JeniNeji's:
Here, I know that it has passed quite some time, but….I'm sorry…Jajaja..My awesome beta reader, Chezka (thanks again) was reading the Deathly Hallows and oh well, she can enjoy herself as much as she wants – plus, it might be dangerous to interrupt someone who is reading Harry Potter's last book.
Well, thanks for the loving reviews I received, and for the ones that helped me improve also. They have all helped me in some ways. Thanks, and enjoy.
DisClaimEr: I don't own Inu-Yasha
When the Past is the Future...
Chapter 4:
The Bloody War of the Seven Days Begins
Kagome was now resting in his arms while Sesshomaru went looking for Midoriko. Strangely, the boy had not objected to follow orders for a human's welfare. He could almost dare say that his son had gone by his own will. He was growing up, slowly becoming the demon that will someday rule over the Western Lands, the lands he had been conquering with Midoriko.
The little miko had been calling upon Midoriko for a while as if her life depended on it. He did not know what was causing her pain, there wasn't an evil aura nowhere around that he could feel.
He watched as she trashed and whimpered in pain in his arms. Now that he was carrying her, he noticed how thin she really was. She seemed very fragile, yet, behind that apparent frailty, was a powerful priestess. Her scent was very sweet and it was a welcomed scent to his superior senses. Still, the frown on her forehead and the sweat that was dripping from her face were worrying him. She was indeed looking bad; something was hurting her deep inside, and it seemed like she was the only one who could do something about it.
He watched as her big blue eyes snapped open and she gasped for air, as if she had lost it all. Her hard breathing was making a rasping sound and he tried to hold her desperate body that was fighting whatever was hurting her.
It was then when he felt a powerful wave passing through him. It began in his fingers, where he was holding her body, then it went through his body, and he felt a cool sensation of wrongness. His golden eyes widened in fright at the unexpected sensations, ones he had never felt before. He felt as if this sudden energy scanned his being, and after finding whatever it was looking for, continued on his search out of him.
He felt threatened by the wave, he knew it was a dangerous one and it had made his heart stop for a moment; but it went away without causing him any more harm. Still, his instincts were demanding him to escape, but he willed his inner beast to calm down and forced his mind to stabilize. Inu no Taisho kept his eyes fixated on Kagome until Midoriko placed her hand on his shoulder and he turned to her.
Midoriko's brown eyes shone with concern, and behind her, Sesshomaru also looked a little confused as he searched the surroundings, taking the scents within the area. Sesshomaru was as collected as always, he never showed any other part of him, he always the cool and calculating warrior. By looking at him, Inu no Taisho could not help but feel a sting in his heart. Had he been raising his son as he should?
"Are you all right, Lord Inu no Taisho?" asked Midoriko as she let her eyes roam over him to check for herself.
"I am" he said softly. "What was that?" he asked with more strength, when he regained his confidence once again.
Midoriko twisted her lips in worry and confusion. "It was a miko wave from Kagome, it would seem that both of our souls combined in some way inside her and the purifying wave was the result" she said with concerned and then narrowed her eyes "It was supposed to purified both of you. Imagine two miko an aura in one attack, strangely, neither of you has been harmed in any way" she finished and fixated her eyes on Kagome and her lips curved slightly "Probably deep down, our souls didn't recognize any of you as a threat".
Kagome's eyes were barely open. She was feeling terrible, but at least, the pain was finally subsiding. She was right all along; Midoriko had been able to help just as she had expected. "Midoriko… thank you." Kagome said with a small smile. She looked up at Inu no Taisho and silently asked him to let her on her feet, and he did as she asked.
Suddenly, they all turned to the East. Inu no Taisho's eyes became a frivolous yellow. Kagome, who had never seen such eyes before, became fearful. Not even Sesshomaru could muster such coldness. She couldn't suppress a shudder, and then averted her gaze towards the East as well, but she could see nor feel anything. She looked up at Inu no Taisho again, expectant.
Inu no Taisho made a snort-like sound and his golden eyes locked to the horizon with a molested glare. "There lies the answer to our former question. The demons had been hiding and planning an attack" said Inu no Taisho, his white silvery hair was floating softly with the breeze. Midoriko was holding her breath as she scanned the aura and Sesshomaru had turned to the east, but was looking as relaxed as always.
"There are hundreds, maybe thousands of them" said Midoriko with a little voice, notes of fear sensed in it. She was fisting her hands on her chest in an unconscious way of trying to hide from danger.
Kagome still couldn't feel anything, but she knew what had caused her pain. The terrible heartache she had been feeling was caused to a high amount of evil around the area. Now, she knew it had been the energy the multitudes of demons were creating. Her soul had not been enough to purify the Jewel against so many tainted auras, so Midoriko's miko sister soul had been enough to back up her own soul in purifying. That very same wave went on purifying everything at its path and like the gathering had been sheltered by a demon shield, it instantly fell against the pure wave.
The presence of demons had been easily displayed for Inu no Taisho and Sesshomaru – who had far sharper senses --to find and also for those trained to feel auras like Midoriko. Kagome had been able to feel evil after her training, yet not demonic auras. Even when she had been taught how to feel them, she wasn't particularly blessed with such gift.
"We will engage into battle. Be prepared, both of you" said Inu no Taisho seriously. The once serene and cheerful demon was now a fierce and determined one. Taking the role of Great General in mere seconds, the experience and power was certain flowing through his veins, never leaving him. He was now the demon of legends, the Ruler of this Era.
"Yes, Lord Inu no Taisho" said Midoriko as she bowed in front of him, her long silky black mass of hair hiding her face at the quick motion, and then an instant later, it had returned behind her back as her hardened brown eyes shone with determination.
Sesshomaru just turned and walked away, his pace slow.
Midoriko began to walk away and Kagome felt a sudden stop of her heart, a bad feeling rising from her stomach to her throat. "Wait" pleaded Kagome as her hand rose on its own accord to try to reach Midoriko. "I will go with you" she said with strength turning to face Inu no Taisho with decisive blue eyes.
Inu no Taisho was looking at her with concerned golden eyes. He did not wish for her to be harmed in any way but she was a miko and he supposed she was a strong one if she had been given such an important item to protect. The battle will hold on less if she was also fighting. So he kept thinking this while his golden eyes watched her little frame.
"Miko" he said harshly, as a general, Kagome thought, not as a friend or acquaintance. She shuddered a little at the accusing word, but still kept her eyes on him. "Will the item you protect not be a problem as you fight?" he asked straight, his eyes doubtful.
Kagome's eyes widened at the question. It had been as unexpected as it was forgotten by her. She stared at the ground on her feet and thought about it for some moments. As long as she was near Midoriko, she would be fine. If she remained here, the pulse of evil would once again affect her and she will be alone to battle it.
She had been possessed by the Shikon Jewel twice. Once by a mere shard, the second was by only three fragments under the spell of Tsubaki, and she didn't wish the incident to repeat itself. In both occasions, she had almost ended up doing something she would regret her entire life.
"It would be best if I were near Midoriko, my Lord" Kagome said assured. Besides, she felt responsible, this had all been in a way… her fault.
She knew the story. Midoriko had died fighting against demons on the seventh day. She will try to change her destiny. Midoriko had been so good to her that she would not stand by and watch her die in vain. She was the strongest priestess in history.
Kagome felt she was stronger today. She had been training hard for some months to be a greater warrior. She had been always protected, and she had been unable for a long time to help those she loved. Now, things were going to be different. From now on she will fight, she won't just be offering emotional support: she will offer strength.
"Let her Inu no Taisho. I'll feel better if she's with me." said Midoriko expectantly.
Inu no Taisho nodded his head and pierced his eyes in Kagome's then walked away. Kagome let go of the breath that she had taken a while ago and that had already digested all the oxygenated atoms and was now constricting her lungs and chest begging to be released. She looked at Midoriko, and she responded with a little smile.
"We shall prepare ourselves, come with me." said Midoriko as she turned and walked to a sole house, a little further apart from the others occupied by the Exterminators. Kagome followed silently.
They entered the house, which seemed to belong to Midoriko. It had few things and it looked like she just used it to sleep. There was a big chest of wood in a corner, the only thing that took Kagome's attention. Midoriko knelt next to it and opened it. She took some clothes out of it, and put them over her left arm. She closed the chest once again and turned to Kagome. She extended her arm, offering the clothes to Kagome. Kagome blinked in confusion and opened her mouth to object, until Midoriko's eyebrows frowned in annoyance.
"You will need something else to wear if you are planning to enter battle. I will not allow you, by any means, to fight using a yukata" said Midoriko, a little harshly perhaps, but being absolutely clear about the fact that she will not allow otherwise.
The house was empty and the door was covered with a piece of cloth, so Kagome felt her dignity was safe enough. She took off her yukata and put on a red gi, it was so long she had to drag the ends. She looked at it, but decided to ignore its length, she was just going to fight, and wouldn't care much about appearance. After that she put on a white hakama, it was very much the same one she used to borrow from Lady Kaede. At least, it gave her some sort of comfort, in some strange way she felt reunited with the Feudal Era for a moment. Just these hakamas, the weapons and Sesshomaru, those were the only real things she could relate to her life.
Kagome looked at Midoriko, she had been very silent. She was staring unblinkingly at a wall. Kagome felt suddenly out of place, she looked at all sides, looking for some way out of the awkward moment.
"Midoriko" said Kagome softly, finding no other way but to interrupt her thoughts. Midoriko blinked in confusion, now realizing she was distracted.
"There's something I need" Midoriko said still distracted and she returned once again to the chest, and began to search for something. She finally found what she was looking for. In her hand, she had a Jewel that was red in color, reminding Kagome of a ruby. Midoriko looked at it for some moments then she abruptly threw it harshly to the floor, shattering it. She then grabbed four fragments of the Jewel.
"These will be my focus" she said to Kagome as she looked at the fragments in her hand "I will use them to focus my energy upon them and free it in the name of the Four Souls: friendship, wisdom, courage and ...love" she finished, a little saddened as the voice left her small lips.
Midoriko then began to place the fragments on her forehead: one up, one down, another to the left and the last one to the right; leaving a small place in the center empty: the place where everything melts together to form a soul. After putting all the pieces in place, Midoriko turned to Kagome and smiled.
Kagome couldn't help the lump that formed in her throat. With those rubies on her forehead, she was the exact replica of the stone form of hers Kagome had seen when she had entered the cave near Sango's village. Fate was taking its course. Kagome felt anger towards fate. It was just not fair.
"We are leaving" said Inu no Taisho's voice from outside.
Midoriko took the smile away from her face and replaced it with a thin line, already prepared for the battle ahead. At this motion, Kagome also felt a sense of pride and duty, putting on the exact face as her companion. It was just after they both nodded to each other in unison that they came out, leaving in the house the worries and fear, then filling both their souls with the emotions they needed to survive.
Naraku smiled. He had not expected his barrier to collapse as it did, but still, he was darkly waiting this moment. He could feel the pulse of the Shikon Jewel, the calling for the ones who possessed demonic auras. Once a demon gets its hands on the Jewel, he would be able to take it and once again he will be the master of the Jewel's powers.
He felt a powerful presence at his right, his mind broke its line of thoughts and he immediately turned to the presence. There was a young demon of human appearance; it had white and black messy short hair that reached its neck and stunning red eyes. It was tall and imposing, yet it looked calmed. Naraku looked at the demon suspiciously.
"Naraku, are you not?" asked the demon in a direct tone, making a point that it wasn't one to be messed with. "I'm here to make you an offer: reduce Sesshomaru's strength by half for you, but for a price, of course" he said. The demon was a little more relaxed now, and with a smirk on his face at Naraku's show of interest. "I hope we can get to a peaceful understanding"
Naraku's right eyebrow rose in question and he nodded. Naraku called upon Kagura with a powerful pulse of his own personal barrier. In the multitude of demons, Kagura instantly recognized the call and appeared in front of him some seconds later.
"Yes?" she asked respectfully, yet in her voice lied -- almost unrecognizable -- a tone of rebellion. She bowed in front of Naraku, the white sleeves of her kimono touching the ground, getting dirty as she awaited his orders.
"I'll be away for a while, you are to inform me of any events, is that clear?" he said, with a hint of threat and anger. He knew she could be very wicked when she wished to. He should have let Kanna live once again, but then again, Kanna was the one heart who allowed him to control his others extensions, if she was taken out of him, he wouldn't be able to use the powers of his other extensions. What a nuisance...
Kagura raised her face and locked her sparkling pink eyes to Naraku's red ones. "I will, my lord" she rose and turned her back to him, attempting to go and fulfill his orders when a voice stopped her.
"How disrespectful, do you not pay the proper respect to those above you? Learn your place demoness, or someone will show you" said the other demon angrily, who had been talking to Naraku earlier.
Kagura's shoulders tensed in anger as she turned slowly to face the mentioned demon. Her eyes showed the deep hatred she felt at being ordered around, and more, to be the slave of someone. His face was unmoving, his eyes held no emotion and his mouth was resting peacefully, no smirk and no pressing his lips together.
"I obey no one apart of my lord" she said enraged. This caused the demon to shift in anger, and his eyes to turn into resentful ones.
"You will learn your place" he said harshly and charged at her with his fist. Kagura's eyes became fierce and prepared for battle. She jumped back and away from him and graciously opened her fans and attempted to attack, but held still when Naraku's voice echoed in her thoughts ordering her to not attack at any moment.
Kagura turned her surprised face to Naraku and caught the warning look he was giving her. She stayed agape at his orders, this was a powerful demon, and he was ordering to not harm him in any way. A roar awoke her from her musings and she jumped to her side to avoid the dagger that almost hit her abdomen.
She now closed her fans and took the feather out of her hair, then transformed it to its giant size. She then climbed on it and began to fly away from the enraged demon. The demon began to follow and attack her, Kagura dodging the attacks easily thanks to the time she spent mastering her feather into flying.
Though, it lasted little, when snow suddenly began to fall in high proportions, her feather froze and she fell to the floor. She turned and found the demon just some steps behind her. She yelped in fear when it ran towards her with one dagger in each hand, and Kagura -- without thinking -- opened her fans and attacked him with her Blades of Wind. The demon stopped and crossed its arms. The daggers began to glow as they connected with some strange markings that appeared in red in the back of both its hands. Their interaction immediately raised a protective barrier, dissipating Kagura's attack. Kagura quickly stood and turned to Naraku.
"I...I...forgive me...ahhhh..." She began to make strangled sounds and fell to the floor, with her hands in the left side of her chest, trying to ease the pain.
The demon turned from Kagura to Naraku, his eyes fell on a glowing orb in Naraku's left hand, being crushed by his fist.
"What is that you are doing? Stop!!" the demon yelled to Naraku. Naraku blinked annoyed and ceased his attack against the precious orb. He then turned and walked away, signaling for the demon to follow.
The white-haired demon began walking towards Kagura slowly. Kagura was now seated on the floor, her fans thrown to her sides, forgotten… she was also breathing heavily. He knelt next to her and tried to help her stand, but she refused and stood on her own.
"Stay away from me!! Don't touch me!!" she said, her voice cracking in fear. She began to walk backwards until her back found a wall, and she let her shoulders fall. Her black hair had fallen from the ponytail she used to wear and was messily hiding her face. Still, she seemed to be very tense.
"Forgive me."
Kagura heard his steps as he walked away. He had asked her forgiveness. That was not something she expected, but he had caused this and she had almost died. She hated him for it, and she hated herself for allowing this to happen. She hated magic for allowing demons to manipulate others, and she hated Naraku above all others, because he didn't let her be free.
Her legs gave way and she felt to the floor crying. She heard as the demons began to make their way towards the Exterminators' Village. She knew she needed to be aware of their movements, or else, she will be punished again. She collected herself and arranged her hair the best she could. She dried the path of her tears and tried to take off the dirt on her kimono. She took a deep breath and continued to walk towards the hoard of demons.
They were all ready. Inu no Taisho was in the front line, followed at a distance by Kagome and Midoriko, who were both at each other's side. Some more meters back, was Sesshomaru -- the first guard at the Exterminator's village-- then was a line of Demon Exterminators leaded by Sora, who were the ultimate source of protection for the village.
The demons were getting closer and the entire place had taken an odd feeling. It was silent and perhaps, a little depressing. Kagome was trying her best to not be intimidated, but she was almost failing. She dearly missed her friends, and she was afraid. She could not lie to herself; she really was, but even so, she was going to fight.
Today, she would not fail as a miko again; she will protect the Shikon no Tama with her life. She turned to look at Midoriko, the instant she mentioned the word life, she once again was reminded of the fate of the powerful priestess. She will do her best. Midoriko will die of old age, not in a fight. Yes, she will fight with more than demons tonight. She will fight against fate.
As if feeling that Kagome's eyes were on her, Midoriko turned with a frown in her face. "Are you sure you will manage with a bow and arrows? They sure are good to fight at distances, but, they kill just one target with each arrow, and that if you are lucky" she said worried, her left hand holding her long sword. It was longer than usual Japanese swords and very thin. It was fine and delicate, but at the same time sharp and fierce. Kagome could feel an aura when she looked at it. It was undefined, yet firm. It was a masterpiece, she was sure of that. Perhaps one great blacksmith forged her sword also...
Kagome smiled, now remembering the earlier question "Yes, it will do. Besides, it's the only weapon I can handle" she said with a smile in her face. "If you still have doubts, I'll make the first shot, if that's ok with you" she said, with a real, pleased smile on her face. She was much better with an arrow, and she would gladly show it.
Midoriko smiled and nodded her head. She then turned to Inu no Taisho. "My lord, Kagome wishes to make the first shot" she yelled at him so he heard her from the far distance.
A quick turn and the rising of one of his eyebrows was his answer. Though it served little to the mikos, he had to nod his head for them to acknowledge his answer. He could see as they talked merrily. They were really two unusual mikos, but he was happy. At least it seems that there were some good changes in the future.
He could also see in the distance as Sesshomaru stared at them both, probably hearing what they were saying, or at least trying. It was so unusual, even for him to witness his son acting so different, living and not just pretending to live that he could not help but feel happy.
But he had put Sesshomaru to the test today. He was the best of warriors but he was proud and liked to be in charge. Today, he was almost in the back row, behind the two human mikos, with the order to not move from his post. To disobey a direct order was failure of a mission, and thus, it deserved a hard punishment. He surely remembered the punishment he had for his first and last disobedience in battle. So tonight, will be a complex night for him indeed.
"Midoriko" called Inu no Taisho
Both girls stopped talking and turned quickly to him, their eyes wide in question. They looked so much alike in their expressions and their aura that he felt Kagome was gaining his trust through Midoriko. The mikos were always getting in his good side, how lucky for them.
"Survive ...both of you" he finally said with a soft smile gracing his lips.
His eyes narrowed as Kagome took her bow and prepared her arrow directed at him. But then, she quickly elevated the bow, so the shot would pass over him.
He turned and the demons where now visible among the dark clouds of the night. He slowly took Tetsusaiga out of his sheath, and transformed it, the blade made a sound of pleasure at being of use to its master. Then he began to walk forward slowly, to engage in battle with the first ones when they arrived. They were weak demons, the only thing that was threatening about them was their number, but other than that, they had already won against them. He could feel as Kagome gathered energy in her arrow, and he could also feel Sesshomaru's impatience in the far distance and of course, how his aura emanated displeasure.
They were near, and not a single shot had been made, what was taking the girl. The demons were forming an arch in the sky, as they all approached at the same time... If she didn't shoot soon, then many would pass them and go directly to town.
Just when he was about to unleash Tetsusaiga's Wind Scar, the shot was made. The shot passed blurred, only inches from his left arm. He was left agape when he saw as the arrow turned right as it passed him. The arrow exploded with miko powers beginning with the first demon in the left side of the arch, and following the line until the last demon of the right side, purifying all the remaining demons on its path. A spectacle of pink lights was adorning the night sky; the miko had purified at least a hundred demons, like his Wind Scar.
Inu no Taisho held firm, but he was stunned. No wonder Sesshomaru had felt drawn to the girl in the future. She was amazing; her powers were at the next level of mikos.
But they didn't have time for congratulations. Soon, the demons that came running finally arrived. There were boards, serpents, ogres, wolves and many others; now the real battle began. Now, Inu no Taisho could fight more relaxed, the demons in the sky would no longer be a problem, the last fighter had arrived, the one with the key to guard the skies. They will win.
Sesshomaru had been watching the battle for a while now. He was surprised, only five demons had passed the mikos and he had killed them. There was nothing else for him to do, just watch the fight that was taking place seven hundred meters away from him.
A loud sound made his eyes narrow in disgust. There she was – Midoriko-- sending a wave of power from her sword again, he could not understand how the screeching sound of the devil which her sword made didn't bother Midoriko at all. Perhaps she had never noticed it. It was maddening.
His father was killing demons happily, he liked to show off. Sometimes, he even looked childish. He had used the Wind Scar at least five times now, which only showed his impatience and boredom. He wanted to get rid of them all to go already, but unremarkably, demons continued appearing.
There were a lot of them. His father had invented a new way to fight some minutes ago out of boredom; to claw the demons to death with the poisonous spines of his armband. As he thought, his father was definitely bored. From what he had counted, they had already killed almost two thousand demons.
The dawn will arrive in scarcely two hours...
Another shot was made by the miko Kagome, and once again, she killed many demons. Her method, in fact, was a reliable one. Still, her movements were clumsy and ungraceful when dodging the demons and running around. She had not being trained to be a miko since birth. It seemed she had been born with the real gift, she had initiated her training some months ago. Though he had to admit, when she was with the arrow, she looked confident and her movements were relaxed and practiced.
The demons were now fiercer, attacking with more strength and making little groups. They were developing tactics to fight. They were refreshed somehow, and they were looking for something.
He averted his gaze when he saw a forced movement. The miko Kagome was doubled with pain. Her quill of arrows had fallen from her right shoulder and the hanging was now resting in the intersection of her upper and lower arm, her hand was holding her hakama in the part of her heart.
He heard a howl of pleasure as a demon sped from behind her to attack. It was a weasel demon. The miko hadn't still noticed the weasel's approach and she fell to her knees in the ground, lowered her head, her forehead touching the cold grass, her long raven hair was falling over her.
It seemed as time stopped just for him. He could see the weasel running towards her, his father holding his ground with two ogres, still unaware of the situation behind, and Midoriko was holding a barrier around herself as a grasshopper demon was shooting her some toxic white mass.
Once again, he looked at Kagome…she was still twitching in pain. He could not leave his post, one of the reasons the demons had not approached the town was because they feared him, and it seemed like the city was not the main target.
What was the right course of action in this situation? Move or not to move, and let things be. She was a miko after all, but still, the pain had come to her some hours ago rendered her helpless. Still...he was confused.
He was then decided, putting his right hand in the sword that was resting in his left side. With a quick motion, he took hold of the hilt that was a dragon's claw of dark gray color, and took out the silvery sword out of its sheath. The sword let out a spark of lighting as his master's energy flowed on it.
He closed his eyes for a quarter of a second, and ran forward. But a sudden screeching sound stopped him. He opened his eyes a second later and saw as the weasel demon was no longer there. Midoriko had sent a blast of her power towards her miko companion and killed the weasel demon. The remaining of it was being purified next to Kagome's doubled form on the floor. She had turned and her back was now on the floor, she screamed in agony. He could smell her fear.
He then took his gaze away from the miko who was resting in the grass with her hand still on her heart, to Midoriko, as she ran to Kagome's side. Then he searched for his father, who had used the Wind Scar once again to allow some time to the mikos to rest. His father was looking at him, not at the mikos. Their eyes connected, and his father smirked.
Sesshomaru frowned in confusion, his father laughed and turned. He began to fight once again as the next demons arrived. It was then that Sesshomaru finally understood. His father had done this; he had intentionally put him in the back row and with the orders to not leave his post in any moment to put him to test. To test his feelings for the miko... How low...
But the worst thing was that he had moved from his post.
"Curse him".
He turned to the Exterminators. Sora was shaking with anger, it was obvious that he too wanted to go to the mikos and battle. He had his massive weapon in his shoulder and his other hand near his sword. The rest of the exterminators were calmed and prepared in case they were needed.
His demon senses called upon a strange feeling, and he once again turned to face the mikos. The miko Kagome was standing up, with the help of Midoriko. She seemed more relaxed now, yet she carried in her face an odd smile that gave way to her emotions, she was very scared.
Armed once again with her bow and arrow, the miko Kagome and Midoriko remained near each other and began to fight at once. Like he had seen before, the demons were making plans.
A group consisting of an ogre, a rabbit demon, that was almost the same height of Kirara, and a serpent demon, came to attack the mikos. The serpent demon climbed to the rabbit, as the ogre began to dash the mikos with a giant maze in his hand. The mikos began to maneuver with the ogre, Midoriko in front using her sword to stop its attacks, while the miko Kagome gathered energy to purify the ogre. However, her powers dropped when poison reached her nostrils.
The rabbit demon had been circling them at such a high speed , that both of them had been unable to feel its presence; and the snake that was attached to its neck had been releasing poison. The miko Kagome instantly raised a barrier around the both of them, protecting them from the ogre's constant attack and stopping the poison from trespassing. She saw as the rabbit demon stopped at a far distance. She hardly managed to see it; just a blur of yellow, for the poison that had managed to get to her before she raised the barrier was affecting her, and was beginning to get to Midoriko. They needed to let the barrier down soon, or else, they would get the poison in their system.
Suddenly, the serpent demon had managed to pass the barrier and attacked Kagome, and out of surprise and pain, the miko's barrier dropped. The serpent demon had appeared from underground and bit Kagome's ankle. She sent a pulse of energy on her veins and it purified the serpent demon as his fangs drew on her blood.
Kagome's eyes narrowed as she saw the bite, and she clumsily took her arrow and shot the ogre that was giving Midoriko a hard time, disintegrating him instantly. They both turned to the rabbit and saw as it fled to the forest. Midoriko turned to Kagome and raised a barrier around them.
He could hardly hear what they were saying, but they were fighting over something. "I can't" he heard the miko Kagome saying with a scared and regretful voice. Then he saw as Midoriko kneeled and began to heal the other miko's injury by taking out the poison the serpent had left in her ankle.
By the time Midoriko had finished healing Kagome, they were surrounded. The demons were waiting for the barrier to collapse so they could attack. Both mikos looked at each other and somehow got a plan. The miko Kagome made a second barrier, inches below Midoriko's. When Midoriko's barrier disappeared, the demons jumped over them to attack.
Kagome took her barrier and elevated it in a swift motion and trapped the demons above them on a sphere. The sphere became smaller and smaller until it purified them all. At the exact moment the barrier collapsed, Midoriko unsheathed her sword and fueled it with her miko powers; and with a horizontal attack, she purified all the demons at their circumference.
Lights of blue and pink were the only things visible until it all ended. The two mikos were armed, searching their surroundings for more threats. They looked so much alike, Sesshomaru noticed. They both had the same red Gis and white hakamas, long and black hair, and the resemblance in her auras was astounding, they could easily pass as sisters. They were both looking at each other fondly, each one having gained the trust of the other and the pride that resided in them.
He found his father, he was still fighting. He used his Wind Scar, one, two, and three times, the last attack finishing the last demons.
Inu no Taisho turned and walked towards the mikos. He saw as the mikos nodded their heads and smiled, and his father also smiled as well, but soon his smile became a smirk. He had often wondered how his father had been so lucky in his fights, he showed too much emotions, and that was a weakness in battle. Also, why did his father always seem to like humans mikos so much?
He saw as Kagome turned his way and he looked at her. She smiled shyly and nodded her head at him. He stared at her blue eyes for some moments. He couldn't point why would she'd do that, but he found that his self was more calmed, probably because the battle had ended. Still, she was a curious miko indeed, but he wouldn't lose his time dealing with humans, less a woman and much less...a miko. He was not his father.
He saw as her eyebrows frowned, as he lacked to answer her, then she quickly changed her gaze to the horizon. His senses picked up something too, then he faced to the same direction.
Another wave of demons was making their way to meet them there. These demons were different. Their aura was stronger, their number, less. Inu no Taisho turned to him, and locked fierce golden eyes, telling once again of the orders to follow. He then walked away to his previous location to engage in battle, in the very front.
The miko Kagome once again took her arrow and prepared the bow. She began to gather her energy in the arrow, the powers making a vortex of pink around her. The sky had a presumable amount of demon riders. They were weak Onis, which were smaller than the real ones, riding the horses of Hell, with red eyes and breathing fire. These Onis were dangerous only for the weapons they carried. Some proved to be very wicked and annoying, but other than that, they were an easy kill.
She let go of her arrow, and it quickly began to glow with her powers. It flew at high speed towards the Oni Riders, but it collapsed before reaching its destination, hitting a demon barrier. The barrier fell instantly, but at the same moment a new demon created a wall of roots and the arrow purified the wall, failing to kill the Onis. Nonetheless, that was the last bit of energy the arrow carried; it spent a lot of it breaking through the barrier.
He saw as the miko gasped in alarm. Foolish girl seems she never expected her powers to be overpowered by her enemies. She just shoots enchanted arrows; there was nothing more about her, just a girl with grand miko powers. She was no warrior. She was of no worth. His future self was just plain mad. He couldn't blame him, centuries can make one lose it. His father was a clear example. Those were the thing that crossed his mind, but, were they truth? Did he really go mad in the future, or she was worth more than she appeared? Did he really care for her in the future?
The demons were coming again, and now, with one of Naraku's puppets. They were wicked, for Naraku knew her, and he could come up with plans to stop her. As he just did, he was using his puppet as a shield to protect the demons.
Her arrow had collapsed before purifying them. This was very strange, this never happened before. She guessed, perhaps this time, the demons' influence in the air was stronger, and her powers were somehow diminished.
Midoriko was next to her, gasped in surprise and her aura quickly flared in anger. She was tired of battling demons and wanted to go to get some rest. Inu no Taisho was in the distance, looking amused. This time, the demons were stronger and there were many she had never seen before, thus, she expected him to get pleased with the next battles to come. So much like Inu-Yasha... only that he was more …father-like?
She needed to get rid of the puppet, or else, it would not allow her to kill the rest of the demons. With her bow tight in her right hand, she ran away from Midoriko towards the puppet clothed in white, with its root tentacles moving viciously.
She stopped a few meters from him and took out two arrows. She dug one in front of her, and then prepared the other one in her bow. She pulled with strength and charged the arrow with her powers. The puppet's tentacles stopped moving and she felt coldness rushing down her spine, but decided to ignore it. She must be careful, but still, she needed to finish off the puppet. She shot her arrow -- and it flared in a pink light-- but was stopped by the barrier surrounding it. The arrow kept on and on, breaking through and she took her second arrow and engulfed it with her miko powers, then prepared the shot.
When her arrow passed the barrier, she shot her second arrow and it passed smoothly, for the puppet had no time to raise another barrier. It moved aside, letting Kagome's arrow pass the Oni Riders, and a smirk came to her lips... just what she was expecting... The arrow flared in a massive pink and she was sure a few Onis would die by it. Out of nowhere, an Oni appeared and put on his sword in front of the group. The arrow changed direction, and flew to the sword instead. When the arrow crashed against the sword, an agonizing shrill resounded in the area; and the sword took on a demonic appearance, hence, it was purified.
Kagome looked stunned. She had never heard of a sword that could be a demon; it was clearly new to her. But the sensation of being useless rose to her heart. Midoriko threw her blast towards the very same puppet, but it didn't pass either.
The Oni Riders passed above them, towards the town. She turned and tried once again to purify them, but the puppet reappeared and the results were the very same.
She saw as Sesshomaru proudly unsheathed his sword and stared at it. The hilt was made of dragon's claw, and the sword seemed to spark with lightning. She could feel the strong, compressed energy of it and she was eager to see it work.
Inu no Taisho began to fight the demons on land. There were many ogres again, but there were some Onis of huge size; still, size was nothing. Midoriko joined Inu no Taisho and the demons were held soon enough, no longer able to approach the town.
Kagome remained still as Sesshomaru brought his sword in front of him and instantly the whole area was surrounded by lightning, and the demons' speed was slowed a great deal by the electric shocks. Sesshomaru smirked, finding pleasure in their desperation, and then he pushed his energy to the sword. Then, all the area surrounded by lightning, exploded.
Kagome gasped in surprise and worry. Tons of demon pieces where falling to the ground, many of the Oni Riders found their death at this moment, Naraku's puppet was not able to hold a barrier against a demon attack, even less, an electric attack.
Kagome stood still as her eyes met with Sesshomaru's. She believed she saw a challenging expression about him, but she was not sure. She then took her gaze farther away as Sora finished the last demon that managed to pass Sesshomaru.
She felt a demonic aura behind her and she quickly turned to face the said presence. She was face to face with a ferocious panther. The panther demon was black, similar in size to a normal panther, but it had brilliant white pupil's in its eyes, and a white line from eyes to mouth. Kagome flinched in fear at the demon; she knew it was a dangerous one, for it was very fast; its claws and fangs were a high threat.
The panther ran for her and jumped towards her. She tried to dodge its attack by jumping aside, but as the panther passed, it wrapped its tail in Kagome's waist. She cried in desperation as the demon tossed her yards away and fell to the cold grass unceremoniously.
She rolled and turned to the panther as fast as she could. She met up with it, jumping to bite her head off. Out of fear, her reflexes managed to take her down, and the demon passed her. She quickly stood and raised her right hand to take an arrow; when she came to the cruel realization that she carried none. When she rolled, the few remaining arrows she carried had fallen to the floor.
The panther charged again and this time, Kagome managed to raise a barrier; the panther swiftly rounded it and attacked her back. She jumped once again out of its reach. The panther growled in anger and its white eyes changed to a yellowish color. She felt as its aura grew and became menacing. Once again, the persistent demon came to attack, she engulfed her miko powers in her bow and when the panther came to a dangerously near distance from her, she hit it. The panther demon began to pour some liquid from its mouth, and she thought it defeated, until somehow it regained its strength and tried to pass her flashing bow. Still, she was out of its reach for at least one foot, so she thanked her luck. Suddenly, a whimpering feeling left the panther as its life began to end, but somehow, the panther's claws grew in length and Kagome gasped as the claws dug on her already injured right shoulder.
She pushed the demon away from her and it finally disintegrated. She put her left hand on her right shoulder and removed her hakama down to inspect the damage. There were three little holes on her shoulder that were bleeding scarlet. Thinking she would manage, and concluding the wounds wouldn't kill her, she once again covered her shoulder and went for her arrows.
She sensed as Midoriko kept on fighting alongside Inu no Taisho. The demons were being held, and she was thankful for that. She was not accustomed to these long battles. She was beginning to feel tired, without mentioning the uncomfortable sensation of having the Jewel embedded on her chest; the changes in its source of auras was starting to annoy her.
She turned just in time to see as Sesshomaru again as he killed a bunch of demon with his lightning. She was amazed by his sword; she had never seen it before in the Feudal Era. She remembered as he once used a dragon's arm to fight Inu-Yasha, and even in her time, dragons were known for their strength and special abilities. No wonder he liked them so much.
One last demon appeared to fight Sesshomaru. She recognized him as the Oni that blocked her arrow with the demon-sword. He was bigger than the others and she could see two more swords resting at its side. The demon easily dodged Sesshomaru's poisonous whips, and jumped to a safe distance from him.
The demon took out one of his swords, it was made of wood and it had the shape of a young woman. The demon held the sword in front of him and squeezed it. The woman opened her mouth and pierced the area with a deafening scream. The scream became a wave and it exploded to Sesshomaru's direction. He used his own sword and created a field of lighting; the wave disappeared on it. Suddenly, a thunder fell over the Oni from a far distance and burned it alive.
Sesshomaru looked carelessly to the corpse in the far distance, until a glow took his attention. Both swords were flashing in many colors. Suddenly, some kind of smoke appeared from the sword, and as time passed, the smoke took humanoid form.
The first sword, the one that had been resting at the Oni's side took the form of an old man. The old man bowed to Sesshomaru and disappeared in a ball of fire. The second smoke took the form of a young woman. She had long straight hair that was a little loose around her shoulders, then held in a plait that reached her rear. She had many kimonos over her frame that gave her a look of royalty. Her eyes were a stunning green, and her aura screamed power.
Without noticing, Kagome's mouth moved... "It's…her"
Sesshomaru turned to where Kagome stood, raising one eyebrow in question. The woman that had just been freed from the sword bowed. "I am forever in your debt, I owe you my freedom, and for that, I will find a way to repay you" she said, her voice not soft and silky as Sesshomaru had expected. It was in fact, strong and controlled, and he found himself respecting her a little for that. After saying those words, she vanished.
Sesshomaru once again turned towards her, and locked his cold, analyzing eyes in her. She tried to not fidget under his gaze, but was failing. She couldn't believe how much alike he looked to the Sesshomaru she knew...to the Sesshomaru who was cold and frivolous. But at the same time, he was the same Sesshomaru who had saved her and the one that accepted to fight against Naraku. Also, resembling that Sesshomaru, who had taken Rin as his ward and cared for her, to the one that dried the tears of the little girl. To the one who had kissed her. Her, his brother's miko…
Evil was looming near, waking from her staring; and she turned to see Naraku's puppet standing in the ground facing her.
"Kagome. So nice to see you, I do hope you have cared for the Jewel since you borrowed it" said with his sarcastic tone and luscious voice.
"I guard what is mine" she blurted back, her hands automatically grabbing her arrow and preparing her bow. She locked eyes with her target, taking aim to not fail.
The puppet laughed with pleasure. "So much spirit, that's what I like in you, you always try, even when you know you can't possibly defeat me" he said, taking of his white baboon mask and showing his handsome face and brilliant red eyes. A sadistic smile on his face, matching perfectly with the cruelty she associated with him.
"I will defeat you, you disgusting puppet" she let go of her arrow and it flew towards the puppet. He slowly closed his eyes and smirked as the arrow met the barrier and collapsed to the floor.
She narrowed her eyes in anger and began to draw her powers out of herself, creating a big sphere of miko energy. He was definitely going to get a surprise tonight.
He stared as the miko Kagome engaged in battle with the white baboon. He had stopped her enchanted arrow again, and that was something only skilled demons could do. He wondered if she had the power to stand against a demon like him. She still had energy, he knew that, and she seemed to be in good shape, with the exception of the wound in her….
His eyes widened with recognition. He could smell something he knew from her blood. He concentrated on the smell; he sniffed more air, trying to take more of the familiar scent. He knew it, he was sure of it, but he couldn't point where he had encountered the smell before. He tried to remember, and after some moments he could remember the scent from a battle, the problem now lied in, which one?
He saw as she skillfully used her bow as a weapon to hit moving targets. He noticed the new strategy she had come upon, she had freed some of her aura, and when the tentacles approached, they were immediately purified before touching her.
In an abrupt motion, the miko unwillingly opened her old wound, which was in her right shoulder. She winced in pain and stopped her attacks to try and stop the bleeding.
As more of her blood poured, Sesshomaru finally came up with the scent. Her blood had the coppery scent found in human blood, but underneath, she carried also the scent… of his own blood. Her blood smelled like his, in a smaller amount, but still.
His insides roared with rage, the darkness of the situation was going too far. How can that be? He had grown weak in the future, he had gone mad, indeed he had.
He felt a warp of miko energy and turned to see who it was. She had formed a wall of her powers in front of her. She pushed her energy and it flew towards the demon in white, and when the wall was finally reaching him, it curled in a sphere to trap the demon, but he managed to escape.
A frustrated growl escaped her lips as she ran to the demon in blind rage. Midoriko yelled in the distance, trying to stop her fellow miko, but it was futile, for Kagome continued her attack. When she finally reached the puppet, she released more of her aura, and the white outfit began to burn. She then grabbed some of his tentacles and shocked them with her powers.
The demon screamed as the tentacles disintegrated in her hands. A smirk appeared on her face as the remaining of the outfit fell to the grass.
She raised her eyes to look at what was in front of her. She saw as Inu no Taisho and Midoriko finished the last group of demons. She was very far from them, and very close to Sesshomaru. He could probably hear her heartbeats. She turned to see him, he was standing there under the darkness of the night and she noticed that he had sheathed his sword again. He was as serious as always. As her eyes remained there looking at him, one question invaded her mind. What were her feelings towards him? How could she bare to look at him when he knew nothing about the future? When he was so different? What should she do?
A sound made her turn and she was tackled to the floor by something. She opened her eyes and met two red orbs staring down at her. She tried to scream but a hand prevented her from doing so. She began to struggle for freedom, but it was useless; the half demon pinning her to the ground was undoubtedly stronger. It was not a puppet. She came up with a plan, and she narrowed her eyes as she prepared to put it to work.
"No you won't" said Naraku as he covered both of them with a barrier and miasma began to appear around him.
In her desperation, she began to scream and kick carelessly like mad. As the miasma touched and burned her skin, she let go of her channeled powers. Little by little, they began to purify the poison around her until her powers and the miasma were even.
Naraku smirked. "Well done, my miko, you do learn fast, but I can think faster" he said and released the miasma in higher doses. Kagome was forced to do the same, and for almost a minute, both fought for victory. That was of course, until Kagome's powers suddenly stopped.
Her eyelids felt heavy and her struggles became weak.
"I won" Naraku whispered in her ear, and a tired sigh escaped her lips.
Sesshomaru saw as the miko's powers abruptly stopped and she fell limp. Still, she was not asleep. Let him take her a voice inside him said then you will no longer worry about her presence. I am not worried, he cleared stubbornly. He saw as the half demon came upon the miko and took her small body in his arms. It was then when he noticed how small she really was and how vulnerable she seemed to be in this moment. Don't move, that's your order the voice came again and Sesshomaru gritted his teeth. It will be seem as a weakness if one under you is killed Sesshomaru thought. It's a miko! The voice countered again. Sesshomaru growled what if he's taking what should be mine? Replied Sesshomaru strained. A miko? Yours! You are going mad!
Midoriko and his father were hasting their way towards the miko, but a barrier rose when they came near. He saw as his father made a sound of disbelief and took out Tetsusaiga. He quickly transformed it and used his Wind Scar recklessly against the barrier.
Unbelievably, the barrier resisted the attack and didn't even shake. Kagome gasped for air, and when she finally took it, she began to scream in pain. Inu no Taisho looked regretfully at the young miko, and Midoriko looked with sadness.
"Yes, I am stronger" said Naraku proudly, "The Jewel that Kagome carries was stolen from me, and I can control it completely when her powers are weak. She's unable to purify it in her given circumstances" he smirked as he drew Kagome closer to him and extended his left arm. "Now, let's put my powers to the test" he said and sent a blast of purple towards Inu no Taisho and Midoriko.
Inu no Taisho quickly dug his Tetsusaiga in front of him covering him and Midoriko. The blast collided with the sword, and it put on a shield. Midoriko closed her eyes in fright and she let herself fall to the grass.
When the blast was finished, Midoriko opened her eyes. Inu no Taisho stood from his kneeling position and she took her side with once again. She saw as the half demon smirked and turned to see Inu no Taisho. She noticed that he had several gashes and was bleeding.
Inu no Taisho locked hateful eyes with Naraku, what served the latter to feel more pleased. Inu no Taisho ran towards the barrier and hit it with his right hand. The barrier began to burn his skin, but it began to weaken when his poison surrounded the spot.
"Midoriko, now!!" he roared to the miko at his side. She took out her sword and sent a blast of her miko powers against the barrier.
The barrier broke and Naraku jumped away from the spot. Inu no Taisho sped to get to him in his wrath and Naraku connected his powers to the Shikon Jewel. He drew on its power, sending a flaring blast to Inu no Taisho. Inu no Taisho put on his right hand in front of him, and his armband of spikes flared with his poison; the mixture of both attacks when they found each other, made an explosion.
Midoriko covered herself as the black smoke reached her and she rubbed her eyes to clear off the tears. She saw as the half demon had put a barrier once again around him and Kagome. Inu no Taisho was on the floor and his eyes had turned red, his dog beast was awakening.
Sesshomaru had been watching as the fight unfolded. His father was such a fool. Letting go of his beast was going to cost him a great deal.
Sesshomaru drew his Dragon Sword out of its black and golden sheath and filled it with his aura. His sword flashed an indication that it was ready to be used. He walked slowly to where the half demon was standing.
The half demon slowly turned to meet him. He had a knowing smirk on his face, and he squeezed the miko possessively. He looked on the miko's unfocused blue eyes to try and read her thoughts, but it was useless. She was hardly conscious.
His father's growling stopped him from going further. He was not in his reliable senses, so Sesshomaru, being the fine warrior he was, decided to be prudent.
Another wave of demons began to approach; they all turned to see the newcomers. Naraku smirked content, and Inu no Taisho snarled at them.
"The half demon's life will be mine" said Sesshomaru seriously. Inu no Taisho turned with red eyes and remained silent. After some moments, he walked away to the new demons and began to dispose of them.
"Is that so?" asked Naraku in disbelief. "Remember, I hold the miko"
Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes and a storm of light soon began to unfold around them all. The spike of energy was altering all the things it touched, and the barrier began to weaken. Then he smashed the barrier down with his special attack "Lightning Spear". The barrier collapsed and Naraku once again tried to raise his barrier, but was stopped when a certain miko managed to purify the Jewel and cut his connection with it.
He turned to her angered, when a poison whip made him jump some paces backward; and in his last step, the second miko managed to throw him off his feet and Kagome fell from his arms.
He cursed his luck and was left defenseless as Sesshomaru began to make his Lightning Spear attack and break through Naraku's barrier and injured him.
"Sesshomaru" Naraku spit full of hatred. "You will fall soon, I got that settled. You are going to regret this" and with that, said Naraku disappeared.
Midoriko was next to Kagome, healing her right shoulder. Kagome was lying in the ground with her eyes closed out of exhaustion. Kagome, feeling the presence of Sesshomaru whispered "Thank you" without opening her eyes.
The demon ignored her and went on to help Inu no Taisho to finish the demons off. Sora soon appeared behind him, with his giant weapon with him.
Together, Inu no Taisho, with his Wind Scar, Sesshomaru with his lightning and Sora with his Hiraikotsu ended up the demons.
When they returned, the mikos were more relaxed. Midoriko was looking at them with worry in her eyes, while Kagome tiredly looked at the grass.
As the sun began to appear, they began to walk to town to take a deserved rest, when suddenly, a new pulse was felt in the horizon. They all turned for they all felt it.
A massive figure appeared in the field; dragging its giant body over the hill. A snake-like dragon appeared, followed by two other puppets and some demons.
The dragon screeched and the birds flew away. They needed not to see the dragon twice to be aware of the strength it carried. While the dragon claw of Sesshomaru's sword had been of lightning, this one was the master of the Winds.
"Mikos, go and find shelter in town." Both mikos turned to Inu no Taisho to object, but were stopped by his deadly glare. "Kagome, you have used most of your powers, and you Midoriko will soon replace Sora"
They both nodded her heads and Midoriko took Kagome's arm, pulling her to the town with her. Kagome stood firm a moment.
"Lord Inu no Taisho, I ask permission to put on a barrier around the town to prevent the demons from entering" said Kagome assured.
"And how do you plan to do that? Your powers are weak, you are exhausted" said Inu no Taisho incredulously and with a bit of anger.
"I will use the Shikon Jewel to support it, that is, the item I carry" she said with her blue eyes locked in his scrutinizing golden ones.
"Very well, do as you please" he said and marched to the Dragon, Sesshomaru and Sora followed.
Sesshomaru looked over his shoulder as the mikos walked to town. They seemed tired, as they should be, after all, they were humans. An upload of aura called for his attention and he saw his father glaring at him. He simply glared back and continued on his way ignoring his father's angry glares.
Kagome entered the town and stood quietly. She closed her eyes and connected her powers to the Shikon Jewel. The Jewel served as an amplifier and soon enough, her powers surrounded the town. Midoriko looked at her in wonder, she had never heard of anything like this before.
Midoriko began to talk to Kagome about how wonderful her powers were and about many things that Kagome didn't pay attention to. There was another thing occupying her mind.
The barrier in the town was formed through the Shikon no Tama, and said Jewel obeyed its possessor. However, it easily changed, as its possessor does. So the barrier was supported on her emotions. If her emotions were shadowed with sadness, despair, hatred or such, she would taint the Jewel; consequently, the Jewel will taint her soul and heart.
She needed to be strong and she needed to be positive, or else, the town would succumb in evil and all will be lost forever.
Would she possess the strength needed to accomplish the given task and the wisdom to make the right choices when the time came?
To be Continue…
JeniNeji:
Hi, Im here, after a long time. Very long. Im trying to write in advance, soon classes will begin, and University kills us!! Jajaja, so, I guess that I won be updating very quickly, but I will at least put on every 3-4 weeks. Thanks for reading, and all are free to make their comments, they will be welcomed and of much needed help.
Take care, and enjoy each day…. Until classes
Bye!