it's probably because it's old and needs a ton of fixing up. As you can see though, I'm not dropping it. You can yell at me all you want about taking so long to update it too. I deserve it.
And, this chapter may bounce around a bit, but you should be able to follow along. At least, I hope...
Chapter Fifteen: Early
He stood there watching as one of his servants tended to his mate's illness. Kagome's body shivered despite the warmth of the morning and her scent indicated the very early stages of labor. There was still a chance to avoid the early delivery, if he acted fast enough. The problem was he needed someone capable of healing and calming the girl. The only one in the Makai that could do that was the blue-haired ferry girl that had been traveling with her.
It had been simple for him to take his mate from them. Getting the ferry girl would be no different. He just needed to leave his mate while she was suffering. He sneered at the girl on the bed, the girl who was more harm to him than good. He honestly didn't care if she lived or died.
Turning from her, Sesshomaru made his way towards the palace entrance. He gave out orders and commands as he passed his servants. Orders to keep any unwelcome guests out of the castle, or else he would slay them without hesitation. Failure was not an option to them and they all readily agreed to his demands, scattering to various parts of his domain to keep watch.
He raised his nose to the air, trying to pick up on their location and learning that they were not too far away now. They'd be within distance of his palace in no less than an hour. He'd stall them, trick them if need be. He barked out a few more orders, ones for his soldiers to take to the woods and fight off the intruders, save for one blue-haired ferry girl. She was to be unharmed, for now. Below his feet a dusky cloud formed and lifted his regal form off the ground. He would go direct to the source and take what was needed.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
They had been making good time that morning. Everyone moved as a unit. Their thoughts all focused on rescuing Kagome from Sesshomaru. It was Kouga who stopped first, holding his hand up and motioning for them all to stop. He sniffed the air and growled. There was no denying they were within Sesshomaru's domain, the placed reeked of the demon lord.
His ears picked up the sounds of crunching leaves and twigs, Hiei and Youko heard it too and alerted the others that they were not alone. The boys made a circle around Botan, Genkai and Kirara, shielding them. Genkai and Kirara were still injured from Sesshomaru's previous attack on them and Botan was not a fighter.
There was at least twenty of them that approached, all looked like soldiers and they were certain Sesshomaru had sent them to dispose of them. They knew this was the start of it all. After this, would likely be the battle with Sesshomaru, the battle that could end their lives. But none of them were going to turn back, not when innocent people needed them. Not when Kagome needed them.
So as they lower level demons around them launched their attacks, they fought with everything they had, the injured included, because there was no way any of them would leave Kagome behind.
As they defeated the first group, the second group arrived. This time Sesshomaru was with them and the soldiers were much tougher and skilled than the last were, proving that this fight was indeed going to be difficult.
By the time Sesshomaru had reached their location, his less skilled soldiers were already fighting the trespassers and being slaughtered one after another. He'd give Koenma's men some credit, they were strong.
He stepped into the the clearing with little confrontation. Only the old cat demon tried to cut him off, but he easily knocked her out and threw her off to the side. The ferry girl had barely any time to notice him before he was upon her. On instinct, the girl swung her oar at her captor's head, but he caught it and snapped it in half as if it were nothing but a twig.
"Do what I ask of you and I will let you live. Deceive me, and I'll make certain Koenma has one less reaper." He growled against her ear, making her cease her struggles.
Botan managed a short nod as Sesshomaru threaded his claws into her ponytail. He yanked her head back, jolting her neck and forcing her to cry out in pain. The sound met the ears of her friends, who had just finished killing off the last of his soldiers.
"Release her, coward!" Kouga snarled at him.
"This Sesshomaru is not a coward, mongrel. But, if you insist that I release her, I will. The priestess will die though."
Botan gasped at his remarks and Sesshomaru pulled her back another step. She knew he wasn't lying. Sesshomaru was not one to stoop so low as to lie just to get his way. He really need her. Kagome really was in trouble.
"I'll go. Please, just don't kill them." Botan's eyes met with Kouga's, silently pleading for him to remain with the others.
"Their time will come soon enough." Sesshomaru's cloud formed at their feet and lifted them off the ground. "For now, my heir is the only thing that is important."
"Shit!" Yusuke cursed as Botan and Sesshomaru were gone from their sights, "Something must be wrong with Kagome."
"If he was that desperate to retrieve Botan, then I fear Kagome may have gone into labor early. However, chances are a hanyou pup could survive..Kagome might be another story." Genkai stated as she checked over the now conscious Kirara, "It's best we don't dawdle here and get moving."
"I won't let him get away with this!" Kouga snarled, his blue eyes beginning to shift to a deep crimson. Youko placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Relax. Save that anger for when we get to him. We know she is safe for now. Let us not delay any longer." Youko was pleased that his words had calmed the wolf. Kouga gave a short nod, and once again the group was off, following the same direction Sesshomaru had departed in, this time with more concerns than before.
Youko frowned deeply. Kagome was not ready to deliver the pup. It was too soon. If Botan couldn't help them, then there was a chance that the pup could still die. Something like that could potentially destroy Kagome emotionally, should she even survive the labor.
The palace of the Makai Lord came into view as they broke through the trees and into the valley. There before them lie more soldiers, waiting and protecting the entrance to the palace gates.
"Let's not waste time." Yusuke stated, and the group moved in to attack.
Sesshomaru released his hold on the ferry girl once they reached the floor Kagome was on. He gave Botan a shove, making her move forward. They both could hear Kagome cry out in obvious pain, then soft, soothing words from the fox tending to her.
"Please, relax. Don't push." The female held a damp cloth to Kagome's forehead. Her ears twitched slightly and she turned to see Sesshomaru and a blue haired girl standing in the doorway. "Oh! Lord Sesshomaru!"
Kagome whimpered at the mention of his name, her body taking on a soft pink glow. Botan hurried forward and placed her hand on Kagome's cheek. This was no good, her power was only growing stronger. Any second now and it would erupt. Botan glanced towards the doorway as Sesshomaru departed, leaving her behind to take care of Kagome. She was sure he felt what was happening and felt it wouldn't be wise to stand in the way of what was to come. It was probably best to warn the uninformed fox.
"You should leave now. You won't live..." Botan flinched as Kagome's pure power was unleashed in one bright, intense wave. The female fox had no chance to avoid it. Botan shrugged. "Oh well. It's just us now, Kagome. I need you to relax."
"Too late...water broke ten minutes or so ago." She turned pained eyes at Botan, But, you're here so that means the others..."
"Are on their way."
"He didn't hurt you, did he?"
"No, not really." Botan replied and moved into position down on the bed to check the baby's progress. "Oh my, the head is already showing! This one wants out now."
"My energy is unstable, and this," she held up her right arm, the silver bracelet sparkled on her wrist, "It just re-appeared on my wrist after my water broke. But, if I can't control it, I might hurt my child."
"It's going to take a lot of concentration on both our parts, Kagome, but we'll do everything we can. You need to focus all your energy into that bracelet and push when I instruct you to. I'll also try to keep a barrier up around the baby as its coming out."
"A-alright." Kagome gasped as another wave of pain coursed through her. Botan frowned, but concentrated on forming the barrier. As soon as this was done, she could get them out of there and safely back into the Reikai.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
"Did you see that?" Yusuke's eyes were fixed on the window the burst of pink, pure energy had come from. "She's up there. That has to be where he's keeping her."
There was a soft snarl from Kouga that drew Yusuke's attention to where the wolf was staring. All of the soldiers were dead and the only one standing before them was Sesshomaru.
"Kuwabara, you go with Genkai and Kirara to rescue Kagome's friends. Keep them safe and contact Koenma the second your task is completed. Go directly to the Reikai and stay there." Youko commanded and Kuwabara nodded in understanding, "The rest of us will confront Sesshomaru and find a way to get to Kagome and Botan."
"Be careful, guys." Kuwabara replied as he climbed onto Kirara's back with Genkai, "Kagome would never forgive herself if one of you died."
"That goes for you three as well. Keep your eyes open for anything." Yusuke answered and watched as Kirara took flight. "Let's give them the distraction they need to get inside."
"Stay alert for any attacks from Tessaiga. It can kill all of us at once if we're not careful. Tokijin is also deadly. The third sword, Tensaiga, he won't attack with it...but it may protect him. If we could get it away from him, it would up our chances of a fatal blow." Kouga, warned, and started forward towards the Makai Lord. The others fell into stride with him.
"Yusuke, how about a shotgun to start things off?" Youko glanced to his left where Yusuke was walking, the teen smirked and raised his arm and made a fist, a bluish-white glow surrounding it.
"Yeah, no problem."
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
"He's...he's a full demon. How is this possible?" Botan held up the tiny boy. Kagome gasped softly at the site of him. His face instantly reminded her of InuYasha. His hair was a dark black like her own and after a few quiet seconds his eyes opened to reveal a set of bright, sparkling blue orbs. He was beautiful and she needed to make sure he made it some place safe.
"Botan, listen to me. You need to get him out of here. Can you open a portal from here?"
"Yes, I should be able to. Are you alright to stand?" She went to assist Kagome in getting to her feet, but the priestess moved slowly to her feet.
"Mm...but, I can't leave. You have to go without me." Kagome held up her right wrist, the silver bracelet sparkled still with her unused, pure energy. "I have to save my friends and put a stop to Sesshomaru."
"But, Kagome..."
"Please, Botan. Only you can save my son right now."
"Alright, Kagome." Botan frowned, bringing the little pup in close to her chest and wrapping him within a small soft blanket left behind from the fox.
"If I do not return, his name is Haru. I wish for him to live with my mother, but if that is not possible, please see to it that my family can still see him." She ran a finger gently over the crescent moon on her son's forehead and smiled. She could hear the clash of metal outside and moved to the window to look out.
"Kagome..."
"Go, Botan. The boys are keeping Sesshomaru occupied. That gives us both time to do what we must." She watched a few moments as the boys managed to push Sesshomaru back behind the palace gates. "They'll be inside soon. Go."
"Be safe." Botan frowned again at Kagome one last time before she opened a portal and stepped through, leaving Kagome alone in the room.
Kagome took a deep breath and released it slowly. She was still in a lot of pain, but there was too much that she needed to do. She looked out of the window one last time and silently prayed for her friend's safety. She flung open the doors to the wardrobe and reached for the first suitable thing to wear, he hand coming into contact with a red kimono decorated with silver leaves and vines.
It was time for her to get her revenge. She would be the one to avenge the death of InuYasha, even if it cost her her own life in the process. Sesshomaru needed to be stopped before he harmed others, before he could harm her or her son.
Slipping into the kimono, she tied it shut tightly and headed out of the room. She had only one destination in mind at the moment and she needed to get there before the fight was brought inside. But, as she passed by Sesshomaru's own room, she felt it. That unmistakable pull she had felt so many times while traveling all over Feudal Japan, was located somewhere within Sesshomaru's personal chamber and judging the strength of the pull, it was clear he had a fairly large portion of the Shikon no Tama.
It wasn't difficult to locate, nor was it difficult to dispel the barrier surrounding the object. The barrier was the same as the one surrounding Sango and Miroku out in the garden. She clutched the half of the jewel in her hand tightly, its color lightening on contact. This was another thing she needed to get to the Reikai before someone could use it the wrong way. She place the chain around her neck and tucked the jewel inside her clothing. She then set off once again to save Sango and Miroku.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
"Botan, what is the meaning of this?" Koenma jumped from his seat after the reaper surprised him by stepping out of a portal within his own office. Her arms were holding a cloth covered bundle against her chest.
"I'm sorry, sir. I need you to be in your other form and quick." Botan rushed. Koenma raised an eyebrow at her order, but complied. A few seconds after taking on his teenage form, Botan pressed the bundle against his chest, and he was quick to hold onto it. "I need you to watch him for now. I have to get back to help Genkai."
"Is this..." He peered down at the tiny demon sleeping against his chest, "Is this Lady Kagome's son?"
"Haru, and yes, he is."
"Where is Lady Kagome? Why did you not bring her here as well?" Koenma questioned with concern.
"She wouldn't come. She said she needed to help her friends and stop Sesshomaru." Botan shook her head back and forth. Really, she needed to get out of there now.
"That's absurd! Where are the others?"
"Fighting Sesshomaru as we speak, sir. Please, I need to get back. I have to help out too. I can't let her do it alone."
"Alright, Botan. I'll contact Kagome's mother, you be careful."
"I will!" Botan said quickly before departing from his office and back into the Makai.
"This situation is only getting worse." Koenma muttered softly, then sighed, "But, at least you are safe, Haru."
Botan was pleased that the portal opened in the garden and away from the fighting she could hear inside. Genkai, Kirara and Kuwabara were already standing before the pair they had initially come to rescue.
"B-Botan!" Kuwabara stuttered as she popped out of the portal and made her way over to them. "Where did you come from? Where's Kagome?"
"I came from the Reikai and Kagome..."
"I'm here." Kagome interrupted Botan as she stepped out of the hallway leading into the garden, Yusuke was following a few feet behind her. "Where is he?"
"He's with Koenma."
Kagome nodded in acceptance of her answer and moved towards her friends. The barrier rippled as she brushed her fingers against it. With on little push of her energy, the barrier fell and her friends tumbled over into the arms of the others.
"They're still alive, but they're weak. Koenma will see to it that they're taken care of." Genkai spoke, her hand moving from Miroku's forehead to Sango's and she nodded firmly that her quick analysis was right.
"Thank you." Kagome said softly as she brushed Miroku's hair out of his face. "For everything, I mean. Please, go to the Reikai and don't come back here. It'll all be over soon."
She was gone before they could stop her, Yusuke chasing after her as she entered the hallway she had come from before. Kirara mewed at Genkai, nudging the old woman gently.
"Alright idiot. Don't dawdle. Pick up the monk. Botan, help me lift the girl onto Kirara's back."
"Right!" Kuwabara and Botan answered in unison. Genkai cast a worried glance in the direction Kagome had disappeared in and frowned deeply. Something wasn't right. She released a soft sigh as she settled Sango onto her old companion's back. Their part was done, she could only hope the rest would go smoothly as well.
"Portal, Botan. Let's not waste time."
Kagome groaned as Yusuke grasped her arm and spun her around to face him. He hugged her first for a few seconds before pushing her back, his hands clutching her shoulders.
"Where are you going?" He asked, and it was so clear just how worried he was for her, and she fought back the tears that were threatening to break through. She needed to remain strong for this. "Why didn't you go with them? You can't stay here. It's not safe."
"I know that." She broke away from his hold and turned away. She pushed him away as he tried to grab her again. "Stop it! I have something I need to do!"
"No. There is nothing else for you to do, but go somewhere safe. You can't endanger yourself, or your child."
"Haru is in the Reikai. Botan brought him there herself." She slipped past Yusuke, who was speechless for the moment, and headed up an alternate flight of stairs to the second floor, "He's not dead, so don't make that face, Yusuke."
She spun back around on the stairs, her hand coming to rest over the jewel settled under her clothing. She needed to get this thing to the Reikai as well and she mentally kicked her own ass for forgetting to hand it over to Botan.
"Let me help you then." Yusuke had ascended the stairs to join her.
"No, I need to do this alone."
"Fuck that, Kagome! Let me help you! You don't need to fight! You're too weak!"
She cupped his face in her hands and smiled at him. He was so sweet, but she couldn't let him.
"Listen to me, Yusuke. Please." She thrust the half of the Shikon no Tama into his hand. "You must bring this to Koenma. Tell him that the other half is hidden within the jewelry box on my desk. Tell him to put it somewhere safe. A place where no one can touch it."
"This isn't important!"
"Yes! It is! Please, bring it to Koenma now, and stay there. Don't come back for me." She fought back her tears again, only a few managed to slip free, "I love all of you. But, I won't let any of you die for me, or because of me. This is my fight now. It's up to me to put a stop to this."
"Kagome..."
"Please, stay with Haru. If Sesshomaru survives, he will look for him. You can't let that happen. Help protect my son, Yusuke."
"I don't like this."
"I know, but please, do this for me. I need you to protect him when I cannot." She pressed her lips gently to his cheek. "Hurry. They're still in the garden."
She pulled away and fled up the stairs. She heard Yusuke as he cursed loudly, but his aura was moving away from her, going to where she had asked him to. She breathed a small sigh of relief. At least he would be safe, now all she needed to do was get the others out of there.
But first, she needed a weapon, preferably a sturdy bow and some arrows.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Youko cursed. Loudly. They were barely landing any attacks on Sesshomaru and now Yusuke was gone. He dodged another arc of power from the sword in the Makai Lord's hand, the one Kouga referred to as Tokijin. Sesshomaru had yet to draw out the Tessaiga.
The were just inside Sesshomaru's palace now, the three of them were spread out evenly in front of the demon lord, using what ever attack they could. However, most of those attacks he dodged with minimal effort. But, there was still time and he and Hiei hadn't pulled out their best yet. All Youko could hope was that Yusuke went to find Kagome, because as long as she was safe, that was all that mattered to him at the moment.
"Give up. You stand no chance in winning." Sesshomaru replied, his tone even and strong. Youko snorted.
"You're underestimating us. That's not very wise." He answered, gaining Sesshomaru's full attention. "You'll have to resign yourself to the fact that we're not leaving without Kagome and her friends."
"You are mistaken." Sesshomaru stated as he sheathed Tokijin and withdrew Tessaiga.
"I wouldn't, if I were you." Youko's claws ran through a few strands of his hair before withdrawing a seed, more importantly, the seed that produced the Death Tree. Hiei moved to Kouga's side, preparing to warn the wolf should Youko decide to use his deadliest plant.
Sesshomaru remained still, showing no outward emotion to them and Youko knew he had to be prepared to act in an instant because the demon lord was well known not only for his strength, but his speed as well.
In a quick moment, Sesshomaru had his arm raised to strike out at them, but in the same instant, a soft whoosh sounded through the air and a streak of pink crossed their line of sight. It hit its target cleanly, severing off the arm holding Tessaiga and for a brief moment, Sesshomaru's stoic expression failed and revealed a bit of surprise. His face returned to its normal emotionless mask, and he turned his head slightly to look at the one who dared attack him.
Kagome stood alone on the balcony above the foyer they were in, another arrow already notched and prepared for release. She was paler than normal and clearly tired and weak, but her eyes were hard and determined, focused only on the demon lord.
"Stay where you are." She called out, her eyes meeting with Youko's for a second, then moving back to Sesshomaru, "I will take it from here. The three of you should leave."
"Absolutely not!" Kouga growled in defiance.
"This no longer concerns you, Kouga. The mission is over, the rest is for me to deal with." Kagome flinched and took a step back as Sesshomaru came at her, his eyes now an eerie shade of blood red. She released her arrow, but he dodged with little effort and pinned her to the wall by her throat.
"Where is he?" He snarled at her and she knew exactly which he, he was referring to.
"Safe." She answered, holding his gaze, "They're all safe."
"I will not ask you again. Where is he?"
Despite having his claws being pressed in and against her throat, Kagome laughed, lifting her hands up and grasping his arm. He snarled at her. He wouldn't tolerate her defiance for much longer, but she had time, if only a little.
"Release her." Youko growled from behind Sesshomaru. His gaze met with Kagome's for a second before her gaze dropped down. He was confused, she wasn't afraid. She was in the clutches of the demon that had raped her, impregnated her, and took away the life of the one she loved, yet, her eyes held fierce determination.
"Tell me." Sesshomaru barked at her, "Quit this foolish attempt at stalling."
"Here eyes met with Youko's again, and he frowned. What was she trying to tell him? What did she want him to do? His eyes broke from hers and he looked down again.
'Fuck! That's it!'
With his only arm pinning Kagome to the wall, Sesshomaru was vulnerable. He could easily disarm him. Though, his actions would undoubtedly bring death to Kagome. Did she know that already? Was that what she was getting at?
"He is safe from you." Kagome spat, sneering up at Sesshomaru.
"I will kill you for your disobedience."
"And I will take you with me."
She glared at him, and even as his red eyes narrowed and a long, angry growl erupted from him, she didn't show any sign of fear. She had already acknowledged her Fate.
"You are going to die."
"I've accepted that, but you will as well and our son, our beautiful, full-demon son, he will grow up and become someone far greater than you. Much more powerful than you could even fathom." She couldn't resist smirking as his eyes widened with her words, "Yes, it's true. He is a full-demon. Funny thing too. His hair and eyes are like mine, but his face, he looks so much like InuYasha."
Sesshomaru snapped forward, his claws piercing into her throat, his poison flowing into her neck. Youko knew this was the moment. He needed to do his part, he needed to do what was best.
A pink glow flowed from Kagome's hands. It was the distraction needed and Youko grabbed the two swords from their sheathes. He gave one last look to Kagome before jumping down the large flight of stairs.
The burst of pure energy came a second after he landed down next to Hiei. He flinched when he heard her cry out and turned to see Sesshomaru's fangs ripping into the delicate flesh of her jugular. A moment later, he was gone, nothing but ash remaining and Kagome's lifeless body fell to the floor. Youko dropped the now deceased lord's swords on the floor and leap the stairs with Hiei and Kouga.
"This wasn't supposed to happen." Kouga collapsed onto his knees, his hands carefully cradling Kagome's face. Her skin was already growing cold.
"She's no longer with child." Hiei stated and Youko nodded.
"He was born earlier it seems. She mentioned it to him, used it to taunt him. She claimed the boy to be a full-demon, with her hair and eyes and a face similar to InuYasha's." Youko lifted Kagome into his arms. "Let's head back to the Reikai. Our mission here is done."
Now all they had to do was face those who Kagome was dear to and tell them just how brave she had been when she defeated Sesshomaru all on her own.
None of them were looking forward to that.
A/N 2: I hope this is good enough for you, for now. I have already started the next chapter, but I'm not sure how soon I'll get it done. Sooner than this chapter though. I promise!!