Playing With Magic
Chapter 7: A Soul's Rightful Place
A sharp pain tore Akemi from the land of dreams. She bolted upright in her bed, holding her head to keep from crying out. The cold winter air hit her sweating body making her shiver. The dungeons were always the worst place to be once late November had taken hold. She pushed back the furs and stood.
She dressed quickly in a thich jumper and jeans before throwing on her heavy winter cloak. Another wave of pain flashed through her and she stumbled to the door. After righting herself she made her way down the stairs and through the common room. The halls flashed by and soon she was slipping through the main doors.
The cold frosty air bit at her exposed face and hands but she pushed into the land. Standing in front of the lake she simply watched the calm waters. The last couple nights she had been woken up the same way. Her head would throb painfully for hours before it would finally stop. She groaned when another throb racked through her and brought her to her knees.
Her hand pressed firmly to her temples and she cried out as quietly as possible. A flash of blinding light and Akemi found the pain and presser from her skull gone. She fell over and curled up on her side. The pain was gone and her mind seemed at ease but she wasn't ready to chance it.
Akemi, Inuyasha's voice echoed in her mind.
Inuyasha, she replied in shock.
It worked, he mentally sighed, we are in danger Akemi. Sango and Miroku are so injured they can barely fight. Koga lost his shards to Naraku and he is injured and can't move much. Kagome was kidnapped by Naraku and we are trying to find her, but nothing is working. I'm running out of strength. I need you here to help me.
Akemi stood and ran wildly into the castle, I'll be there as soon as I can. I need to grab my stuff, but I promise you I will be there within the next few hours.
I can't hold the link open much longer. Miroku is losing strength and I can't go to the future to reconnect again. Linking without blood is to painful.
I agree. Be careful Inuyasha. I promise I'll be there.
The link shut violently and it startled Akemi. Her bare feet slammed hard against the ground as she used what speed she could to propel herself through the halls. In minutes she was in her room, shoving the fur blankets from her bed into the bag. She decided against changing for the moment and just pulled on her chain and headband.
Strapping the bag to her back she made another mad dash for Dumbledore's office. The gargoyle moved aside when she whispered the password. She didn't wait for the stairs and leapt to the top. Her knuckles rapped hard against the wood and she waited impatiently for the headmaster to open it.
It was a surprise to find the man dressed in bright purple robes, looking as if he hadn't been to sleep yet. He gestured her to come in and sat behind his desk. She stood bouncing from foot to foot.
"I need to go back to Japan," she told him evenly.
He blinked before inclining his head, "why?"
"Inuyasha and the other's are hurt badly. I must go help them. I'm there only hope to find Kagome."
"How soon do you need to leave?"
"Within the next few hours would be preferable."
"It will take me a few hours to make a two way portkey. Once you get to Japan, leave for the past, but when you return from the past the other portkey will activate and you will be brought to Hogsmeade. Eat breakfast, I should be done by then."
"Thank you Professor."
-x-
Waiting for breakfast had been the hardest thing she had ever done, but when the Hall finally filled and the food appeared she realized just how hungry she really was. Her friends slowly filtered in and sat around her.
"How come you aren't dressed for class," Harry asked her suddenly.
Akemi visibly startled and her fork dropped and clanked hard against her plate, "Um. I'm not going to class."
"Are you sick," Ginny asked concerned.
"No, nothing like that," she recovered and began eating again, "I have to go back to Japan for a little."
"Is everything alright," Hermione inquired.
Akemi sighed and her tense shoulders slumped, "I wish. But, no it seems Kagome-chan has gone missing, so I'm headed back to help them find her."
"Whoa," Ron looked at her oddly, "don't they have police and everything that could help?"
She shook her head, "no, this is something we have to do on our own. There is no help available for this kind of situation."
"It's going to be dangerous, isn't it," Ginny looked scared out of her mind.
"No such difference from any other time I'm in Japan. But, yes, it will be very dangerous. My only hope is we find her before he can do anything to her."
"Who is he," Neville asked her.
"I can't say his name," she told him, "at least I shouldn't. I really can't explain right yet what is happening. All I know is I have to go back to help them."
"So the thing on your hip," Harry pointed to it, "is that a sword?"
"Yes, it's name is Tenshi," she told him touching the hilt, "it was a present from Inuyasha for my birthday."
"What would you need a sword for," Ron questioned her.
"In the wilderness of Japan, anything is possible," Akemi told him and stood up from the table, "I will return once Kagome has been safely found. I hope you guys don't miss me too much."
She strode from the hall and navigated her way to Dumbledore's office. On the desk was a small necklace with a tiny heart pendant.
"It has been finished," he told her gently, "return when you can, the sooner the better. I am not sure what kind of excuse I can come up with to get you out of school."
"I will do my best," she nodded at him.
The elder grabbed the necklace and clasped it around her neck. She touched the pendant and the pulling sensation began.
-x-
Akemi ran following the trail of Inuyasha's scent. He was somewhere nearby but with every step she took it seemed like his scent was getting further and further away. Her breath was ragged and without his strength to carry her forward, she was faltering as her strength began to waver. It felt like an eternity before she found her friends, bleeding and bruised in a clearing around a small camp fire.
She went to Miroku and Sango, the two were the most worse for wear, "Inuyasha, what happened?"
Spell after spell slipped quietly off her lips, gentle lights of different colour poured into their ningen bodies. Cuts and bruises began to disappear and when she done what she could do with magic, she gave them potions then cleaned and bandaged everything she couldn't heal.
"Naraku attacked us," he told her, "it was the real him this time. He seemed to be up to something but before any of us could tell what, Kagome was gone."
"How long ago?"
Koga sighed, "a week or more."
"A week," she gasped as she began to heal Koga's legs.
"He hasn't let up since. There isn't a day that goes by were we aren't in a massive battle for half of it," Inuyasha groaned.
She made quick work of Koga's injuries and moved over to Inuyasha, who was by far the worst for wear in strength but not physically.
"Once you are able to stand," Akemi told him, "we will open our link and relish in each other's strength. We can all fight Naraku and get Kagome back."
"I'm worried about her," Inuyasha sighed, his head falling forward, "I wasn't able to protect her.
"She is alive," Akemi told him firmly, "she will be returned to us safely."
"Arigato, for coming," he told her.
"Don't thank me for something that I wanted to do," she stated.
He turned to give her a better look at his back, "what about school?"
"It can wait," she said airily, "you guys can't."
When she had done all she could for him, she went back to Koga. She kissed him lightly and brushed his bangs from his face.
"I missed you," she smiled at him softly.
"As I missed you, koishii," he gave her his cocky grin.
"Got into trouble without me, I see," she giggled lightly, "what will I ever do with you?"
"Stay by my side always to keep me in line," he smirked.
Her giggling turned into happy laughter, "I might just have too!"
He nuzzled her neck, breathing in her scent. He had been going crazy without her the past few months. He didn't know how much longer he could take without seeing his intended. She snuggled into him, mindful of the injury he had across his chest.
"I wish I had known this would happen. I would have just stayed," she sighed.
"It couldn't be helped," he tried to reassure her.
"I know."
That night they all slept peacefully, the barrier from the pink stone held all their worries at bay, even if only for a few hours. The sun was beginning to rise when the group began to wake and ready for the day. Everyone felt so much better, their wounds were almost completely gone thanks to Akemi and her magic and potions.
Koga stood watching the two in front of him. He had never seen them link before. He had been around them both when they were linked, but never had he witnessed it first hand. Inuyasha and Akemi slit their right palms and held their hands out to each other. They soaked their lips in the blood of the other and then lapped the remaining blood into their mouths.
Their kis danced and tangled together in the air before settling down inside them. She smiled at her brother before turning and walking over to Koga.
"I didn't know it required blood," he told her honestly.
"It's not the best, but it is what the spell calls for," she shrugged, "I can preform this spell with someone other then Inuyasha if I want. But, the link opens the mind and it would give whoever I was linking with my memories."
Koga pulled her flush against him, "sound like a pain."
She kissed him passionately, running her fingers though the silky black hair she had been dying to touch. He groaned and pulled her tighter, wanting more then just a simple kiss.
"Would you two knock it off," Inuyasha huffed, "we don't have time for this!"
Akemi stumbled back, "Gomen."
"Just get ready," he snipped.
She nodded before disappearing into her backpack. She emerged a few minutes later in her miko grab. It was the first time they had seen her in black hakamas. On her left hip Tenshi rested tied into her obi. The dagger that Sango had got her was strapped to her upper calf and the pink crystal was hidden inside her hair that was pulled high in a pony tail.
"I would have worn my pelts, but I really don't want to get them bloody my first time wearing them," she sighed.
"You will have plenty of other chances to wear them," Koga assured her.
"How long until we get attacked again," Akemi asked.
"It really depends," Miroku shrugged.
"He doesn't have a set pattern," Sango told her.
-x-
Three days of seemingly none stop battles left the group far worse then before Akemi had gotten there. Within the first day, her magic was drained and no longer could she use even the simplest of healing charms. Her potions were running out quickly and the ningens were so hurt they had to be sent back to Kaede's village where Shippo had been left when Kagome was kidnapped.
Koga wasn't faring any better. His youkai healing abilities were slowing down with the massive strain of too many wounds. He could hardly remain on his feet, but he refused to leave his intended. It had upset Akemi when he refused to leave, she feared losing him but no amount of pleading on her part could convince the stubborn ookami to go.
Inuyasha and Akemi were trying to pull from each other's strength, but they were both so weak it did neither of them any good. The hanyou was so covered in cuts that his already red haori was drenched so thoroughly in blood that it was almost black. Akemi had a few major injuries, mostly all around her stomach. Youkai always tend to go for the softest flesh when it came to ningens.
Another spin kick sent a youkai flying through the air. She panted heavily, blood pouring from the gash at her hair line on the right side of her face. The blood burned her eye and made sight impossible on that side.
Tenshi hummed in her hand, but the blasted sword would not let her call upon it's abilities. The blade still sliced easily through the youkai around her. A bear clamped down hard to her left side, it's sharp teeth easily piercing her flesh. She cried out and dug her nails into it's head. The smell of acid and burning flesh filled the air making her gag.
Akemi pulled her hand up from the youkai to examine her fingers. A blue coloured tick goo poured from her finger nails that glowed the same colour as the liquid. Piercing pain shot through her head and she screamed her discomfort to all those around her. Her body felt like it was on fire, melting away under the strain of the poison.
"Akemi," Inuyasha and Koga screamed out her name.
"Stay back," she cried out, "the poison will kill you."
Koga stopped in his fight to get to her but Inuyasha continued forward. He had dealt with Sesshomaru's poison before, he could brave the poison that was admitting from Akemi. She watched in horror as a youkai to small for Inuyasha to truly notice charged him.
"Inuyasha, watch out," she screamed tearing herself away from the dying bear.
His teeth ripped with ease, pulling large chunks of her skin with it. She pressed her hand to the wound trying to hold back the organs that threatened to spill through it. Weaving through the youkais was a lot harder with her hand constantly slipping into her body causing white hot pain to spear through her.
Inuyasha was crumpled over, the youkai had gone straight through his stomach. Lucky for him his muscles were strong enough to hold the organs in his body without any trouble. Blood poured darkly onto the ground staining the surface. As soon as she reached him a barrier formed around them, keeping them safe if only for a moment.
"Inuyasha," she knelt in front of him, "are you aright?"
"I'm looking better then you, sis," he smirked at her.
His skin was turning purple, "your poisoned."
"I'll survive," he told her.
"Take some of my blood," she slit her wrist and forced the appendage into his mouth.
He sputtered at first, not wanting to accept the blood, but found himself drinking the red liquid greedily. She pulled her wrist from his mouth, the world spinning around her.
"It should provide you with an antidote to the poison as I'm immune to most poisons now that I got my own poison back," she grumbled.
"You gave me too much blood," he told her, "you should take some of mine in return."
"No, you are too badly hurt," she shook her head.
He grunted, "I didn't want to but you made me, so you are going to do it."
Inuyasha held out his wrist and reluctantly she bit into the flesh and gorged herself on the bitter-sweet blood. She pulled away, a bit of his blood seeping gently down her lip.
"We are even," Akemi told him, "now we should get back out there before my intended dies."
"Wouldn't want that wimpy ookami to die on us," he chuckled.
She held out her hand and Inuyasha placed his in hers. Their hands had many open wounds on them and their blood mixed, soaking into their skin. Blue and red ki flared to life and danced wildly around them. Pain consumed her body as a red ball of smoke pulled from her body to dance in front of her chest.
Inuyasha had a blue ball of smoke dancing in front of him. Suddenly the blue ball shot into her chest as the red one shot into Inuyasha. She stumbled backwards a howl tearing from her throat. Her beast flailed wildly, excited to finally be returned to it's rightful body. Every heightened sense of a inu youkai snapped back into place and her body began to heal.
Inuyasha felt his strength return, almost twice as strong as usual. His wounds healed instantly and his body felt great. He stood and glanced at his sister. The only change that he could see was the markings that appeared on her face, wrists and ankles, that was until she turned to face battle. A long crimson red tail flared before it wrapped itself around her hips and spiralled down to make a skirt of fur that went to her knees. They finally had their souls back.
Her eyes started to bleed red but she didn't allow her beast full control, instead calling upon it simply to help her heal. She turned back to Inuyasha and gave him a smirk that sent a shiver of anticipation through his body.
"Let's kick some ass, bro," her voice had changed becoming more like a soft melody on the breeze.
"Hell ya," he smirked back at her and they both jumped into the fray.
She drew Tenshi, hearing it hum in joy at her souls return. Pulling it above her head she swung and watched in awe as slivers of lights that looked distinctly like feathers began to tear apart the youkai in front of her. That was how Tenshi got it's name.
"Angel's Judgement," she cried out, the feathers easily killing fifteen youkai in one sweep.
"Wind Scar," Inuyasha snarled.
"Heavenly Decent," Akemi swirled around, a blinding white light crashed from the sky to the ground and took out half of the youkai in front of her.
A few more minutes of their none stop sword attacks and all the youkai were gone. Akemi pressed her sword hard into the ground using it to hold herself up. Koga had been knocked across the the clearing and unconscious against a tree. Inuyasha stumbled for a moment, trying to catch his balance.
The white hot pain returned in a flash of agony bringing both the hanyou and the inu youkai under the tender hands of unconsciousness.
-x-
Inuyasha groaned when he felt a rough kick to his side. His body was forcibly flipped over onto his back. Growling was coming from whatever had disturbing his sleep. He pushed roughly against the foot that had interrupted him and growled back.
"Mutt, wake up," Koga snarled.
"What do you want flea-bag," Inuyasha hissed.
"Where is Akemi," the ookami got in his face baring his teeth.
Inuyasha looked to his side expecting to see the body of his sister but the only thing that remained was Tenshi pressed into the ground, "she was just here!"
"Son of a bitch," Koga cried out angrily, "that bastard must have taken her when we were all unconscious!"
"God damn bastard," the hanyou flew to his feet and sheathed Tetsusaiga.
He pulled Tenshi from it's place in the ground and slid the blade into his obi. Snarling about their misfortune they headed back to Kaede's village. It didn't take them but a few short hours before they were striding into Kaede's hut. Both men stopped dead in their tracks when they saw Kagome sitting with Miroku and Sango, completely unharmed.
"Kagome," Inuyasha pulled her into him and kissed her roughly.
When they broke apart she smiled at him, "Naraku let me go a couple hours ago. Apparently he got what he wanted."
"Yeah," Koga clinched his hands, "he got Akemi."
"Nani," the group screeched together.
"Our souls righted themselves," Inuyasha explained sitting down, "there isn't much different besides the fact that I feel far more powerful. Other then that, nothing on me changed. But her, she has baby blue stripes on her cheek like Sesshomaru and she had them on her wrists and ankles too she has a moon and star on her forehead and she has a very long tail that matches her hair colour.
At least that was what I saw before we turned back into the battle and killed everything. After the battle was done my body felt like it was on fire and the next thing I knew I passed out. I guess Akemi did too."
"I had already been knocked out at this point," Koga pointed out, "so Naraku must have swept in and carted her away."
Inuyasha spent the better half of the day telling them all the events that lead up to their soul exchange. They all sat thoughtfully, listening to him describe what happened. What were they going to do? Inuyasha called Akemi here to help find Kagome and some how they had changed roles and all of them were too hurt or too exhausted to move.
-x-
Akemi groaned, the sound of yelling was pulling her from her unconscious state. She stiffened when she recognised the voice that was talking. It didn't take her much longer after that to realize her arms were numb and chained above her head to a cold stone wall. She still wore the clothes from the battle but every weapon she carried had been stripped from her.
Around her right ankle was a thick metal chain that glowed purple and the chain around her left ankle glowed black. Her knees were pressed angrily into the ground below her causing pain. It was odd, she shouldn't be experiencing this amount of discomfort, she had her soul back, didn't she?
"I thought you said she was untouched," Naraku snarled loudly.
"Last I knew she was," Kagura snapped back.
"When did you last check," he hissed.
"Only a couple moon cycles ago. She wasn't even showing interest in anyone!"
"I need a demoness that is untouched," a loud smacking sound echoed through the room, "otherwise the offspring won't be as strong! Damn it Kagura! You should have snatched her then!"
"She didn't have her soul back until yesterday!"
A few more words were spoken that she couldn't hear before the door was opened and Kagura walked in.
"Oh, you're awake," she drawled and sat in front of the prisoner.
"Why am I here? If I can't be of use to you, why keep me," the inu asked.
"He believes Inuyasha will be weakened with you being away from him," Kagura smirked.
"Does he really believe such stupidity," she raised an eyebrow.
"He really does."
Akemi chuckled shaking the chains causing them to cut deep into her arms and blood gently dripped down into her sleeves, "I thought he had more sense then that."
"Listen here girl," Kagura hissed in a low whisper, "those chains on your ankles bind away your miko and youkai abilities. You are reduced to a mere ningen once again."
She groaned, "it's never easy is it?"
"I'm telling you this because you want out of this place and I want my freedom from Naraku," the wind youkai whispered.
"I'm listening."
"It can't happen any time soon. You need to build Naraku's trust," Akemi nodded to her, "once you have his trust, if you can steal my heart back from him, I will remove those chains and take you back to your friends."
"What about Kanna?"
"What about her? She doesn't desire freedom."
"I won't leave her behind," she groaned as the metal bit harder into her wrists.
"Fine, that is of none of my concern. Just as long as you keep to our deal."
Akemi smiled at her, "I knew when I first met you that you weren't evil. I knew you didn't want to fight. You just wanted to fly away on the breeze."
Kagura sighed, "I do not like being controlled by him."
"I do not blame you," she smiled, "promise me something else Kagura."
Her eyes narrowed, "nani?"
"If Koga tries to fight you, leave him alone. Just run away."
"Why would I do that?"
"I can't lose him," she whispered almost brokenly, "please don't take my mate from me."
"You are not mated."
"Not yet, but we will be."
"Fine, I will not fight with the ookami Prince. In return, you must protect me from all your friends."
"Done."
-x-
February was such a beautiful month. At least it would have been if she wasn't trapped in a castle filled with miasma, pretending to be under a spell casted by Kanna so that she could walk around the grounds freely. It was much easier then she thought to trick Naraku into believing her. So much so that she was sitting on the steps of the castle staring at the dead shrubbery.
He truly thought she was under a spell from Kanna. Akemi shivered, it was way to easy to pretend to be madly in love with him. Every kiss and touch made her sick, she was grateful that he wouldn't allow himself to bed with a woman who was already touched. A shiver of disgust ran down her spin. She wanted out of here so badly it was hard to just sit here, but the burning metal on her ankles kept her firmly in place.
"Naraku wishes to see you," Kanna spoke in her monotone voice.
"Alright," Akemi rose from her spot and pulled her kimono tighter to her body, the air was still cold even though spring would be soon.
They walked silently until she was motioned to enter the room. Slipping though the door she bowed to Naraku before sitting down on the mat next to him.
"There you are," he gave her an evil smile, "we have big plans coming up. It seemed Inuyasha turns ningen on the night of the new moon which is only two nights away. We will attack then when the group is at it's weakest."
Akemi didn't even blink or show any emotion, she just smiled up at him, "that sounds like a great plan."
"You know them the best, tell me dear, what will they do to protect Inuyasha?"
"Probably seal him inside a hut to keep him from fighting. They will all die trying to save him. Pick off Kagome first, Sango then Miroku will be weakened, Koga would follow next then Inuyasha will be left broken and lost."
His smirk grew, "I knew I kept you for a good reason my love."
She shivered, one of disgust that he thought was one of pleasure. He pressed his lips against her's and dragged her lax body into his lap. She straddled him and ground her body against his, hoping to keep his mind on the lower half. Her hands slipped gently inside the fold of his haori and explored. Finally her fingers touched something that was moving.
She pulled the object from it's hold and placed something that looked the same in it's place before searching for another one. Once again she made the trade and finally the hanyou let go of her. She gasped as she fell backwards hard onto the ground.
"Do not think I don't know what you are up to," Naraku snarled, "I will not lay with the likes of you. Get out of my sight."
She scrambled to her feet and out of the room. Breathing heavy she collapsed to the bed she had been spending every night of the past three months in. Her heart raced, pounding hard against her chest. She was suppose to wait another month or two before going through with the plan but when she heard Naraku was going to attack Inuyasha, she couldn't think of anything else but getting out of here.
Kagura came in a few hours later, "what did Naraku want?"
"He is going to attack Inuyasha soon," Akemi told her, "so I stole your heart from him."
"You made it out of there alive," her eyes widened.
Akemi held out the two orbs that contained the beating hearts, "here, take them. Please, we will need to make haste, the plan will have to come through tomorrow."
The wind youkai shook her head, "you have to be kidding me."
"Tell Kanna to gather Hakudoshi and she will be free of my debt when she brings him to the battle tomorrow," Akemi waved her off.
"How do you know there will be a battle tomorrow?"
"Naraku will know of my disappearance and he will come looking for me," she smiled tentatively, "he will know it was I that stole the hearts. The master of tricks has finally fallen pray to the trick of someone even smarter then he."
-x-
Kagura cut her palm and allowed Akemi to consume the blood. A flare of ki and Akemi could feel the call of the wind. The feather moved softly through the sky and she watched the land fly by. Beautiful and green, lust and gorgeous. She really needed a bath to wash the stench off her body, the only thing fouling the scene. Her face was clean, as she was able to wash his smell and taste from her mouth and face, but she had been rejected a bath that morning.
"They are close by," Kagura called over her shoulder, "they will attack us."
"It's fine. I need these chains off soon though," Akemi told her seriously.
"As soon as we land."
Angry shouting could be heard, Inuyasha's loud and brash voice was demanding something of Kagura but with her dull senses she couldn't make out what he was saying. Finally they landed a few miles up the road from the group that was posed to attack. Kagura flicked open her fan and sliced in her direction. The chains fell to the ground and her powers surged up inside her.
"Arigato," she whispered softly, only loud enough for Kagura to hear.
"I will kill you, you stupid bitch," Inuyasha snarled, turning the wind scar on them.
Akemi acted quickly, grabbing Kagura by the waist and hulling her out of the way. The two rolled in a heap for a few seconds before Akemi dislodged herself and stood. Kagura shakily got her to feet.
"He knows, he is on his way," Kagura told her simply.
"Good," an evil smile spread wildly across her face, "let him come. How far is Kanna?"
"She will be here just after he arrives."
"Even better."
"Akemi!"
She remained passive as she took in the group. Oh how she wished she could just run to them, to hug them all, tell them all how much she missed them and loved them. To kiss Koga and dance with him until she could no longer remember the days spent in that castle with Naraku. But, right now she could not.
"Did you think you could escape," Naraku cooed, coming up behind her and wrapping an arm around her waist.
"I did not wish to fight Inuyasha when he was weak. I want to fight him at his fullest, I will get the most pleasure from him dying at my hands that way," she relaxed into his hold.
"You could have stated so," his lips brushed her neck making her want to gag.
"I was afraid that you would disapprove."
"This I disapprove of, had you told me I would have allowed you the chance to fight him," he hissed biting down on her neck.
She cried out but didn't struggle, even when his fingers began to dig furiously into her side. She bit her lip to keep her pain hidden.
"Now, I will allow you to fight Inuyasha since we are already here," he licked her ear playfully, "but be prepared to be punished when we return."
"Will you stay to witness this fight," she asked him.
"Yes," he pulled away and stood off behind them, his purple barrier surrounding him.
Akemi cracked her knuckles and charged. Inuyasha startled and jumped out of the way. Her fist connected with the side of his face and grabbed Tenshi from his hip and drew it. She flew backward in a gust of wind.
"Fight me, Inuyasha. You and you alone," she raised the blade and hissed out, "Wave of the Fallen."
Everyone but Inuyasha was pushed back, flying a good six feet away and landing in heaps of groaning masses. The silver haired hanyou snarled and lunged for her, his fingers barely grazing her neck before she pulled back. Her sword cut down and bit deeply into his shoulder. Thrusting out his right hand, he nicked her in the thigh with Tetsusaiga.
He unleashed the wind scar again, but she avoided it and allowed the bright light to slam hard into Naraku's barrier. The evil hanyou laughed at the look on Inuyasha's face. The poor man had to fight the one he once called sister. Now he understood what Sango felt when she had to fight Kohaku.
Koga, Shippo, Sango, Miroku, Kirara, and Kagome all peeled themselves off the ground. The attack hadn't hurt so much as it had stunned. Finally free to move, they stood posed ready to enter the battle at any time. Koga, however, had other plans. He rushed forward and threw himself in front of Inuyasha affectively stopping one of Akemi's attacks.
She froze in shock, staring that the man she loved. She couldn't attack him. She never could attack him. If she did, she would break her own heart. He lashed out in a restrained way, pushing her further and further back. She couldn't do it. She couldn't attack him, no matter what happened because of it.
As he raced in for another punch Kanna appeared in front of him, cutting him off. The ookami scrambled back a few steps trying to gain his balance. He knew what she was capable of and he wasn't willing to live without a soul. Glancing at Akemi he allowed Kanna to keep him back.
"Do you have him," Akemi whispered quietly.
Kanna held out the mirror in her hands and she took it gently. Akemi fled back to Naraku and into his barrier. He cocked his head to the side, but looked into the mirror. It showed a fight going on, Sesshomaru was attacking the place in which Hakudoshi was suppose to be held. The hanyou bristled and reached for the mirror.
As his fingers came in contact with the contraption, Akemi jumped high into the sky.
"Get down," she screamed.
An explosion rocked the ground, sending the ningens onto their bottoms. She landed easily a few feet away from Naraku who was staring at her with utter hatred.
"It doesn't feel to good to be reunited with your heart," Akemi smiled, "does it?"
"What have you done," he hissed.
"I have merely given you back a vital piece of your anatomy," she gestured, "think of it as payment for all the months you kept me captive."
Naraku lunged for her, but she ducked, "oh. Before I forget, Hakudoshi was laced with my poisons."
The burning sensation flared inside him and he gripped his chest above his heart.
"Kagura," Akemi called to her.
"Yes."
"I think now is time for you and Kanna to flee."
"Arigato, Akemi, I will be forever grateful to you," Kagura told her as the two made their get away.
Naraku searched his body for their hearts but screamed in anger when he found nothing, "how dare you, you deceiving little bitch."
"I'm anything but little," she smiled lazily.
He lunged for her again but she jumped back, landing only a couple feet from Inuyasha.
"I'm sorry, brother," she told him, "I had to play the part."
"What is going on here," he asked.
"Naraku has his heart, he can be killed now."
"You mean, you stayed there and somehow got his trust and then deceived him," Miroku tried to explain it to himself.
Akemi sighed, "something like that."
Then the battle was on. The group was everywhere, weapons, arrows, and punches from all sides. Youkai began to swarm around them, and just when they thought they were going to be outnumbered Sesshomaru appeared on the edge of the clearing with a single feather floating next to him.
Kagura had gone off to inform Sesshomaru where he could possibly get his revenge. The fight renewed again. Akemi sliced, kicked and punched her way through youkai after youkai. Naraku who was weighed down from her poisons was unable to leave. She was happy to see Inuyasha and Sesshomaru working side by side to take down Naraku.
Akemi jumped again, flying over the youkais heads before she landed next to Kagome. The miko smiled at her, protected by the small pink stone Miroku had given Akemi. It must have fallen out of her hair which was no longer in a pony tail and fell in waves down her back. She touched the crystal, giving it a little extra power before she flew back into action.
Arrows flew past her, killing the youkai that attacked from behind while she dealt with the ones in front of her. Kagome's presences was very calming to Akemi. The isolation for three months had nearly driven her insane but here she was, back in the game. A cry of victory tore from Inuyasha as he brought down Tetsusaiga to unleash the wind scar and Sesshomaru swung Toukijin, the mixing of demonic auras swirled together and clashed into the hanyou.
Akemi grabbed Kagome by the waist and jumped with her, "shoot him."
"Nani," Kagome gasped.
"Shoot at Naraku."
"Alright."
She drew back an arrow and with a measured breath she released. Akemi cried out in surprise when the pure aura of the arrow burnt her hand around Kagome's waist but she held firm. Their feet touched the ground and it was over. The jewel laid whole on the ground, right where Naraku had been.
Kagome picked it up nervously and stared at it. All of this pain and suffering for such a small little trinket. She wouldn't wish on it just yet. They would say their goodbyes first, just in case. A sad sigh fell from her lips.
Akemi collapsed backwards onto the ground. Staring up into the blue sky. Tears slid silently from her eyes. It was over. There was no telling what would come of this. The jewel would grant a wish and then they could end up stuck in the future forever. A silent sob racked her body and she continued to just lay there in misery.
Koga sat down on his knees next to her and leaned over to place a soft sweet kiss on her lips. She gasped in absolute ecstasy. He pulled back just a little to stare into her swirling eyes.
"Hey, gorgeous. How you holding up," he tried to grin but there was no happiness in it.
"Better, so much better," she quickly got up and crawled into his lap, moulding herself against him.
Everyone slowly gathered around the two.
"What happened," Miroku asked her.
"Nothing really. Naraku kidnapped me with the intent to sire a child with me," she started, "but when he found out I had already lain with another, he refused to touch me. However, he had no problem with kissing me," she gagged shaking violently against Koga, "it was horrible. I had to pretend I loved him. Pretend that I would do his very wish so that he would trust me.
But, I knew without Kagura I would never be able to escape, the baster put chains on me that bound my miko and youkai powers and none of my spells would work on the chains or around the castle. So I stole Kagura and Kanna's hearts in exchange for Hakudoshi and help escaping. Turns out Kagura did me one better and told Sesshomaru where the battle was being held."
"What are you leaving out," Inuyasha asked her seriously.
"Naraku knew tomorrow you would become ningen and he wanted to wait for that day."
"So you put your life on the line to try and get here before he could," Sango asked.
"Anything for all of you," she smiled, "I would have gladly died today to save any one of you."
"You are crazy," Shippo laughed and lunched himself into her arms.
"I'm glad you are all okay," she sobbed, "I was so worried about all of you."
"We had drive," Kagome told her, "we had to find you at all costs."
"Aishiteru, all of you, so very much. I missed you all. I was so lonely, the only thing that kept me going was the chain of comfort."
-xLemonx-
(Due to FFN Rules, the lemon has been deleted)
Akemi sat in the hot waters of the spring Koga had shown her all those months ago. She had snuck away while Kagome was saying her goodbyes. She had cried enough the past day. They had only this night before Kagome would make her wish on the jewel in the after noon of the morrow. She sighed, letting the water cover up to her nose.
Sadness wasn't a feeling she wanted to be feeling right now. She wanted to enjoy her last moments here in Sengoku Jidai, but her heart was heavy and it pained her. Reaching out she grabbed her tail and gently touched the fur, it seemed so weird yet so familiar to have it there. She didn't have any problems with controlling it. The markings on her face also seemed strange, but natural. Like she knew all along what her youkai form really looked like.
A rustling of the leave drew her attention and she smiled in joy when she saw Koga walk over to her with a seductive grin. She had to force her face from the water so she could pull in a deep breath as she watched the ookami strip. They were fully healed and surprisingly Akemi no longer had any scars on her stomach, only creamy white unblemished skin.
He slipped into the water and sauntered over to her, gently pulling her against him and kissing her deeply. She moaned into his mouth, enjoying the taste of him, the feel.
This time he didn't fight the urge to mark and his fangs dug into the flesh of the juncture of her collar bone and neck on the left side.
She gasped at the sudden flare of pain and copied him, biting into his neck. Blood flowed into her mouth and she swallowed it down before licking the four marks that were already starting to turn into silver scars. She sighed when she felt his tongue return the same treatment. She took in her mark and right in the center of all four wounds was the same symbol that was on her forehead.
She gently traced the moon and star with her finger and looked into his eyes with a beautiful smile on her face.
"The sun in the middle of your markings will let those who aren't youkai know that you are my mate," he smiled.
"And the moon and star," she gently tapped it.
"Aishiteru," Koga smiled kissing her softly.
"Aishiteru," she nuzzled his neck taking in their mixed scent with a contented sigh.
They stayed there that night, wrapped in each other arms and dancing together. Enjoying their time. If this really was their last night to be with each other, they were going to do make the most of it and they did.
-xEndofLemonx-
Akemi stood in the group of her friends, dressed ready to return back to Hogwarts. It might be February, but there was still four months left of the school year and she would be there. Her heart clinched painfully in her chest and she found herself struggling to breath. She was going to miss them all and she prayed that the wish wouldn't close the well.
The group decided that Kagome should wish the jewel to disappear forever so that no other person in the world would ever have to deal with the horrible creation. She was glad it wasn't her who held the jewel, she would end up wishing for the wrong thing and she knew it. With a heavy heart she hugged each one of her friends.
"I only have one request," she told them with a bitter sweet smile on her lips, "stay together no matter what. If I can't be here to solve your problems," she winked, "you have to promise to work through them."
"We will always remain together," Miroku told her, "I think after so long of staying together it would be unnatural to live away from each other."
"You too, Koga," she pointedly looked at him, "visit them often."
"I promise, koishii," he nodded at her.
"Good," she smiled.
She plucked the crying kitsune from Sango's arms and held him tenderly, "I don't want you and Kagome to go."
"I know, Shippo," tears built up in her eyes the boy really could get to her like no one else, "I would love to stay, I really really would. But, if the jewel has other plans I can not fight it. But, I'll tell you what, if you make it to my time, I'll let you come live with me."
"Really," he asked with wide eyes.
"Yes, really," she kissed his forehead.
"Arigato," he told her before jumping over to Kagome to ask if she would live with them too.
"You are very brave," Sango smiled, "I admire that about you. You have faced so much hardship in your life and yet you stand here with your head held high."
"Because I have a reason to live," she told her, "I have people who care about me and I care about them. That gives me the strength I need to move forward."
Miroku shook his head, "as a ningen you were absolutely amazing. Strong and wise and not afraid to charge into a battle even if you believed you would die. Now, you are still the same amazing person that has her complete soul," he embraced her, "remember you are beautiful, smart, kind, loving and all around an amazing person. You excel at everything you do, because you give it your all. Do not allow others to make you feel small because you are taller then us all."
"Miroku," she laughed through her tears, "Arigato. Arigato."
"You're welcome," he smiled at her, tears pooling in his purple eyes as he took a couple steps back.
"I told myself I wouldn't cry," she tried to swallow the lump in her throat, "I shouldn't cry. Because the memories I have with you guys have been the best times of my life and I will forever treasure them. I will miss you all, so very much."
Inuyasha pulled her into his arms and held her close, "I will miss you, Sis. Aishiteru."
"Aishiteru," she whispered, "remember brother, you are perfect the way you are. Don't let anyone make you think different. Be happy, live your life. Five hundred years isn't that long of a time for a hanyou or youkai, so come back to us if we can't come back to you, promise?"
"I promise," she felt his tears hit her shirt and soak through to her skin.
"I am proud to call you my brother, Inuyasha."
He mumbled into her shirt, "I am proud to call you my sister."
"Even after I'm gone, I'm still your sister," she pulled him away and kissed his cheek gently, "goodbyes aren't forever, just sometimes they seem to feel that way."
He nodded and straightened up wiped the tears from his eyes, "no, we could never get separated forever. All of us are just too stubborn."
The whole group laughed. He was right though. They were all so stubborn. Having lasted three long years going after Naraku. Battle after battle, injury after injury, they still stood up and pressed forward, facing another day. Today wouldn't be a forever goodbye, because one day there would once again be a hello.
Akemi turned to her mate and held him close, "Aishiteru."
"Aishiteru, koishii," he kissed the mark he had left on her neck.
She smiled when she watched Inuyasha and Kagome kiss and hold each other as if their life depended on it and maybe their lives did depend on their mates. She pulled back and kissed him as passionately as she could, memorizing his smell, his taste, his feel. Who knew what the future had in store for them, but she was assured that they would all fight for a future where they could be together.
Kagome and Akemi stood near the well holding hands to gain confidence in themselves. The raven haired girl closed her eyes and thought of her wish. The jewel shattered then, breaking into a million pieces and blowing away on the wind. Both of them held their breath, waiting to see what would happen.
Their fear would be realized when their bodies started to become invisible. Akemi felt her tears pour hotly down her face and she could see Kagome was crying too. They lifted their other hand and waved to their friends before they disappeared from the past. Many tears were shed amongst the group of the past when they realized their friends couldn't stay.
-x-
Akemi opened her eyes to find herself standing next to the Goshinboku in the future. The locket that Dumbledore had given her was in her backpack so she wasn't automatically carted away to school. She turned to Kagome and the two collapsed into each other's arms crying out their sorrows.
When they calmed enough to think, Akemi tried multiple times to jump into the well and each time she landed with a thump still inside their time. She sat down heavily with her back against the well staring out the door toward the shrine. This was the nightmare that all of them had being praying against.
Kagome ran a hand through her hair and kicked the well, "this isn't fair! I spent three years of my life there! Inuyasha and I just mated and now I'm here! This isn't even fair!"
"Kagome," Akemi stood up and gathered the older girl into her arms, "we have to be strong. Maybe the well will open with time, or I can figure something out that will open the magic that is contained within. Give it a year, if we still haven't figured something out and our mates still haven't found us, then we will curse the gods and beg for a miracle."
"You have to go back, don't you," Kagome asked dejected.
"Yes, I have to go back to school. I will return for the summer if you like."
"Can I just come to you instead," she pleaded, "I need to get away from here."
"Of course, you can come crash at my flat for the summer," she smiled, "It would be my pleasure to have you as company."
"How can you still smile after all this," Kagome gestured to the well.
"Because, I had an amazing three years. I owe my life to them and I love them all," she felt the tears falling once more, "but I will treasure their memories and live my life to the fullest because that is what they would want us to do."
"Arigato," Kagome hugged her tightly before heading toward the shrine.
"Tell Megumi-san that I am sorry I have not spent much time with her, Souta and Jii-chan. I will come back one of these days when it doesn't hurt so much to see Japan."
"I'll see you this summer," the raven haired woman called to her before entering the house with a yell of, "I'm home."
Akemi reached into her backpack and the instant her hand touched the locket she was pulled through.
-x-
Her potion in effect, she walked down the road toward Hogwarts. Her tail was loose blowing behind her with her hair. An unsettling feeling pulled at her every time she glanced back. She could feel her tail but couldn't see it. She could feel her claws, her fangs and the points of her ears but they were invisible to all.
She had just gotten her soul back a little over three months ago, to say it was depressing to have to hide when she had gotten so used to her appearance would be an understatement. She pushed open the main doors of the school. While in Japan it was early morning, here in England it was late in the evening.
Akemi's steps through the halls were silent. The demoness walked with a grace that would put any human to shame. Her hips rocked softly and her feet seemed to barely skim the floor before her next step was taken. The gargoyle jumped aside when she whispered the password. This time she calmly climbed the stairs and knocked on the door. Dumbledore opened the door, dressed in dark blue robes that were covered in stars and moons.
She entered the room and sat in her normal chair, "I have my soul back."
"I am glad," he inclined his head.
"Does it bother you to have a demon among your students?"
"We have known since fourth year that this would come to pass. We do not worry for the students so much as we worry for you. What happened that kept you away for three months?"
She told him everything. She spilled every memory she could pull. Every thought she had during the time and what she was feeling. She explained why she did things and even went as far to tell him about her mating Koga. He nodded and listened, not interrupting her allowing her to say everything she needed to say.
Dumbledore looked thoughtful, "the way you describe this Naraku person reminds me of Voldemort. Maybe he is the incarnation of Naraku?"
"It's always a possibility," she nodded, "but if that is the case, I would expect Voldemort to try and rally up the demons and bring them into this fight."
"Then the children must be taught self-defence and about demons," the twinkle in his eyes made her nervous, "how would you like to teach Defence Against the Dark Arts next year?"
"You have got to be kidding me, right?"
"No, who better to teach about demons then one who has face thousands and lived to tell the tale. You are great at hand to hand combat and with weapons, you could easily teach self-defence. You are perfect for the job."
"But, what about my schooling," she asked.
"You will not be required to attend class unless you would like to, but you will be required to complete all homework and projects."
"And that's that?"
"That will be that."
"I accept," she nodded her head, "the students will need a teacher and if I'm the one that fits the bill, then I'll do it."
"Thank you, Mrs. Ito," he reached out and shook her hand.
"No, thank you Professor."
-x-
The sound of whispering pulled her out from under the blanket of darkness. Rolling over she opened her eyes to find all of her dorm mates staring at her with wide eyes. Checking that her tail was still invisible, and it was, she turned back to them with a glare.
"Can I help you," she asked sleepily.
"Where did you go," one of the girls nervously approached her bed.
"I had a family emergency in Japan," she groaned, pushed back the furs and stood from the bed.
"Was it serious," one of the other girl's asked.
"A family member went missing and we found her," she shrugged.
"Is she okay?"
"Yes, she is healthy," Akemi reached into her backpack and pulled out her headband and belly chain.
"I'm sorry," another girl practically whimpered, "we were so mean to you."
Akemi smiled at them a tired smile, "do not worry about it. It's in the past."
"Are you serious?"
"Just don't let it happen again," she nodded.
They left her alone and she got ready for the day. Her headband on her forehead, to hell with the teachers she was in mourning of the loss of her mate, and the chain securely around her waist. She strode from the room smoothing out some of the wrinkles her nap before her first day back had caused.
She left her hair down and used a de-tangling charm that let locks lie flat on her lap as if she had just brushed them. She noticed it also worked on the fur of her tail. She pushed open the doors to the Great Hall and realized just how late she had slept in. Almost everyone was there and already eating.
She easily sat down next to Harry and everyone's attention was on her. Questions and greetings came from all side and she felt her head spin. After a few minutes the excitement died down and the whole hall was quiet in response to the outburst.
"Now that you are all calm, I'll answer questions now," she laughed rubbing the back of her head.
"Where have you been?"
"Japan."
"For three months?"
"It was against my will, I assure you."
"What do you mean?"
Akemi just shrugged, "things happened that I couldn't get away from."
"Why did you go home?"
"Family emergency."
"Last I knew, "Harry said thoughtfully, "Kagome wasn't your family."
"Her and I were raised together. To me she is like my sister and she and Inuyasha are married so that makes me her sister by marriage."
"But you aren't related to Inuyasha," Ginny pointed out.
"He is my cousin," she told her, "of course I'm related to him, just not in the way we say we are."
"Wait, he is your cousin," Ron gave her a confused look.
"It's a long story," she sighed, "one I'm not wanting to talk about right now."
"Is everything okay," Hermione asked her.
"No, nothings okay," she slumped to the table, "I probably will never see Koga-kun, Inuyasha, Sango-chan, Miroku-sama or Shippo again. But, that is beside the point. I don't wish to speak on this matter."
-x-
The rest of the school year, Akemi acted like nothing was wrong. Like she wasn't hurting from losing her friends, family and her mate. None of her friends questioned her, they simply pushed away their curiosity and chalked it up to something she would tell them in time. None of them could see just how bad she was hurting.